― 17 ноября 2024 г.
41st Term Meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY held in Ashgabat
The meeting which gathered the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Atageldi Shamuradov, the Chairman of the Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Kumis Seitova, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan Gulbara Abdikalikova, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Dr. Serdar Çam and TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, was also attended by the 1st Deputy Governor of the Mangıstau Province Yerbol Izbergenov, the Mayor of Aktau Abylkaır Baipakov, the Member of the Mangıstau Province Assembly Panya Sarmurzina and the Director of Culture of the Mangıstau Province, Nurtas Sali from the delegation of Aktau, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025 and the Deputy Secretary General of TURKPA, one of Turkic cooperation organisations, Mr. Sakı Sadikov.
Within the framework of the meeting, ideas were exchanged on projects that will further advance the cultural cooperation of the member countries. In 2025, planning of the events to be organised on the occasion of Aktau's designation as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, promotion of the common cultural heritage of the Turkic World and sustainable cooperation processes were on the agenda.
Secretary General Raev, who made statements after the meeting, stated the following:
"Our work for the cultural unity of the Turkic world shapes not only our present but also our future. Coming together in Ashgabat, we both evaluated our past activities and matured our programme for the coming year. This meeting has important results that will further strengthen the cultural ties between our peoples. I would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions."
Emphasis on Friendship and Cooperation
The 41st Meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY reinforced the aim of preserving and perpetuating the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world and once again demonstrated the determination of the member states to develop friendship and cooperation.
TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev: ‘TURKSOY now acts with a new vision.’
In his presentation at the meeting of TURKSOY Permanent Council, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised the new vision of TURKSOY, projects focusing on youth and international cooperation. Secretary General Raev stated that after 30 years the organisation is going through a great transformation process: ‘’Our organisation has reached today thanks to the patronage of our heads of state and your support. We have a long way to go, but we do not have a minute to lose. Because our common culture, which is our most valuable treasure, is facing global threats. Our language and traditions will exist only as long as we protect and preserve them. Our common culture is the most important source that strengthens solidarity and cooperation between our peoples. The values we share today remind us of the heritage of our past and shed light on our future. With this in mind, we will continue to diversify our activities and reach our goals by signing better ones. Our language, history and traditions, which form the basis of the heart bridges we have built between the peoples of the Turkic World, further strengthen our cultural ties and raise our hopes for the future. Our greatest resource in building a stronger future together is our determination to carry our common heritage forward.‘’ He used his expressions.
Vision of the ‘New TURKSOY’
Secretary General Raev stated that during his term in office, TURKSOY underwent radical transformations and the organisation is now known as ‘New TURKSOY’. He emphasised that in this process, activities were diversified and cultural activities were carried forward both in terms of content and scope. ‘With the new vision of TURKSOY, we are bringing the cultural richness of the Turkic World to a wider audience,’ Raev said.
Focus on Youth
Stating that the future of TURKSOY will be shaped by the youth, Sultan Raev said that the number of young people participating in the events has quadrupled in the last two years. In this context, he announced the organisation of the first Youth Summit, which will bring together 250 young people from 20 countries in Almaty. ‘Our youth is the strongest guarantee of the future of the Turkic World,’ he added.
Cultural Richness of the Turkic World
Stating that TURKSOY introduces the richness of the Turkic World to the world through cultural activities, Raev said that preservation and dissemination of the Turkic language is one of the main priorities of the organisation.
International Cooperation
Raev said that TURKSOY has established strong ties with non-member countries as well. Stating that they have increased effective cooperation with countries such as Hungary, North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Raev announced that joint projects have been initiated for the first time with Mongolia and the Republic of Korea.
Culture Platforms
Raev emphasised the importance of platforms such as the Union of Writers, the Union of Cinema Directors and the Union of Fine Arts Universities established under the umbrella of TURKSOY and said that thanks to these structures, direct communication and cooperation opportunities between artists and scientists have increased.
Cooperation with Turkmenistan
Drawing attention to the progress in cooperation with Turkmenistan, Sultan Raev described these relations as a source of pride for TURKSOY.
Vision of the Turkic World 2040
Stating that they continue to work in line with the 2040 Vision of the Turkic World, Raev said that they contribute to this vision with new projects focusing on young people.
Common Goals for a Strong Future
Sultan Raev's speech shed light on TURKSOY's leading role in the field of culture and arts, cooperation of the Turkic World and strategic plans for the future. ‘TURKSOY will continue to be the unifying force of the Turkic World,’ Mr Raev concluded his speech.
TURKSOY Declares 2026 as the ‘Year of Ziya Gökalp’
Upon the proposal of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, TURKSOY Permanent Council declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Ziya Gökalp’ on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the famous thinker and literary figure Ziya Gökalp. The decision aims to promote the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Turkic World and to pass this heritage on to future generations. The members of the Permanent Council welcomed the unanimous adoption of this resolution.
Within the framework of the Year of Ziya Gökalp, various commemorative events, exhibitions, symposia and cultural programmes are planned to be held throughout the Turkic World. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev said: ‘Ziya Gokalp was a pioneer of ideas that strengthened the common identity of the Turkic World. Dedicating 2026 to Gokalp is an important opportunity to understand and convey his universal values,’ said Sultan Raev.
