THE WILL IS OURS, THE VICTORY IS OURS
In a message issued on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan shared the following reflections on the historical significance of the day, democratic awareness, and the importance of the national will:
“Throughout history, the greatest strength that has enabled nations to endure has been their determination to unite around shared values. On the night of 15 July 2016, the Republic of Türkiye witnessed one of the strongest expressions of this determination, as the nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting democracy, the rule of law, and the legitimate state order was etched into history in an unforgettable way.
Beyond marking the prevention of an attempted coup, 15 July stands as a significant turning point demonstrating that democratic legitimacy, the national will, and social solidarity prevail over all anti-democratic attempts. In this respect, it also serves as a powerful collective memory that encourages us to reflect anew on our shared responsibilities for the future.
Universities bear a special responsibility in preserving this collective memory and passing it on accurately to future generations. As institutions where knowledge is produced, critical thinking is cultivated, and democratic culture is strengthened, higher education institutions upholf freedom of thought, the rule of law, respect for human dignity, and social responsibility. Ensuring that our young people are educated not only with professional knowledge and competence but also with a strong sense of history, democratic values, and ethical responsibility is of vital importance for our future.
As Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, we regard the promotion of peace, the rule of law, democratic values, academic freedom, and friendship among nations as one of our fundamental responsibilities. We believe that educational, cultural, and scientific cooperation between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan should be advanced on the basis of international law, the sovereign will of both states, and official institutions, as this provides the foundation for lasting partnerships. We are confident that relations built on mutual trust and strong institutional cooperation will further strengthen the bonds of friendship rooted in our shared history and common values. Our confidence that these partnerships will be passed on securely to future generations remains unwavering.
On the 10th anniversary of 15 July, under the motto ‘The will is ours, The victory is ours’, we solemnly commemorate with respect and profound gratitude our beloved martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our homeland, our nation, and our state, and we express our deepest appreciation to our heroic veterans.
We reaffirm, with unwavering determination, our commitment to safeguarding our democracy, the rule of law, and the national will.”
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan
Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas university