Andijan to Become the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 42nd meeting of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and the closing ceremony of the “Aktau — Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025” project were held in the Kazakh city of Aktau, Dunyo news agency reported.

A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, took part in the official events.

The delegation included the hokim of Andijan city, Elyorbek Karimov, as well as representatives of creative groups and artists.

The meeting of the Permanent Council, held on 28 November under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture Aida Balayeva, focused on summarizing the implementation of the “Aktau — Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” project and discussing TURKSOY’s future initiatives.

Participants reviewed the establishment of a working group to improve the organization’s activities in 2026, while temporary coordination of TURKSOY’s work was transferred to the Uzbek side.

At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of the culture ministries of the member states signed a joint declaration.

In his speech, Ozodbek Nazarbekov presented proposals for expanding cultural cooperation.

The minister emphasized the importance of holding an international event in February 2026 dedicated to the 585th anniversary of the birth of Alisher Navoi, including the publication of a new collection of his works and preparation of a special concert program by the Yunus Rajabi “Maqom” Ensemble featuring the poet’s ghazals to be performed in Ankara and other cities of Türkiye.

He also proposed launching the international competition “Voice of TURKSOY” and creating an ensemble under the organization that would unite performers of maqom, bakhshi art, and dance groups from member countries, followed by organizing their performances at major concert venues.

Aktau, designated as the cultural capital of the Turkic world for 2025, held around thirty cultural and artistic events throughout the year, with active participation from Uzbekistan.

The closing ceremony of the project, held on 28 November, brought together culture ministers of the member states, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yıldırım, the hokim of Aktau Abilkair Baipakov, as well as representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and creative groups.

More than 300 artists from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Turkmenistan performed at the gala concert.

At the end of the event, the status of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World — 2026” was officially transferred to the hokim of Andijan city.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture Aida Balayeva congratulated the people of Uzbekistan and expressed confidence that Andijan will become a new, significant cultural center of the Turkic world.