Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Nurlanbek Shakiev changed his last name, and in connection with this, he posted a message on social media.

Now the speaker’s last name is Turgunbek uulu Nurlanbek. He noted that this was his long-held dream.

«Like a person, a nation has a destiny. Sometimes its prestige grows and its glory delights the world, sometimes it finds itself subordinate to others. Unfortunately, in such situations, the people forget their national identity and the root is destroyed. Let’s face it, the Kyrgyz people, like other nations, have experienced such a fate. Now, thank God, we have the independence we have dreamed of since ancient times. But at the same time, in the era of globalization, the issue of preserving national identity as well as our independence is relevant. If we do not return to our roots, do not preserve the language, religion, traditions and customs in their pure form, then our future will remain unknown,» Turgunbek uulu Nurlanbek posted.

He also recalled the bill developed jointly with colleagues, who were offered four new spelling options for Kyrgyz surnames.

«Changing a surname is everyone’s decision. Together with deputies Mirlan Samyikozho and Amankan Kenzhebaev, we proposed writing surnames according to our national characteristics. Among the proposed options, I chose one, I decided to change the surname Shakiev to Turgunbek uulu,» the speaker noted.

He added that «no matter how hard we try to be like Arabs, Americans, Russians, Europeans, we will not succeed.» «Trying to be like them, we will turn into mankurts. Therefore, the time has come for renewal, a return to the roots,» Turgunbek uulu Nurlanbek emphasized.

It should be noted that the speaker’s chosen surname option is not new. It is enshrined in the current law and is widely used among the population.

Recall, the deputies are proposing four new spelling options for last names. According to them, the proposed options reflect national traditions and historical heritage.