Aktau will be declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2025 and will take over the baton from the Turkmen city of Anau. According to Tengrinews, which contacted the Aktau Akimat (city administration), preparations for various cultural and sporting events are already underway.

The planned program includes concerts of classical and folk music, photo and art exhibitions, a festival of theater troupes, performances by musical and dance groups, and artists from all over the Turkic world.

The city will also host a meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of Turkic-speaking countries, folklore performances, competitions, international forums, symposia of artists and sculptors, scientific and practical conferences, and excursions to historical sites and landmarks.

The decision to recognize Aktau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2025 was made during the 40th session of the member states of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on October 13-14 of last year.

Following the meeting, TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev noted that Aktau was chosen due to its rich historical heritage and numerous monuments representing the common cultural heritage of the entire Turkic world.

“Previously, Astana and Turkestan were the capitals of the Turkic world in Kazakhstan. I have no doubt that Aktau will justify this honor. The world community will see and learn about the Turkic traditions and ties that unite the fraternal Turkic people. In TURKSOY, our duty is to promote and spread the common Turkic culture around the world, and we are fully committed to this mission,” said Raev.

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