Photo of the Jogorku Kenesh. Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu at the oath in December 2025
Today, at a parliamentary session, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, announced his resignation. He is remembered in this position for both his positive and controversial initiatives, which sparked widespread public resonance.
24.kg highlights the key moments of his activities.
Attempt to Change the National Flag
In 2023, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu proposed one of the most discussed initiatives — to change the national flag. In his opinion, the flag's design resembled a sunflower due to the curved rays of the sun.
This idea provoked a stormy reaction, with many citizens opposing it. However, it was supported by high-ranking officials such as President Sadyr Japarov and then-head of the State National Security Committee Kamchybek Tashiev.
As a result, in January 2024, an updated flag was raised in Ala-Too Square. The total cost of its redesign remains unknown, but the parliamentary speaker noted that funding was provided by sponsors.
Idea of a New Anthem
Not limiting himself to the flag, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu also raised the issue of the need to change the anthem. In 2024, during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and the 140th anniversary of Imanaly Aydarbekov, he emphasized that the discussion of a new anthem should take into account the opinion of the general public.
“We adopted the current anthem when we just emerged from the Soviet Union. Now Kyrgyzstan is an independent state, and we have the opportunity to update the anthem to reflect the spirit of our time,” the speaker stated.
As of now, a new anthem has not yet been adopted, as all proposed options were rejected by the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh at the end of 2025. Nevertheless, work on it continues.
Change of Surname
In early 2025, Nurlanbek Shakiev changed his surname to Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, explaining this as a long-standing desire.
“Just as a person has a destiny, a nation has a destiny too. Sometimes it reaches high prestige, and sometimes it is influenced by others. In such moments, our national identity can be lost,” he shared.
Criticism of Women's Quotas in Elections
At the end of 2024, during a parliamentary session, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu expressed the opinion that the women's quotas in elections needed to be revised, arguing that everyone should be equal.
“Women demand equality, but in elections, they consider themselves weak. They say: ‘We need quotas.’ At the same time, they want equal rights in other areas,” he stated.
Support for the Kyrgyz Language
“For 35 years, the Kyrgyz language has not developed. Even in Kazakhstan, they teach only in Kazakh from grades 1 to 4. We need to take similar steps. We must treat our language better,” the speaker said.
He also called for limiting children's viewing of cartoons in other languages and noted that there is not enough content in the Kyrgyz language on the internet.
Ban on Russian TV Channels
Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu proposed to disconnect Russian TV channels, such as “Channel One” and “Russia,” in Kyrgyzstan, arguing that it is necessary to increase local content in the Kyrgyz language.
“We should not finance foreign TV channels at the expense of our people. These channels need to be turned off, and conditions for local ones should be created,” he stated.
Protection of Kyrgyz Names
In May 2023, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh raised the issue of the correct spelling of Kyrgyz names and surnames.
“Some surnames and names are spelled incorrectly. For example, the patronymic Duyshenkulovich is often recorded as Duyshenkuovich. It is necessary to correct this and use the correct forms in the Kyrgyz language,” he noted.
Additionally, he expressed concern about the use of Arabic names, stating that Kyrgyz names may be at risk of disappearing. “We have many beautiful Kyrgyz names. Why do we choose other names?” he commented.
Brief Biography of Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu
Nurlanbek Shakiev was part of the team of former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev from 2006 to 2009, starting his career in the administration as a press secretary and later becoming an advisor. In 2009, he headed the public television channel “ElTR,” but after the change of power in 2010, he was dismissed. From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan.
From 2017 to 2021, he worked as the general director of “Second Channel” (New TV). In 2021, he was elected as a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the VII convocation from the Aksy electoral district No. 17, and from 2022 to 2025, he became the speaker of the parliament. On November 30 of last year, he was re-elected as a deputy of the VIII convocation from the multi-mandate district No. 15 and took the position of speaker on December 17, 2025.
He holds the title of State Advisor of the First Class in the civil service.
