TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev Congratulates the People

Today, April 5, the official opening ceremony of "Aktau – The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" took place in Aktau. The Secretary General of the International Organization TURKSOY, Sultan Raev, attended the event to personally congratulate the city’s residents and guests on this prestigious title, sharing his warm wishes with the audience.

"We are honored to witness the grand opening of Aktau as 'The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World'! Kazakhstan, a land that has revived its national traditions and cultural heritage, is now fulfilling the noble aspirations of the Alash intellectuals. It is a nation that has reclaimed its historical legacy, strengthened its sovereignty, and earned global recognition. Today, Kazakhstan stands as a powerful country with a strong national identity, a stable political system, and a distinguished reputation on the international stage. It is the shining star of Central Asia and the entire Turkic world. The Kazakh people are a nation united in harmony, with a young generation striving for progress. The world acknowledges and respects Kazakhstan as a leading and influential state," Sultan Raev declared in his opening remarks.

Honoring Mangystau’s Heritage

The Secretary General highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Mangystau region:

"Mangystau has given the world great figures such as Kashagan, Abyl, Sugir, and the revered Abish Kekilbayev, as well as countless heroic warriors. The sacred land of Otpan Tau, the golden heart of Mangystau, has witnessed the footsteps of our ancestors and the hooves of their horses. It was here that great leaders and warriors gathered to make crucial decisions for their people.

The legendary Abish Kekilbayev, born in this very land, became not only a literary giant of Kazakhstan but also an esteemed figure in the entire Turkic world. In his novel 'The End of the Legend,' he explored the significance of lineage in national identity, warning that the loss of cultural roots leads to alienation. This concept was later deepened and expanded by the renowned writer Chingiz Aitmatov, leaving a profound impact on readers worldwide,"* he noted.

Cultural Milestones and Future Plans

Sultan Raev also emphasized that this year marks the 275th anniversary of Pir Beket Ata Myrzagululy, and this milestone will be appropriately celebrated within the framework of the "Aktau – The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" program.

Additionally, he announced that TURKSOY would publish a Turkish translation of the works of Serikbol Kondybay, a prominent scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Kazakh mythology. This book will be released in Turkey under the auspices of TURKSOY.

Why Aktau Was Chosen as the Cultural Capital

Sultan Raev underscored that TURKSOY's decision to name Aktau as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2025 was far from arbitrary:

"This year, Aktau will become a true center of Turkic culture, where our brotherly nations will strengthen their cultural and literary ties, exchange traditions, and deepen their mutual understanding. Throughout 2025, the world will witness a series of grand events as part of TURKSOY’s 'Cultural Capital of the Turkic World' initiative. We are confident that this will be an unforgettable year of cultural unity and celebration!" he expressed with great optimism.