Moldovan president highlights importance of preserving Gagauz language, culture at Comrat University

President Maia Sandu today took part in the ceremony dedicated to celebrating the activity of Comrat State University. In her message, the president highlighted the institution’s contribution to training generations of professionals and to strengthening the cultural identity of the region: “The Comrat State University is one of the institutions on which the autonomy relies, an institution that has constantly evolved, developed and modernized, offering the country generations of graduates of whom Moldova can be proud.”

The head of state stressed that anniversary moments represented an opportunity to reflect on responsibilities for the future. In the context, the Moldovan president drew attention to the importance of preserving the Gagauz language and culture.

“Looking to the future, I believe that one of the priorities of the university – and of the entire autonomy – must be preserving the Gagauz language and culture,” underlined the head of state, who issued an appeal regarding the broader use of the mother tongue in the autonomy: “A language is not kept alive through administrative decisions, but only by those who use it. By you, in your everyday life: on the street, in the shop, in the family, among friends, in church – or at the university.”

At the same time, the president emphasized the openness of the central authorities to promote the linguistic and cultural heritage of the region, as well as the crucial role of Comrat State University in this regard. “At the university, sustained efforts must be made to strengthen the language: there must be stronger programmes, well-prepared staff, textbooks and major academic and cultural events,” the head of state specified. She encouraged the institution to assume with greater determination its role as a pillar of the revival of the Gagauz language.

The president also reiterated that Gagauzia was an important part of Moldova, whose development cannot take place in isolation: “Gagauzia is an important part of our country. The Gagauz autonomy cannot develop in isolation, just as the entire country cannot develop without strong regions,” noted the head of state, who also referred to the importance of knowing the Romanian language: “Learning Romanian by the young people from the autonomy is crucial, so that they can participate fully in the life of society.”

In conclusion, President Maia Sandu wished Comrat State University continuous development, support and respect for the teachers, as well as confidence and courage for the students. “Much success and Gagauz halkına taa çok izmet edasiniz!”