― 25 марта 2026 г.
Deputy Secretary General Yusuf outlined the “Year of Ziya Gökalp” on TRT Avaz
As a guest on TRT Avaz, Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf delivered important statements regarding the preparations of the “Year of Ziya Gökalp” declared in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Ziya Gökalp, one of the intellectual forefathers of the Turkic World.
“To Turks, homeland means much more than Türkiye or Turkestan”
Beginning his speech with a reference to Gökalp’s famous ‘Turan’ poem, Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf stressed that Ziya Gökalp not only laid the intellectual foundations of the Republic of Türkiye but also served as a guiding star in the quest for cultural and national identity of the entire Turkic World. Deputy Secretary General Yusuf further stated that: “Gökalp was a great sociologist and man of principle for whom every land where Turks breathe was part of their homeland.”
Announcing that 2026 will be a year full of events, Deputy Secretary General Yusuf also noted that the commemorative year will start tomorrow with the following events:
- Opening Ceremony: To be held at the historical Hall of Turkish Associations (Museum of Painting and Sculpture) with the participation of the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
- Academic Events: The scientific foundation will be strengthened through a panel to be held at the Turkish Historical Society on March 26th and a symposium organised with the Turkish Language Society on March 28th.
- Diyarbakır and Beyond: A series of events will be organised in Diyarbakır, the hometown of Ziya Gökalp in cooperation with the Dicle University.
From Baku to Malta, from Tashkent to Thessaloniki: Traces of Ziya Gökalp
Deputy Secretary General Yusuf stated that these events will not only be held in Türkiye alone as panels, theatre performances and concerts will also be organised throughout a wide geographical area—from the 1st Turkology Congress in Baku, marking the 100th anniversary, to the capitals of Central Asia, the Balkans and Malta, where Gökalp spent his years in exile.
Deputy Secretary General Yusuf further added that tTRT Avaz and State Theatres will also be providing support through special projects during this process.
