Tokayev Hails Almaty as Spiritual Hub as City Named Youth Capital of Turkic World 2025

Almaty, The Gulf Observer: The IV International Youth Festival of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) opened on August 18 in Almaty, which has officially been designated the Youth Capital of the Turkic World for 2025.

At the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva delivered a congratulatory message from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the festival participants. The President emphasized Almaty’s role as the “golden cradle of Independence” and a “spiritual center not only for the Kazakh people, but for the entire Turkic world.” He expressed confidence that the gathering of young representatives from OTS member states would inspire new friendships, ideas, and joint projects that strengthen unity across the Turkic world.

Highlighting Almaty’s historic role as a hub of culture, science, and education, Minister Balayeva noted that the city has become a platform for innovation and collaboration among young leaders. OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev underscored the significance of transferring the Youth Capital title from Lankaran to Almaty, saying the recognition reflects both continuity of shared values and the growing role of youth in shaping the future of the Turkic world.

Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy stressed that the city has emerged as a unifying platform for young people of Turkic nations, serving as a symbol of trust and shared aspirations for cultural revival and stronger ties.

The two-day festival, running until August 19, gathers youth delegations from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Participants will exchange experiences in youth policy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and social initiatives, reinforcing the role of young generations in advancing regional cooperation and development.