Azerbaijan Opens Turkic World Week to Mark Centenary of First Turkological Congress

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan on Monday inaugurated Turkic World Week, marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, with an opening ceremony at the Heydar Aliyev Center attended by leading scholars, academics, and representatives of Turkic organizations from across the world.

The ceremony brought together around 80 prominent Turkologists and researchers from scientific institutions in 20 countries, including the Turkic republics, alongside representatives of major Turkic international organizations.

The week-long programme of scientific and cultural events is being held under a decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev on October 22, 2025, commemorating the centenary of the historic First Turkological Congress.

During the opening ceremony, Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration, delivered President Ilham Aliyev’s message to participants. The gathering also heard congratulatory messages from the presidents of Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli said the country has always attached great importance to preserving the legacy of the First Turkological Congress. He noted that commemorating its 100th anniversary at the state level reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the shared scientific and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

Karimli added that the commemorative activities would continue in the Garabagh region, including the cities of Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, as part of the broader Turkic World Week programme.

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Kubanychbek Omuraliev, emphasized that the principles and vision of the First Turkological Congress remain highly relevant for strengthening cooperation and integration among Turkic nations. He expressed confidence that the centenary events would promote a deeper understanding of the common historical legacy, help pass it on to future generations, and further reinforce unity across the Turkic world.

Deputy Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, Rafael Huseynov, described the First Turkological Congress as a landmark event in the scientific, cultural, and political history of the Turkic world, underscoring its lasting significance.

The opening ceremony concluded with a cultural performance celebrating the shared traditions and heritage of Turkic peoples before continuing with a series of panel discussions featuring scholars and experts.

Turkic World Week will continue until July 3 and is jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the Ministry of Science and Education, in partnership with the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, Baku State University, the Turkic Academy, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.