On 30 October 2026, lecturers and students (ГР-24, ГР-25, ГР-26) of the Department of Gagauz Philology and History prepared and held the «Gagauz halkının mirası» festival, bringing together students, lecturers and university guests around the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of young people's creative potential.
The event took place within the National Action Plan for Learning and Promoting the Gagauz Language in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia for 2026–2027, implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova (Planului național de acțiuni pentru învățarea și promovarea limbii găgăuze în UTA Găgăuzia pentru anii 2026–2027, Ordin nr. 278 din 16 februarie 2026), in accordance with the department's activities plan. It aimed to promote traditions, strengthen intercultural dialogue and showcase the region's rich bilingual and ethnocultural heritage.
The event's purpose was to preserve, promote and pass on the rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the Gagauz people (traditions, crafts, folk music and arts, and national cuisine), as well as to strengthen intercultural dialogue and foster patriotic and aesthetic education among university students through the traditional values of Budjak.
The Rector of Comrat State University, Doctor, Associate Professor T. I. Rakovchena, addressed the participants with a welcome speech. The festival was organised by the Head of the Department of Gagauz Philology and History, Doctor, Lecturer G. N. Mutaf, together with Doctor, Lecturer Güllü Karanfil of the department. The speakers highlighted the great importance of such events for the academic environment and the student community.
The festival's extensive programme gave participants and guests the opportunity to:
- explore exhibits from the Regional Museum of History and Local Lore in the municipality of Comrat and the Ethnographic Museum in the village of Kazaklia, including Gagauz national clothing, the history of traditional costume, household objects and other items. ГР-25 students Kol Raisa and Georgieva Alena told festival participants about Gagauz costume in detail;
- purchase beaded souvenirs made by Marina Moskoglo, a graduate of the Department of Gagauz Philology and History and a member of the Union of Craftspeople of Gagauzia;
- discover the book collection on Gagauz culture, customs and traditions. The exhibition was presented by the Head of the university library, Zhanna Ivanovna Garcheva;
- learn about the distinctive preparation of traditional Gagauz dishes and Gagauz hospitality. The exhibition featured traditional Gagauz dishes prepared by the students themselves. ГР-26 students Lekovich Stella and Hor Maria described the characteristics of Gagauz dishes;
- enjoy a performance by a graduate of the Department of Culture and Arts, a member of the «Düz ava» artistic ensembles, who played Gagauz folk melodies, including the tune of the kadynzha folk dance, and musical compositions;
- hear Maria and Ivan Arnaut, keepers of Gagauz customs and traditions, explain wool processing, spinning and weaving, and take part in spinning wool;
- watch Maria and Ivan skilfully perform a Gagauz folk dance and join in themselves.
The festival concluded with a ceremonial presentation of commemorative diplomas and letters of appreciation to participants and organisers, followed by a shared Gagauz hora dance, «Kadynzha».
Holding such festivals not only brings our young people together but also serves as an important bridge for passing on cultural values, strengthening scientific and pedagogical ties, and developing a spirit of unity.
The department expresses its gratitude to everyone who contributed to organising and holding this vibrant event.
