On 13-14 October 2023, the First Turkic World Cultural Forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha.
The opening ceremony of the Forum was addressed by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of TURKPA Mehmet Süreyya Er, President of the Turkic Academy Shahin Mustafayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan Isa Habibbeyli and Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union Anar Rzayev, as well as figures of science, art, literature and culture from TURKSOY member countries.
Speaking at the event, Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er noted that such cultural events contribute to the development and promotion of the rich heritage of the Turkic peoples, who are the creators of a unique and inimitable culture, as well as to their rapprochement. He emphasized the need on increasing the visibility of the Turkic world against the backdrop of the growing importance of cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue in the world.
The forum continued its work within the framework of three panels: “Turkic languages and literature: differentiation and integration”, “Best practices in the field of protection and restoration of cultural and historical heritage”, and “Creative industries and innovations”.
Participants of the event became acquainted with the exhibition, containing the photographs, documents and video materials reflecting the merits of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The guests also visited the Saatli city mosque and the Shusha creative center.
On 13 October 2023, Secretary General also took part in the 40th Meeting of the TURKSOY Permanent Council.
Term Coordinator of TURKSOY, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Raev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha Aydin Kerimov, Chairperson of the Culture Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kumys Seitova, First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Kairat Imanaliev, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhodir Akhmedov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye Dr. Serdar Çam, Head of the External Relations Department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan Bilbil Babayeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the TRNC, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, Head of the General Directorate of Culture and Tourism of Gagauzia (Moldova) Marina Semenova, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of TURKPA Mehmet Süreyya Er, President of the Turkic Academy Shahin Mustafayev delivered speeches at the event.
On 14 October 2023, Secretary General made a speech in the round table on public policy and international cooperation in the field of protection, restoration and conservation of historical and cultural monuments in the Turkic world organized by the Turkic Academy within the framework of the First Turkic World Cultural Forum.
The round table was attended by heads of cultural heritage institutions of the Turkic states. The event served as a platform for exchanging experiences, ideas and developing approaches to promoting and preserving the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world. The participants spoke about the practices of their countries in the field of restoration and preservation of cultural and historical heritage. They expressed readiness to combine efforts and cooperate in the preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible Turkic cultural heritage, including in the field of recording and preservation of cultural heritage in digital form.
The Turkic Academy and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly presented a concept note on the establishment of the Program of Cultural Routes of the Turkic World, which was prepared by the Turkic Academy. The goals of the Program are the preservation of cultural heritage, cultural exchange and cooperation, as well as economic development through tourism.
