The first World Storytellers Forum was held in Kyrgyzstan. Manas National Academy reported.
The event was attended by representatives of several countries, the largest was the delegation from Russia. It included storytellers and scientists from Yakutia, Kalmykia, Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Tuva, Altai, Khakassia.
«The main topic of discussion was the determining of the status of a storyteller as the main source of the epic heritage, designation of his role in the modern world, preservation and study of the storytelling phenomenon,» the organizers noted.
According to the State Secretary Suyunbek Kasmambetov, the people, who would then spread the information around the world that the first such forum was held in Kyrgyzstan, arrived. It is necessary to glorify the epics Manas, Semetey, Seitek and many others in different states, he said.
«Storytellers at all times have played an important role in preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of the people. The epic is the source of the national spirit. Its live performing is of enduring interest today, especially in the context of globalization under the onslaught of mass culture, when small nations are at risk of losing their spiritual heritage,» the Manas Academy added.
