ANKARA, October 20. /Dunyo IA/.  Professor of the Department of Uzbek Linguistics at Ankara University in Türkiye Aynur Öz Özcan, in an interview with Dunyo IA, congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the Uzbek Language Day, celebrated on October 21^st:

- In 2019, when I arrived in Uzbekistan, much became a true revelation for me. I was particularly pleased that people on the streets began to speak the Uzbek language much better and more proficiently. Witnessing these changes brought me great joy.

That year, I actively participated in events dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of granting the Uzbek language the status of the state language. During this period, Department for the Development of the State Language, Uzbek Language Development Fund and Center for Training and Advanced Training in the Basics of Working in the State Language were established. All of this demonstrates that the country is resolutely determined to develop the Uzbek language and expand its scope of use in all spheres of public life.

Organizations operating in this field are currently conducting active and fruitful activities, such as publishing books and organizing scientific symposiums. For instance, last year I participated in one of these events. These traditional gatherings make a significant contribution to the development of the Uzbek language and the strengthening of scientific cooperation in the field of linguistics.

One of the key indicators of the rising prestige and relevance of the Uzbek language in recent years was the address delivered in the Uzbek language by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev from the rostrum of the United Nations General Assembly. This demonstrates deep respect and love for the mother tongue and the Uzbek people. For me, this carries special significance.

In 2020, Uzbek Language Day was also established, which I consider to be one of the most critical milestones reflecting the elevation of the language's status and importance.

Another vital factor that caught my attention is that state affairs and official administration are conducted in the Uzbek language. To support this, relevant books and dictionaries have been prepared. Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to use the state language, which, in my view, is of paramount importance.

All of these efforts are of immense significance not only for the development of the Uzbek language but also for expanding the scope of use of Turkic languages worldwide.