The “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” title of TURKSOY was officially transferred from Aktau to Andijan at a ceremonial event.

According to a statement by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the prestigious title was transferred from Aktau, Kazakhstan, to Andijan, Uzbekistan, during a grand ceremony.

Aktau, located on the Caspian Sea coast and designated as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” throughout 2025, hosted a colorful closing ceremony. The title was officially handed over to Andijan during a remarkable gala concert.

The concert, held at the Halyk Arena in Aktau and featuring around 250 artists, brought together numerous high-ranking officials and thousands of art lovers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and other regions of the Turkic world.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva, emphasized in her speech that Aktau had carried the title of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” well. She stated that throughout the year, the city had hosted over 30 international events, ranging from theatre productions and opera performances to film festivals and scientific conferences, adding:

“Aktau has fulfilled this historic responsibility with honor and completed its mission. Festivals held along the Caspian coast brought together hundreds of artists from seven countries and over 100,000 spectators. This scene clearly showed us how strong the bonds of our shared culture are.”

“Our cooperation in culture is the strongest guarantee for the future of the Turkic world.”

Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Binali Yıldırım, delivered greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and highlighted the strategic importance of culture.

“Roads, bridges, and ports are visible achievements, but culture defines both the roots and the vision of a nation. Therefore, our cultural cooperation is the strongest guarantee for the future of the Turkic world. We build bridges, and those who will cross them and shape tomorrow are our youth,” Yıldırım said.

TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed his satisfaction with Aktau’s organizational success throughout the year. He stated that the city had become a meeting point for the entire Turkic world and that cultural diplomacy would continue to be strengthened through joint projects in the coming years.

Andijan Governor Shukhratbek Abdurakhmanov also said they were ready to present the city’s ancient history and culture to the world in 2026 and expressed his great pleasure at taking on this honorary title.

Anadolu Agency