International roundtable on culture of the Turkic peoples in Russia

International roundtable on culture of the Turkic peoples in Russia was held on 30 March 2017. The event was organized by Altai State University. The participants included over 70 people – experts from Barnaul, Moscow, Ufa, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, students and postgraduates of Altai State University. The discussed how to preserve the unity of Russia and variety of nations living in the country at the same time.

At the beginning of the event the guests listened to the welcoming speech by director of Berlek-Yedinstvo Geopolitical Research Center (Ufa) R.I. Murzagaliyev and director of Altai School for Political Research under Altai State University, head of ASU Department of World History and International Relations, Professor Yu.G. Chernushov.

Report entitled “Culture of the Turkic Peoples in Russia: the Unity of Diversity” written by employees of Berlek-Yedinstvo Center was the main trigger for discussion. Other experts from Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrguzstan also delivered their messages.

Further the floor was taken by Altai scientists (ASU professors    A.A. Tishkin   ,   Yu.A. Lysenko  ,  O.Yu. Kurnykin , ASU assistant  professors  O.A. Arshintseva , I.V. Anisimova,   assistant professor of Altai State Medical University T.M. Ayupov) highly appreciated the relevance of the raised subject and voiced a number of critical comments. Thus, they noted that it was necessary to go deeper into the history of the problem and make the terms and definitions clearer.

Summarizing the results of the lively discussion, Professor Yu.G. Chernyshov said that the authors of the report had done a hard work. The direction of research is undoubtedly promising. The attitude towards terms used in academic and journalistic texts can be different. Moreover, the meaning of some words (e.g. ethnonym “Turks”) can change in the course of time. It is important to take this fact into account. It is also crucial not to try re-evaluating historical events. If the comments are incorporated by the authors, the quality of the report will be improved.

Replying to the comments, the representatives of Berlek-Yedinstvo Geopolitical Research Center thanked the experts and gave an assurance that they would take all the remarks into account.

“We have never dealt with such a deep discussion in Ufa. Here in Barnaul you have a serious scholar school.”

Generally, all the roundtable participants concurred with each other with the view that the discussion had been interesting and useful. Altai scientists and guests also agreed upon further scientific cooperation.