Turkistan Named Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2027
Astana, The Gulf Observer: The ancient city of Turkistan has been designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2027 by decision of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced on social media.
As part of the initiative, Kazakhstan plans to host a series of large-scale international events aimed at preserving spiritual unity and ensuring the continuity of Turkic civilisation. Among the key events planned is an international forum named after Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, dedicated to literature and linguistics, as well as a gathering of museum professionals from across the Turkic and Islamic worlds.
The designation reflects Turkistan’s enduring standing as a centre of spiritual and cultural heritage. The city is home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, the revered twelfth-century Sufi poet and thinker, and is widely regarded as a spiritual heart of the Turkic world.
The announcement follows President Tokayev’s remarks at the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), where he underscored the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties among Turkic nations.
The year-long programme is expected to draw scholars, cultural figures and institutions from across the Islamic world to Turkistan, further enhancing Kazakhstan’s role as a bridge for cultural dialogue and cooperation.
