A Code of Honour for Kyrgyzstan
At the president's request, the Ministry of Culture has released a “set of moral standards” to guide the behaviour of citizens and youth. Key concepts include respect for state symbols and historical heritage, tolerance, and the rejection of any expression of hatred. The heroes of the epic Manas trilogy are held up as role models, while five texts have been proposed for the new national anthem.
Bishkek (AsiaNews) – The Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan has developed a new Code of Honour at the request of the presidential administration, releasing the document for public discussion.
The Code presents a "set of moral standards" that should serve as a guide for the ethical beliefs and behaviour of citizens, youth, social workers, and the population at large.
As indicated in the explanatory note, "in recent years, the issues of social responsibility, mutual respect, common morality, and loyalty to the homeland have become particularly relevant in our society.
“As a developing democratic and multiethnic state, the Kyrgyz Republic not only has to strengthen legal rules, but also the moral and cultural norms that govern the public behaviour of the population."
The key concepts for greater education and grounding in Kyrgyz society are “preserving honour and dignity,” respect for state symbols and historical heritage, an attitude of devotion towards the elderly and care for the young and the young at heart, tolerance, and the rejection of any expression of hatred, aggression, and hostility.
Kyrgyz citizens must stand out for their “decency, honesty, and justice," as well as “social harmony and patriotism.”
The heroes of the epic Manas trilogy are cited as role models, whose names continually resonate as titles of productions and articles in trade and social communication at all levels. The characters to be remembered according to the standards set by the Code are: Manas, Semetey, Seytek, Akbalta, Bakay, Koshoy, Almambet, Chubak, Syrgak, Kanykey, Aychurek, Kulchoro, and Azhibay.
The correct application of these heroic names ensures "fidelity to our moral heritage," according to the ministry.
The Code therefore proposes implementing these guidelines in various aspects of social life, such as the work devoted to education and training in schools and community settings, from the family to sports and entertainment.
Government and municipal officials are specifically called upon to engage in “excellent moral conduct," and particular importance is attached to youth policies, military and patriotic education, and the appropriate presentation of these perspectives in the mass media.
Cultural events must be prepared with "the formation of appropriate ideological foundations," and support must be given to the development of activism and social responsibility for all.
In the document’s conclusion, the ministry explains that the Code of Honour is "an educational and humanitarian document, aimed at strengthening national identity, developing personal culture, and ethical and social behaviour without any political connotations."
Its acceptance by citizens should mark an “important step towards building a more mature, united, and morally elevated society in Kyrgyzstan.”
A very heartfelt application of these moral principles in public debate has characterised for some time the choice of the new lyrics of the national anthem, with the Ministry of Culture itself gradually releasing proposals deemed worthy of social evaluation.
As the competition nears its final round, five texts have been submitted, which have been made public without naming their authors. A further competition will be held later to provide musical accompaniment to the lyrics, allowing for a full evaluation.
Meanwhile, the ministry's Facebook page has been flooded with comments highlighting flaws such as "excessive rhetoric," repetitiveness, or weak expressiveness, pointing to the Kyrgyz people's great passion for the proper expression of their "patriotic moral codes.”
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