Submit an Entry
CHINGHIZ AITMATOV

A person does not truly die while those who knew them remain alive

CHINGHIZ AITMATOV

The immortality of a nation lies in its language

CHINGHIZ AITMATOV

A nation’s greatest wealth is its moral culture

CHINGHIZ AITMATOV, The Scaffold

The path to truth is the daily path towards perfection…

MARKLEN KONURBAEV

Kyrgyzstan is the homeland of akyns, singers, poets and writers

ARSLAN KOICHIEV

Grounded in our national spirit, we have the strength to reach the highest international standards

CHINGHIZ AITMATOV

Reading is always a dialogue — a silent dialogue within oneself

Discovering New Voices

JAZUUCHU is dedicated to discovering writers whose work reveals the life, memory, language and worldview of the people of Kyrgyzstan

Selecting Outstanding Works

Entries undergo a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, from the initial review through to the selection of finalists and winners

Introducing Kyrgyz Authors to the World

Selected works are translated into major world languages, brought to international publication, and introduced to readers worldwide

Competition Timeline

A transparent process from submission to the final stage, expert evaluation, and international recognition
1
Submission Period
Registration on the website, submission of the manuscript and statement of purpose
1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027
2
Longlist Announcement
The Expert Council reviews all eligible entries and compiles the longlist
March – April 2027
3
Shortlist
Finalists are selected, with up to five works shortlisted in each category
May – June 2027
4
Awards Ceremony
Winners are announced, and selected works are presented for international promotion
August 2027
Competition Assessment

EXPERT COUNCIL

Entries are assessed by representatives of leading literary, academic, cultural and educational institutions.
The Expert Council is appointed separately for each competition category and ensures that every entry is assessed professionally, independently and impartially.

National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic

National Writers’ Union of the Kyrgyz Republic

Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University

Lomonosov Moscow State University
(international expert)

Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University

Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B. N. Yeltsin

International University of Kyrgyzstan

Alykul Osmonov National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic

The composition of the Expert Council will be published once the participating institutions have confirmed their involvement.
Selected Works

THE 2023 SHORTLIST

Works selected for the JAZUUCHU 2023 Shortlist

Zarathustra of Dobul-Tash

Arslan Koichiev

The Era of Lovelessness

Dalmira Tilepbergen

The Flood

Sultan Raev

The Captive of Batken

Beken Nazaraliev
Support the Initiative

Помочь проекту

Вместе мы открываем миру новую страницу современной кыргызской литературы.

Поддерживая JAZUUCHU, вы помогаете находить новые литературные голоса, сохранять культурное наследие Кыргызстана и открывать произведения кыргызских авторов международным читателям.

Любая поддержка имеет значение и помогает развитию литературы Кыргызстана 
Bronze Patron
Acknowledgement in the competition’s Patrons’ Newsletter
3 000
KGS
Become a Patron
Silver Patron
Recognition across our publications and social media
10 000
KGS
Become a Patron
Gold Patron
All Silver Patron benefits, plus recognition on the website
30 000
KGS
Become a Patron
Platinum Patron
All Gold Patron benefits, plus a personal invitation to the awards ceremony
50 000
KGS
Become a Patron
Diamond Patron
All Platinum Patron benefits, plus an interview with the founder and acknowledgement in all printed materials
100 000
KGS
Become a Patron

Стать меценатом

Личный вклад в развитие литературы Кыргызстана
Learn More

Стать партнёром

Совместные инициативы и культурные проекты
Learn More

Информационным партнёрам

Публикации, медиа поддержка
 и продвижение новостей конкурса
Learn More

Для спонсоров

Специальные форматы участия
для юридических лиц
Learn More
Key Principles
  • A public report on the use of sponsorship funds will be published following each Competition.
  • The scope of sponsorship and associated benefits will be agreed individually with each partner
A New Chapter for Kyrgyz Literature

Ready to Enter the Competition?

Submit your entry or get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of the Competition.
Submissions are open
1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027
We’ll respond
within one business day
International Competition of Contemporary Kyrgyz Writers. Bringing the next chapter of Kyrgyz literature to the world.
CONTACT
© 2026 Bureau for the Promotion of Contemporary Kyrgyz Literature. All rights reserved.
SUBMIT AN ENTRY
Complete the form below to submit your work to JAZUUCHU, the International Literary Competition for Contemporary Kyrgyz Writers
Support the Initiative
Would you like to become a partner or sponsor of the competition?

Tell us a little about yourself and the type of cooperation you are interested in. Our team will contact you, answer your questions and suggest a suitable participation option.
Contact the JAZUUCHU Team
Leave your contact details and a brief description of your enquiry. Our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
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