May 7 Kazakhstan Fatherland Defenders' Day Celebrated at Üsküdar University

A meaningful program was organized at Üsküdar University within the scope of “May 7 Kazakhstan Fatherland Defenders' Day”. Kazakhstani students studying at Üsküdar University showed great interest in the program. Themes of patriotism, heroism, and national unity came to the forefront during the event. Speaking at the event, Nuriddin Amankul, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, drew attention to the importance of defending the homeland and emphasized the significance of young people contributing to the development of their country after completing their education.

Amankul Visits Güngör in Her Office

Prior to the program, Nuriddin Amankul, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, visited Prof. Nazife Güngör, Rector of Üsküdar University, in her office for a meeting.

Subsequently, the celebration program commenced at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, Üsküdar University Central Campus. 

Traditional Melodies Performed

Within the scope of the event, traditional melodies were performed accompanied by Kazakhstan's national musical instrument. 

Participants also watched a video presentation introducing the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.

Poetry Contest and Dance Performances Attracted Interest 

During the program, which was also attended by Kazakhstani students studying at various universities in Istanbul, a poetry contest on the themes of homeland, heroism, and patriotism was held, and traditional and modern dance performances also garnered great appreciation.

Nuriddin Amankul: “This is not just a holiday for soldiers, but for every citizen who protects their homeland”

Speaking at the event, Nuriddin Amankul, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, drew attention to the importance of May 7 Fatherland Defenders' Day for Kazakhstan. Amankul stated: “May 7 Fatherland Defenders' Day is an important day for our country. This is not just a holiday for soldiers, but for every citizen who protects their homeland. Tomorrow, we will celebrate May 9 Victory Day. Years have passed since the end of the Second World War between 1941 and 1945. In that war, more than 1,200,000 people from Kazakhstan went to the front.” He added.

“We Need the Energy of Young People to Advance Our Country”

Stating that independent Kazakhstan has reached its current state thanks to the great struggles fought in the past, Amankul delivered important messages to the youth. Amankul said: “Thanks to the efforts of our ancestors and mothers, today we are an independent country, and you, young people, have the opportunity to study abroad. Our expectation from you is to get a good education and return to your country to contribute to Kazakhstan's development.”

Amankul also drew attention to the increase in the number of Kazakhstani students studying in Turkey, stating that the number, which was approximately 2,900 some 3-4 years ago, has now reached 14,000. Expressing that this signifies an increase of approximately 500 percent, Amankul said: “Today, with our policies, we are at a much better point. However, we must not stop; we need the energy and knowledge of you young people to advance our country further.”

Prof. Colonel Nurtaza Asilov: “Kazakhstan Army Contributes to World Peace”

Prof. Colonel Nurtaza Asilov from the Ministry of National Defense of Kazakhstan delivered a speech within the scope of the program. Asilov stated: “The military tradition of the Kazakh people dates back a long time. From the Botay culture, we are a people who first domesticated horses and developed military art. In our history, there are epics of heroes like the Orbulak Battle, Jangir Khan, Kabanbay, and Bögenbay. These are the greatest examples of patriotism. Manshuk Mametova's courage in carrying a 30-kilogram machine gun on her back is a symbol of love for the homeland. The Kazakhstan army continues to contribute to world peace today. We served in peacekeeping missions in Tajikistan from 1992-2001, in Iraq from 2003-2007, and also in Lebanon and African countries. We prove our military experience in the international arena as well.”

The program was also attended by Colonel Nurtaza Turabekovich Asilov, Doctor of Science from Kazakhstan; Lieutenant Colonel Aslan Ablayevich Zhylkyshynov from the Air Force; Major Maksat Serikbayevich Ahmadiyev from the Special Forces; and Major Ädilet Izbasarovich Bagdabayev from the Naval Forces.

The program concluded with a group photo session.