Zhediger Saalaev (second from left) holds a gifted special edition of The White Ship while posing for a group photo.

To commemorate the recent visit to China by Zhediger Saalaev, a renowned Kyrgyz journalist, legal expert, writer and social activist, Yilin Press and Veritas & Mercurius Publishing have presented him with a special edition of The White Ship by Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov, a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The gifted edition of The White Ship commemorates the 55th anniversary of the book's publication and represents a significant achievement of the Mutual Translation and Publication Project of Asian Classics. It features the classic translation by Li Gang and incorporates Kyrgyz national motifs such as Issyk-Kul Lake and antlers. Additionally, it includes a biography of the author to help readers better understand the cultural background of the work.

A written message from writer Zhediger Saalaev to Chinese readers, also translated into Mandarin, reads: Wishing my Chinese readers and friends endless good luck.

The White Ship, published in 1970, is widely considered a literary masterpiece. Aitmatov, who won the USSR State Prize of Literature and the Lenin Prize of Literature three times, rooted his creations in Kyrgyz folklore and the majestic imagery of Issyk-Kul Lake. He successfully elevated national oral stories to the heights of world literary classics, with translations into over 100 languages, making it a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan.

Special edition of The White Ship.

This work has had a profound impact on contemporary Chinese literature. Influenced by The White Ship, Chinese writer Lu Yao depicted the protagonist Sun Shaoping reading the book in his novel Ordinary World. Renowned Chinese writers such as Zhang Chengzhi, Feng Deying, and Chi Zijian have all spoken highly of Kyrgyz literary works.

Spanning more than half a century, The White Ship connects the steppes of Kyrgyzstan with the hearts of Chinese readers. It belongs not only to Kyrgyzstan but to all who believe in goodness and beauty.