― 14 апреля 2026 г.
Historical Presentation in Ankara on Andijan, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026
The city of Andijan, declared as Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026, was presented in an event held in Ankara.
The promotional event which was hosted by the Secretariat General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, scholars and invited guests and featured exhibitions of photographs and traditional handicrafts reflecting Andijan’s historical and cultural values.
Speeches delivered at the ceremony highlighted Andijan’s historical significance in the contex of Turkic civilisation and cultural activities to be carried out in the city throughout 2026.
Minister Ersoy: We will stand united against cultural degradation
In the opening speech he delivered at the event, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy drew attention to the cultural degradation through popular culture in the digital world and said: “The unity of the Turkic World must always remain strong. In the past, there have been attempts to make us forget who we are through force and oppression; today, the same attempts are made through the subliminal medium of popular culture, particularly via social media and the digital world. It is our highest duty to ensure that our communities, especially our children and young people, learn about their true identities and embrace them.”
Minister Ersoy noted that TURKSOY has been pursuing this mission with a steadfast commitment for 33 years and said: “Andijan is, in this sense, not merely a cultural capital, but also the homeland of great philosophers and intellectuals such as Çolpan, who were martyred. Their call upon us to unite is guiding us today.”
Minister Ersoy who also recalled that Ankara has been declared the Capital of Tourism of the Turkic World 2026 stressed the importance Andijan and Ankara being two capitals of the Turkic World bearing different titles in the same year.
Sultan Raev: Andijan, where the heart of the Turkic World will beat
TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev also emphasised in his speech that the designation of Andijan as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026 is not merely a title, but a historic step that strengthens shared memory and cultural ties. Noting that they had gathered here today “not merely for the sake of an event”, but to bear witness to an ancient city embarking on a new cultural journey, Secretary General Raev stated that: “Together, we are lighting the torch for 2026” for Andijan.
Mr. Raev also highlighted the transformation witnessed in Uzbekistan in recent years, and said that the reforms implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have spread throughout the country, adding that “a significant development has been observed in Andijan, particularly in industry, entrepreneurship and agriculture, as well as in the fields of culture and the arts.” Highlighting Andijan’s historical and cultural significance, Secretary General Raev quoted the Baburnama, emphasising the city’s deep-rooted Turkic identity with the words: “There is no one in the city or its market who does not speak Turkish.”
Drawing attention to the fact that Andijan is not merely a city but also a centre that carries the deep-rooted memory of the Turkic World, Mr. Raev described it as “the jewel of the Fergana Valley” and added that throughout 2026, Andijan will be “the beating heart of the Turkic World” with events which will be further strengthening the bonds between kindred peoples during this period.
Secretary General Sultan Raev concluded his speech with the words: “May our path be clear, and may our unity endure.”
Ambassador Khaydarov: Andijan is an honour for the entire Turkic World
H.E. Mr. Ilkhom Khaydarov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Ankara, stated that the designation of Andijan as the 2026 Turkic World Capital of Culture is a source of honour and joy not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Turkic World. The Ambassador said, “These lands have nurtured great figures in the fields of science, literature and art. We hosted our brothers and sisters living in the Uzbekistan Quarter, built in Hatay after the earthquake, in Andijan. We look forward to welcoming all our Turkic brothers and sisters to the festivals to be held in 2026.”
Deputy Governor Holmirzaev: 3,000 years of history, boundless hospitality
Mr. Elyorbek Holmirzaev, the Deputy Governor of Andijan, emphasised that his city boasts a history of at least 3,000 years, stating, “We take great pride in Andijan, the home of ancient civilisations, being declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. As our President, Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has said, the people of Andijan are hard-working, sincere and have an exceptional sense of hospitality. Through the cultural capital programmes, we will introduce our city’s values to the whole world,” he said.
Kürşad Zorlu: Babur’s love for the language sheds light on the present
Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu, the Deputy Chairman of the AK Party and Member of Parliament for Ankara, noted that the first name that comes to mind when mentioning Andijan is Babur Shah. Zorlu said, “Babur, with his love—and indeed passion—for the Turkish language, encouraged the writing of works in Turkish despite the differing trends of his era. Today, through our joint efforts on the alphabet and communication, we are deepening cooperation within the Turkic World. Last year, upon initiative of Uzbekistan, December 15th was declared ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ at UNESCO. These steps are a guarantee of our shared future,” he said.
Zorlu also noted that the volume of foreign trade between Türkiye and Uzbekistan has exceeded 3 billion dollars, and that the leaders’ target of 5 billion dollars is achievable.
Ilyas Topsakal: Andijan, a mirror for Turks in the West
The Deputy Chairman of the MHP party, Prof. Dr. Ilyas Topsakal who drew attention to the importance of the Fergana Valley in Turkic history said: “The selection of Andijan as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World holds great significance, particularly in enabling Turks in the West to become acquainted with the Fergana Valley and to understand their own history and roots more closely. In this region stretching from Fergana to Tashkent, and from Samarkand to Bukhara, you can feel the culture inherited from our ancestors in every street, every building and every person. In this respect, Andijan is a highly valuable centre that keeps the shared memory of the Turkic World alive.” With these words, he highlighted the importance of the cultural activities to be held in Andijan.
Presentation of souvenirs and concert
Following the speeches, souvenirs were exchanged among the protocol members. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and the Deputy Governor of Andijan Mr. Elyorbek Holmirzaev handed over traditional souvenirs unique to Andijan to Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and other protocol members.
Participants were then invited to the ground floor to view an exhibition of traditional handicrafts and photographs reflecting Andijan’s rich cultural fabric. The exhibition featured Andijan-specific embroidery, copperwork, ceramics and photographs from the Babur period, which attracted considerable interest.
The event ended with a magnificent concert of artists from Andijan held in the front garden of TURKSOY Headquarters featuring traditional Uzbek folk songs and shared melodies of the Turkic World which were strongly appreciated by the guests. The concert was followed by a serving of Uzbek pilaf.
Throughout 2026, numerous festivals, congresses and cultural events will be held in Andijan. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev is personally overseeing the planning of all activities scheduled for this significant year, which will bring together the shared roots and common future of the Turkic World.
