The history of relations between Kyrgyzstan and Russia covers a relatively short period of time — approximately 250 years — from the18th century until present day. The major historical events - the establishment of the first Embassy; the beginning of trade between Russia and Kyrgyzstan; the integration into the Russian Empire; the collapse of the Empire; the establishment of Soviet Power and its collapse; and finally, the gaining of independence — may be divided into three main stages: pre-Soviet, Soviet and post- Soviet.
The UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowship programme gave me a unique opportunity to undertake research on the Kyrgyz-Russian intercultural dialogue. Social and cultural analysis of Kyrgyz-Russian relations led to better comprehension of the basis and machinery of Kyrgyz and Russian cultures’ interaction. The various aspects of Kyrgyz-Russian intercultural dialogue, which are vitally important for forming the climate of tolerance, civil concord and understanding between ethnic groups, were researched. Special attention was given to the process of interdependence and mutual enrichment of Kyrgyz and Russian cultures. Based on the research completed, the history and the perspectives of Kyrgyz-Russian intercultural relations were analysed.
My participation in the programme was very useful and effective for developing my research.
Thanks to the fellowship in Moscow, I arranged close research partnership between my University and the “Central Asia and Culture of Peace”, a scientific-educational Journal in Bishkek of which I am Executive Editor at present and the forthcoming issue of which will be devoted to the theme of dialogue between cultures and civilizations.
The results of the research will be a basis for pilot lectures on “Kyrgyz-Russian Intercultural Dialogue”, which is supposed to be taught at the Bishkek Academy of Finance and Economics and the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.
I am very grateful to the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme for this opportunity to conduct my research.
20 March 2002