Kyrgyzstan supports monument for scholar of Turkic peoples

Kyrgyzstan's State Secretary Arslan Koychiev has announced his readiness to assist in establishing a memorial for the renowned ethnographer and Turkologist Viktor Butanayev. Koychiev's statement came in response to an initiative group in Russia's Khakassia region that is collecting funds for the monument.

Butanayev, a doctor of historical sciences and professor, dedicated much of his research to the history and ethnography of Siberian and Central Asian Turkic peoples. His work significantly focused on the history of the Yenisei Kyrgyz and Kyrgyz-Khakass ethnocultural connections. He co-authored the monograph "History of the Yenisei Kyrgyz" and collaborated with Kyrgyz scholars.

Butanayev received the "Dank" medal and the title of Honored Scientist of the Kyrgyz Republic for his contributions to studying and popularizing Kyrgyz history and culture. He was later awarded the Order of "Manas" III degree. He passed away on June 5, 2023, at the age of 77. The monument is planned for his grave in the village of Bolshaya Seya, Tashtypsky district, Republic of Khakassia.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov expressed condolences following Butanayev's death. The initiative to erect a monument highlights the enduring respect for Butanayev's academic legacy and his role in fostering cultural understanding between Kyrgyzstan and the Khakassia region.

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May the earth be soft on Viktor-bai! Let's help erect the monument.