ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev joined leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member states to open the Avenue of the Turkic World in Ankara on Oct. 29, ahead of the organization’s 13th summit. From L to R: Emine Erdoğan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Pjoto credit: Akorda. The opening ceremony featured national pavilions representing Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, showcasing the cultural diversity, spiritual traditions and shared heritage of Turkic peoples. The Kazakh pavilion featured a traditional yurt, symbolizing the spirit of the Great Steppe and the shared historical roots of the Turkic world.
The leaders were introduced to elements of ancient Turkic civilization reflected in the yurt’s interior, including the legacy of the Saka people, traditional Kazakh life in harmony with nature, and the country’s modern identity. Guests also viewed the Saka Hunter sculpture, which represents the Kazakh tradition of hunting with birds of prey and tazy dogs, as well as the Orkhon inscriptions, important sources of information about ancient Turkic culture.
Tokayev and the other OTS leaders also took part in a tree-planting ceremony along the Avenue of the Turkic World. The program included a concert featuring works from OTS member states, performed by the Turkic World ensemble and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
The program also featured traditional dances from Turkic countries, along with performances by Turkish singer Kıraç and Kazakh People’s Artist Dimash Qudaibergen. Tokayev arrived in Ankara on Oct. 28 for an official visit to Türkiye and is scheduled to attend the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States.