AKTAU, November 30. /Dunyo IA/. The 42nd session of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) was convened in Aktau, Kazakhstan, alongside the closing ceremony of the “Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025” initiative, reports Dunyo IA correspondent/

A delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, arrived in Aktau to participate in the official events. The delegation also included Elyorbek Karimov, Khokim of Andijan city, alongside representatives from the creative sector, including prominent artists and dance ensembles.

On 28 November, under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture, Aida Balaeva, the 42nd meeting of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) was held. Participants reviewed initiatives presented at the summit held on 7 October in Gabala, discussed the establishment of a working group to enhance TÜRKSOY’s activities in 2026, and assessed the implementation of the “Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025” project.

Following the meeting, the temporary coordination of TÜRKSOY’s activities was transferred to the Uzbek side. Subsequently, representatives of the ministries of culture of the member states signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cultural collaboration across the Turkic world.

During the meeting, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, delivered an address outlining proposals to expand cultural cooperation within the framework of TÜRKSOY.

In particular, the Minister emphasized the importance of holding an international event in February 2026 at the organization’s headquarters to commemorate the 585th anniversary of Alisher Navoi’s birth. The program includes the publication of a new collection of Navoi’s works and a special concert performance by the Yunus Rajabi “Maqom” Ensemble, presenting the poet’s ghazals in Ankara and other cities across Turkiye.

The Minister of Culture also proposed the launch, beginning in 2026, of an international competition titled “Voice of TÜRKSOY”, as well as the establishment of a TÜRKSOY Ensemble. This ensemble will bring together performers of maqom, traditional bardic music, and dance groups from member states, with plans for their subsequent performances at prestigious concert venues.

The city of Aktau, designated as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2025, has hosted nearly thirty diverse cultural and artistic events throughout the year, with active participation from representatives of Uzbekistan.

The official closing ceremony of the project, held on November 28, was attended by Aida Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan; Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TÜRKSOY; Binali Yıldırım, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States; Abilkair Baipakov, Akim of Aktau; heads of culture ministries from member states; representatives of international organizations and diplomatic missions; as well as a broad spectrum of artists and creative professionals.

The ceremony featured a festive concert showcasing more than 300 performers from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Turkmenistan, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Turkic world.

At the conclusion of the event, the title of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026” was officially handed over by the Akim of Aktau to the Akim of Andijan.

During the ceremony, Aida Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on Andijan receiving this prestigious designation and expressed confidence that the city will emerge as a new prominent cultural hub within the Turkic world.