― 28 ноября 2025 г.

Andijan will bear the title of Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026

Aktau, the pearl of Kazakhstan on the shores of the Caspian Sea, which held the title of ‘Cultural Capital of the Turkic World’ throughout 2025, crowned a year-long celebration of culture and art with a magnificent gala concert held at the People’s Arena. During the ceremony, the symbol of the Cultural Capital was handed over to the historical city of Andijan in Uzbekistan for 2026.

The  year of ‘Aktau –Cultural Capital of the Turkic World’ 2025 declared by the International Organisation of Turkic Culture TURKSOY, came to an end with a magnificent closing ceremony held on November 28th, 2025. The ceremony, held at the People’s Arena of Aktau gatheredhigh-level state officials, artists and thousands of art lovers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and other parts of the Turkic World.

The closing event, featuring approximately 250 artists took the audience onto an unforgettable artistic journey reflecting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Turkic World.

Minister Balayeva: ‘Aktau has become the beating heart of the Turkic World’

In her opening speech, Mrs. Aida Balayeva, the Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, who hosted the ceremony, stressed that Aktau truly deserves this title. Noting that more than 30 international events had been held throughout the year, ranging from theatre to opera and from film festivals to scientific meetings, Minister Balayeva said: "The city of Aktau has honourably fulfilled this historical responsibility and completed its task with outstanding success. The festivals held on the shores of the Caspian Sea brought together hundreds of artists from seven countries and over 100,000 spectators. This picture showed us all how strong the bond of our common culture is. May this cultural flame burning in Aktau shine with the same enthusiasm in Andijan in 2026."

Minister Balayeva also referred to the decision made at the 42nd Term Meeting  of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY regarding the ‘Digitalization” of the Organization and added that the digitalisation of cultural heritage and the forum of creative industries are important steps towards the future.

Binali Yıldırım: ‘Culture Determines Both the Roots and the Horizon of a Nation’

Addressing the ceremony on behalf of the Elders of the Turkic World, Mr. Binali Yıldırım, Chairman of the Elders’ Council of the Organisation of Turkic States, began his speech by conveying the greetings of H. E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, and drew attention to the strategic importance of culture.

Noting that Kazakhstan is one of the pillars of stability in the Turkic World, Mr.Yıldırım pursued his speech saying that: “Roads, bridges and ports are visible works; but culture defines both the roots and the horizons of a nation. That is why our cooperation in the field of culture is the strongest guarantee for the future of the Turkic World. We are building bridges and it is our young people who will cross them to build our common future."

Mr. Yıldırım also announced that, in line with the vision of the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a major gathering of intellectuals, scholars and cultural figures of the the Turkic World will be held under the auspices of the Council of Elders in 2026.

Sultan Raev: ‘We felt the closeness of our kindred peoples in the most beautiful way’

In the speech he delivered at the event, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed his appreciation as to events succesfully hosted and organized by Aktau throughout the year. 

Noting that Aktau is not just a city but a meeting point, Secretary General Raev made the following remarks: “Aktau has brought together the entire Turkic World. Throughout this year, we have felt the richness of our common culture and the closeness of our kindred peoples in the most beautiful way. In the coming years, our cooperation in cultural diplomacy and joint projects will continue to grow stronger. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success.”

Historical Handover: Andijan took over the prestigious title of Cultural Capital

The most exciting moment of the evening was the handover ceremony of the symbol of Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. The Deputy Governor of Mangystau, Mr. Erbol Izbergenov took to the scene and was applauded as he handed over the symbol of Cultural Capital of the Turkic World to Mr. Shuhratbek Abdurahmanov, the Governor of the city of Andijan in Uzbekistan, which will hold the title in 2026.

In the statement he delivered at the ceremony, Governor Abdurahmanov said that Andijan is ready to introduce its ancient history and culture to the whole world in 2026 and added that it will be a great pleasure for him to take on this honourable task.

The ceremony ended with a performance of melodies of Turkic peoples, messages of unity and solidarity, and a group photograph taken as a remembrance of the day.