― 18 ноября 2025 г.
"Mothers of the Turkic World: Cultural Heritage and Future Vision" discussed at TURKSOY
Within the framework of the international exhibition held under the motto ‘Mothers of the Turkic World’ , the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) hosted an important event at its headquarters on November 18th, 2025 . The Round Table Meeting entitled ‘Mothers of the Turkic World: Tradition and the Present Time’ brought together high-level diplomats, scholars, artists and representatives of civil society organisations from the Turkic World.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised the sacred role of mothers and women in society and expressed the deep meaning of the mother figure in the culturre of the Turkic World.
Secretary General Raev: ‘Beauty, That Is, Women, Will Save the World’
In his speech, Sultan Raev stated that mothers and women are the fundamental pillars that make the world livable, referring to the words of the famous Russian writer Dostoyevsky: ‘Beauty will save the world, that is, women will save the world.’ Raev drew attention to the sanctity of women and their power to sustain life and beautify the world, stating that mothers play a unique role in passing on cultural heritage and values to new generations. Highlighting the value of women, Raev emphasised that this meeting was critical in understanding the balance between the traditional role of mothers and the expectations of the modern age.
Focus on Motherhood in Türkiye: ‘A Symbol of Unity’
Leman Yenigün, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkiye, who attended the meeting, stated that motherhood is at the heart of the Turkish world. She said that family meals are the warmest gathering places in Turkic culture and are kept alive as a symbol of family unity. Yenigün stated that mothers, who traditionally keep the family together, are now guides who protect their children in the digital age and ensure they embrace their cultural identity, drawing attention to the need for women to play a more active role in all areas of social life.
Diplomacy and Cultural Power: The Growing Role of Women
Nişangül Karatayeva, Kazakhstan's representative to TÜRKSOY, addressed the topic of ‘Women and Diplomacy – Cultural Diplomacy’ in her speech. Referring to the importance of culture in inter-state relations in the era of globalisation, Karatayeva said that female diplomats bring a new style and perspective to international negotiations. She emphasised that successful female diplomats positively influence their countries' international image and showcase the progressive face of society.
An Example of Social Policy from Turkmenistan
Laçin Ovazgeldiyeva, Turkmenistan's representative to TÜRKSOY, conveyed the supportive aspects of Turkmenistan's state policy towards women. ‘A mother is a mother everywhere; she is the source of humanity's existence and all the world's riches,’ said Ovazgeldiyeva, noting that women in Turkmenistan are active in every field, from diplomacy to education. She stated that the title of ‘Mother of the Nation’ given to mothers who have given birth to eight children and the social rights granted to them demonstrate the value placed on family and motherhood, adding that they appreciate Turkey's policies towards the family.
Reşide Yüksel, Deputy Chair of the AK Party responsible for relations with Turkic states:
Within the common value system of the Turkic world, the figure of the “mother” is a source of unity. Such cultural gatherings strengthen the bonds with our sister states.
Will for a Common Future
Throughout the roundtable meeting, speakers discussed how mothers have adapted to modern needs while preserving their traditional wisdom. Representatives from different Turkic republics expressed a common will to preserve the cultural values transmitted through mothers and to promote the concept of motherhood in the Turkic world on international platforms.
An important delegation from Kazakhstan participated in the Round Table Meeting. Dr Akmaral Ibrayeva, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Deputy Chair of Scientific Research at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, served as moderator for this delegation. The speakers included Nazipa Şanay, Chair of the Mothers' Council of the Kazakh People's Assembly and Member of the National Commission on Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, and Saltanat Aşimova, Deputy Director for General and Organisational Affairs at the State Museum of the Centre for the Approximation of Cultures under the auspices of UNESCO. Also attending the meeting were Dr Umutkan Munalbayeva, Doctor of Education Sciences, Professor and Head of the Department at the UNESCO-sponsored Centre for the Approximation of Cultures, and Gülnar Abiş, Director of the Kazakhstan Museum of Respect for Mothers.
Following discussions, the meeting ended with the adoption of a Final Declaration containing the objectives agreed upon followed by the handover of souveenirs, and a group photograph taken as a remembrance of the day..
