An event dedicated to World Turkic Language Family Day was held in Ashgabat, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Turkmenistan following UNESCO’s declaration of December 15 as the official day commemorating the Turkic Language Family.

The event brought together media representatives, public figures, and distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Mr. Nursahet Shirimov, as well as ambassadors of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) accredited to Turkmenistan who delivered speeches during the event.

In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Turkic languages, as well as initiatives implemented within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States to enhance cultural, scientific, and humanitarian cooperation among Turkic nations. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of safeguarding the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world and transmitting its unity and common values to future generations.

Addressing the audience, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, Mr. Gismat Gozalov, recalled that December 15 was officially proclaimed World Turkic Language Family Day during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference held in Uzbekistan in 2025. He underscored the significance of advancing dialogue on a common language and alphabet among the Turkic States, noting that this initiative reflects a long-standing aspiration rooted in shared history and identity. Ambassador Gozalov further noted that a relevant decree was signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. He emphasized that the President’s call, made in connection with this historic anniversary, was also reflected in the Declaration adopted at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Gabala on October 6–7, 2025. This, he stated, once again reaffirmed that common historical and ethnic roots and closely related languages unite the Turkic peoples as one family. The Ambassador placed special emphasis on the First Turkological Congress held in Baku in 1926, describing it as a landmark event in the scientific, cultural, and national awakening of the Turkic world. He noted that the Congress marked an important stage in the cultural integration of Turkic peoples with a rich shared past and ancient heritage. During the forum, key issues of Turkology were comprehensively discussed, and significant decisions were made concerning the future development of Turkic languages, history, ethnography, literature, and culture. In particular, the transition to a unified all-Turkic alphabet based on the Latin script received considerable attention.

Ambassador Gozalov underlined that the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States holds special importance for preserving historical memory and strengthening common values. In this context, he noted that in June 2025 the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences adopted a decision to mark the anniversary, followed by the organization of an international scientific conference in Baku on September 30, 2025, jointly hosted by the Academy and the Turkic Language Association.

Reflecting on the continued scholarly legacy of the Congress, the Ambassador also recalled that on April 28, 1976, Turkmenistan hosted the Second Republican Conference of Young Philologists at the Makhtumkulu Faraghi Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. The conference, entitled “Current Issues of Turkmen Philology,” was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress.

The event in Ashgabat concluded with the screening of video presentations showcasing the cultural heritage of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, accompanied by musical performances reflecting the rich diversity of the Turkic world.