Bishkek, Aug. 26, 2026. /Kabar/. The opening ceremony of "Nanjing Week in China – 2026" took place at Osmonov National Library in Bishkek.
"Nanjing Week in China" is a city-wide promotional event organized by the Nanjing City People's Government. Since 2015, it has been held in major cities around the world and aims to develop city-wide exchanges, cultural interaction, and industry collaboration.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the cultural and scientific communities of Kyrgyzstan and China, including Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of Kabar News Agency; Roza Aitmatova, public figure and sister of the eminent writer Chyngyz Aitmatov; Melis Akmataliev, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic and Director of the Chyngyz Aitmatov Institute of Literature; Gao Chen, Director of the China Cultural Center in Bishkek; Eldar Aitmatov, President of the Chyngyz Aitmatov International Foundation; and representatives of UNESCO and creative organizations.
Speaking at the event, Melis Akmataliev noted the historical and literary significance of Nanjing, emphasizing its deep cultural traditions.
"Nanjing has been imbued with the spirit of poetry and history for centuries. As the first and, so far, only city in China to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature, Nanjing has shaped profound literary traditions and given the world timeless works," he noted. The event included the opening of the Chinese-Kyrgyz cultural exchange book corner, "Exploring Nanjing through Reading." It was organized as part of the Jin Zhibek Zholu (Silk Road) cultural exchange event in Central Asia.
Furthermore, Kyrgyz poets Sadyrbek Turdubek uulu and Berdibek Zhamgyrchiev, and People's Poet of Kyrgyzstan Zhediger Saalaev were presented with certificates confirming their invitation and participation in the Nanjing International Writers' Residency program.
According to the certificates, the poets were invited to Nanjing for a 10-day creative journey as part of the international writers' residency.
Representatives of a family group of seven artisan sisters who have been awarded the World Crafts Council Award for Excellence also participated in the event.
"Nanjing Week in China 2026" includes cultural events aimed at further strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties between Kyrgyzstan and China.
As part of "Nanjing Week in China 2026," a thematic exhibition, "Intertwined: The Civilizational Unity of Brocade and Carpet," was also presented. The exhibition featured works of decorative and applied art and materials reflecting the cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan and China.
