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KTMU Student Alina Mamatova Wins Second Place in UNESCO International Photography Contest

  • 2026-09-25
Alina Mamatova, a student in the Department of Journalism at the Faculty of Communication, 91自拍 (KTMU), won second place in the 18–25 age category at the 8th "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" International Photography Contest organized by UNESCO. The competition evaluated more than 7,000 photographs submitted from 100 countries. Mamatova was awarded for her photograph titled "Kyz Kuumai," which highlights one of the traditional equestrian games of Kyrgyz culture.

Mamatova prepared her entry under the supervision of Fahri Tarhan, a faculty member at the Faculty of Communication and a photographer, bringing Kyrgyzstan's living cultural heritage to an international audience. The results of the competition were announced on September 21, 2026, in Beijing, China, as part of the 13th Peace Garden Peace Festival organized on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. The event, which brought together ambassadors, UNESCO representatives, and guests from various fields, was also streamed online to viewers worldwide.

Kyrgyzstan's Living Heritage Captured Through Photography
Organized within the framework of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme, this year's contest theme was "Living Heritage Along the Silk Roads." The competition invited young people to photograph traditions, practices, knowledge, and cultural expressions passed down through generations along the historical Silk Roads from their own perspectives.

Mamatova’s award-winning work, "Kyz Kuumai," focuses on an equestrian game in Kyrgyzstan that combines riding skills with cultural tradition. In UNESCO's presentation of the work, it was noted that this game—associated with courtship and marriage traditions—tests the riders' skills while also serving as an expression of women's independence and freedom.

In this respect, the photograph approaches the theme of living heritage with an example from Kyrgyz culture, drawing attention to how cultural heritage continues to exist in daily life, games, and social relationships.

More Than 7,000 Submissions From 100 Countries

The competition accepted submissions between April 8 and July 28, 2026, receiving over 7,000 photographs from 100 countries. Participants were evaluated in two age categories: 14–17 and 18–25, with three main awards and two honorable mentions determined for each category.

The International Selection Committee, composed of renowned professionals in the field, reviewed the works based on originality, distinctiveness, and visual impact. Visual narratives offering a distinct and innovative interpretation of the theme were highlighted in the evaluation.

Organized under the auspices of UNESCO, the competition’s broad international participation and professional jury evaluation make it a prestigious platform for young photographers. Winning an award on this platform signifies that a piece was selected among works from diverse countries for its narrative power and original approach.

Contributing to the International Visibility of Student Output

Mamatova's success serves as a concrete example for KTMU of how students can present their professional knowledge and creative skills to international evaluation. Combining the visual narrative and cultural documentation aspects of journalism education, the project demonstrates that student work supported by academic mentorship can gain international recognition.

While the award contributes to the visibility of student projects at the Faculty of Communication, it also holds significant value for promoting Kyrgyzstan's cultural heritage. By bringing a local cultural practice to the attention of audiences from different geographies, Mamatova demonstrates the power of photography to foster intercultural understanding.

Rector Ceylan: "We Support Our Students Who Turn Knowledge into Action"

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan congratulated Journalism student Alina Mamatova and her advisor Fahri Tarhan, expressing his delight that a work reflecting Kyrgyzstan's living cultural heritage through an original lens was recognized with an award in UNESCO's international competition. Emphasizing the importance of students applying their acquired knowledge, understanding the culture of the society they live in, and bringing their work to international platforms, Rector Ceylan wished that this achievement would inspire students in various fields to develop their own projects and showcase their talents.

Note: To view the contest results, click the link below:

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