Syimyk Zhapikeev called Aitmatov's works five-kopeck stories. The ЖК was outraged.

Dissatisfaction regarding the insufficient protection of Chingiz Aitmatov's legacy was expressed by deputy Gulsharkan Kultaeva. At a meeting of the Committee on Education, Science, and Culture of the Jogorku Kenesh, a report from the Ministry of Culture on the development of Kyrgyz cinema was presented. Kultaeva emphasized that Chingiz Aitmatov is a world-class classic who made a significant contribution to the culture and literature of his country. His work has had a tremendous impact on the formation of cultural values of the Kyrgyz people, and many of the best films from the Kyrgyz cinema archives are based on his works.

However, according to the deputy, negative comments about the great writer have recently started to appear. As an example, she cited recent statements by Syimyk Japykeev.

“I insist that such statements receive a legal and judicial assessment. If someone allows themselves to speak about our great writer in such a tone, it undermines our culture,” she stated.

Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev responded that Aitmatov's memory does not need protection from the words of a person whom, in his opinion, should be examined by a psychiatrist.

“Nevertheless, the Ministry of Culture will definitely respond to this situation,” he added.

What happened?

It is worth noting that on January 16, a podcast featuring Japykeev and journalist Ernist Kyazov was released on the YouTube platform. Discussing the topic of "mankurtism" and Aitmatov's work, Kyazov noted that there is an opinion in literary circles that although the writer was supported by the authorities, his works raised anti-Soviet issues, such as mankurtism.

In response, Japykeev stated that he is not interested in Aitmatov's work and does not want to delve into such topics.

“Aitmatov praised the Soviet Union. If you read his work, it’s clear: if you are a welder — stay a welder, if a doctor — be a doctor. These works do not provide any guidance and do not contribute to development. I have not read the story about the mankurt, but it does not seem significant to me. There are many writers who can tell incredible stories. For example, his stories about the first teacher or about collective farms — they are just five-kopeck stories. They do not inspire for more. Unlike movies with Bruce Lee, after which you want to try to repeat his stunts and become like him,” he noted.

This statement sparked a heated discussion in Kyrgyz-language social media.