Aktau: Cultural Capital of the Turkic World – Celebrating Unity and Heritage in 2025
Aktau, Kazakhstan’s city on the shores of the Caspian Sea, has been officially declared as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2025. The grand opening ceremony took place on April 5 and was attended by esteemed guests from Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Hungary. The event attracted over 100,000 spectators from Kazakhstan and beyond.
Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva delivered a welcoming speech at the ceremony, where she also read out a congratulatory letter from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. President Tokayev emphasized the significance of this event for Kazakhstan and all Turkic nations, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the Mangystau land and the Ustyurt region.
During the official program, Balayeva engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives of international cultural organizations and departments from Turkic countries. Discussions focused on strengthening cultural ties, developing international partnerships, and collectively promoting the rich heritage of the Turkic world.
One of the key attractions of the festivities was the unveiling of the Darkhan Dala ethno-town, a cultural space dedicated to preserving and showcasing Kazakh traditions and the history of Turkic peoples. Guests from different Turkic countries also presented their unique crafts, such as Turkish embroidery, textiles, and carpets from Turkmenistan, highlighting the shared artistic heritage that unites the Turkic world.
The event also featured performances by international stars, including Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen, Azerbaijani singer Roza Zergerli, Uzbek star Yulduz Usmanova, and Kazakh artist Kalifarniya. Qudaibergen had a heartwarming encounter with an 87-year-old craftswoman who gifted him a hand-knitted shashak, as well as a meeting with a 23-year-old young man with disabilities whose dream came true on this special day.
The cultural capital of the Turkic world designation for Aktau in 2025 signifies a momentous occasion for Kazakhstan and the Turkic nations, as they come together to celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen cultural bonds.
