Roza Aitmatova, sister of the famous Kyrgyz writer Chinghiz Aitmatov and a distinguished education worker in Kyrgyzstan, made a statement in response to the growing speculations and rumors about her brother that have been spreading in society and online.
She noted that recently, the name of Chinghiz Aitmatov has been discussed in a negative context, with many contradictory and, as Roza emphasized, false claims about his life, work, and public role. The writer's sister expressed her deep concern about what is happening and urged everyone to "refrain from disturbing the memory of the deceased and not to use his name in political and social conflicts."
According to her, attempts to blame Chinghiz Aitmatov for the events that took place in Osh in 1990, as well as for "insufficient attention to the Kyrgyz language" and the one-sidedness of his political views, are particularly painful.
Roza Aitmatova clarified that in 1990, her brother was in Moscow, and to avoid a possible conflict between states, he met with the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. According to her, this meeting led to a promise from the Uzbek side not to send troops into Kyrgyz territory, which, in Roza's opinion, helped prevent a major conflict in Central Asia.
She also refuted rumors that Chinghiz Aitmatov played a key role in the election of Askar Akayev as president, noting that this decision was made by the deputies of the Supreme Council, while the writer was outside the country at that time.
Roza Aitmatova also commented on language issues, emphasizing that Chinghiz Aitmatov was fluent in Kyrgyz and began writing his works in his native language. According to her, the transition to the Russian language was forced due to the persecution by Soviet authorities in the late 1950s, when the publication of his works in Kyrgyz was effectively blocked. Poet Alexander Tvardovsky supported him, suggesting he publish in the magazine "Novy Mir."
Additionally, Roza refuted claims that Chinghiz Aitmatov was distant from religion. She spoke about the religious traditions of their family and noted that the writer respected Islam, observed important rituals, and sincerely believed in God.
In her address, she called on everyone to maintain unity and not to succumb to provocations, emphasizing that the spread of rumors only leads to discord.
“There is no need to either glorify him or vilify him. May Chinghiz Aitmatov rest in peace,” she concluded.
