Aktau holds a special place in the process of uniting Turkic nations, having been granted the status of the cultural capital of the Turkic world. This designation highlights the city’s strategic and cultural significance, positioning it as a key hub for interaction between Turkic countries. Kazakhstan, as one of the leaders of Turkic unity, demonstrates its commitment to strengthening fraternal relations, with Aktau symbolizing this aspiration.
The title of "Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" is not only an honor but also a significant responsibility for local authorities and residents. Aktau must meet expectations and represent Kazakhstan at a high level by showcasing hospitality, culture, and economic potential. This is an opportunity to draw attention to the region, highlight its investment opportunities and tourism potential, and, most importantly, emphasize the rich historical heritage and unity of Turkic peoples.
The events planned in Aktau as part of this status are expected to serve as a starting point for deepening cooperation among Turkic states. Cultural festivals and meetings will create a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and joint projects, strengthening cultural ties and opening new prospects for the development of science and education.
Situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Aktau is becoming a gateway to the Turkic world, linking East and West. The city's strategic location makes it an ideal venue for international meetings and dialogue. It is crucial that the status of the Turkic world’s capital does not remain merely a temporary event but serves as a catalyst for the city's further development and increased importance on the international stage.
This status is not only an opportunity to strengthen ties between nations but also a chance for Aktau to reach a new level of development.
One of the key events will take place in April and will continue for several months. In the autumn, the region will host guests from brotherly states for the "Historical and Cultural Role of Mangystau in the Turkic World" conference, organized by the Mangystau State Historical and Cultural Reserve.
As part of preparations, reserve specialists visited the Republic of Türkiye to study the connection between Mangystau monuments and the Oghuz culture. The trip included reserve leadership, staff, and a representative from Yessenov University, a flagship institution of higher education in Mangystau that actively participates in the events related to "Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World."
The visit aimed to exchange experience with colleagues on the preservation and protection of historical and cultural monuments. A meeting was held with Şükran Inser, head of the Cappadocia University Research Center, who provided insights into historical monuments in the town of Mustafapaşa. The delegation also visited the Kayaşehir settlement, home to Byzantine-era rock-carved monuments dating back to the 13th century. Hatice Temur Yıldız, head of the Nevşehir Regional Laboratory Center for Restoration and Conservation, introduced the delegation to the laboratory's work.
During their visit to Türkiye, the Mangystau delegation also explored Kaymaklı, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, they participated in the Second International Scientific and Practical Conference at Hacı Bektaş Veli University in Nevşehir, where scholars from Japan and Italy presented research on frescoes and rock paintings in Tokalı Church in the Göreme National Park and the Church of St. Simeon—both UNESCO-listed sites.
Currently, reserve specialists are preparing for the "Historical and Cultural Role of Mangystau in the Turkic World" conference, which will bring together representatives from Turkic nations and play a key role in advancing scientific research. The conference will provide scholars with a platform to present their studies, receive feedback from colleagues, and explore new research ideas.
Baltabay BALAPAN,
Acting Head of the Mangystau State Historical and Cultural Reserve
