Kyrgyz parliament speaker shakes off foreign influence with new surname

On January 13, Nurlanbek Shakyiev, the Speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament), announced on Facebook that he had changed his surname to Turgunbek Uulu.

This decision, he explained, had been a long-held dream.

Shakiyev explained that changing one’s name is a personal decision and that his choice was inspired by a legislative initiative, Caliber.Az reports via Kyrgyz media.

"Our bill, jointly introduced by MPs Myrlan Samykozho and Amankan Kenzhebaev, offers several spelling options for surnames, reflecting our national customs," Shakiyev wrote. He chose the surname Turgunbek Uulu from among the alternatives, replacing his former name, Shakiyev.

The speaker also expressed his view on national identity, stating, "No matter how much we change, we cannot be Arabs, Americans, Russians, or Europeans. In trying to emulate them, we forget our true essence and lose ourselves."

He emphasized that it was time for Kyrgyzstan to renew its connection with its roots and heritage.

"Trying to imitate others will only lead us astray. We must return to our essence, to our true identity," he added.

Shakiyev’s new surname is not a novel one, as it is recognized in current law and commonly used by the Kyrgyz population. The proposal for surname changes, which includes four options reflecting Kyrgyzstan’s traditions and history, is currently being discussed among deputies.

By Tamilla Hasanova