― 13 ноября 2025 г.
Symposium on the legacy of Dede Korkut held in Osmaniye
The International Dede Korkut / Korkut Ata Symposium, hosted by the Korkut Ata University of Osmaniye was held from November 12th to 14th, 2025 to shed light upon shared cultural values of the Turkic World from a scientific perspective.
Held under the motto ‘Past, Present, Future,’ the symposium discussed Turkic tradition, cultural heritage, and linguistic richness across various disciplines within the framework of the Book of Dede Korkut, which holds a special importance in the ancient memory of the Turkish nation.
The opening ceremony was held at the July 15th, Martyrs Amphitheatre. The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Osmaniye Dr. Erdinç Yılmaz, the Rector of the Korkut Ata University of Osmaniye Prof. Dr Turgay Uzun, the Rector of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr Alparslan Ceylan, the President of the Turkish Language Association Prof. Dr Osman Mert, the President of the Ahmed Cevad Institute Prof. Dr. Ruhi Ersoy, the President of the International Turkic Academy Prof. Dr. Şahin Mustafayev, and the President of the Atatürk Higher Institution of Culture, Language and History Prof. Dr. Derya Örs.
TURKSOY Secretary General Raev emphasised unity and language
In his message read at the opening of the symposium, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed the importance of Dede Korkut in the collective memory of the Turkish nation with the following words: "Gathering here today at this auspicious symposium bearing the sacred name of Dede Korkut is not just an academic meeting for us, but a union of hearts that carries the voice of history to the present day. This voice rising from Osmaniye is the shared spirit of the vast Turkic World stretching from the Altai Mountains to the Balkans, and from Siberia to Anatolia."
Secretary General Raev who further noted that Dede Korkut is a symbol of the Turkish nation's tradition of words, wisdom and customs also drew attention to TURKSOY's mission to preserve this heritage, saying: "It is our most sacred duty to keep alive the spirit of unity and solidarity hidden in the stories of Korkut Ata and to revive this cultural heritage in every kindred region of the world. At TURKSOY, we work with the understanding of “One nation, many states, one culture."
The unifying power of Turkish was emphasised
Secretary General Raev stated that this year's “World Turkic Language Family Day”, declared by UNESCO, gave the symposium a special meaning, drawing attention to the unifying power of Turkish.
‘Our language unites us, our story makes us a nation.’
Concluding his speech with the words ‘Long live the Turkic World, long live TURKSOY!’, Mr. Raev stated that the symposium contributes to the convergence of Turkic culture with universal values.
Throughout the three-day symposium, scholars working in the field of in Turkic language, literature, folklore, history and sociology will present their papers to discuss the cultural and linguistic heritage of Dede Korkut with a holistic approach.
