Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Within the framework of the Week of the Turkic World, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) hosted an international scientific conference entitled “The First Turkological Congress: A Century of Scientific and Cultural Heritage.”

The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the partnership of the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, Baku State University, the International Turkic Academy, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

Among the participants were Maharram Ahmadov, Deputy Head of the Department for Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Affairs of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli; Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli; Adviser to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev; Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov; senior officials of TURKSOY, Baku State University, the International Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, heads of the Academies of Sciences of the Turkic world, representatives of academic institutions, members of parliament, directors and staff members of ANAS research institutes and organizations.

At the beginning of the conference, the participants observed a minute of silence in memory of those who took part in the First Turkological Congress.

Welcoming the participants from the historic hall where the First Turkological Congress had convened exactly one hundred years ago, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, stated that, in accordance with the Decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 22 October 2025, a series of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress are being held throughout Azerbaijan and in various cities across the Turkic world.

The Academician noted that the opening ceremony of the anniversary events had been organized at a high level by the Ministry of Culture the previous day, while nearly forty countries were represented at the international conference held today. He also recalled that ANAS had launched its programme dedicated to the centenary of the First Turkological Congress on 27 February of the current year. According to him, more than 200 scholars and experts have participated in the anniversary programme, including both the inaugural event and the present conference.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that the First Turkological Congress was held in this very historic hall from 26 February to 6 March 1926. He noted that, alongside official delegations, prominent representatives of Azerbaijani literature, including Huseyn Javid, Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, and Jafar Jabbarli, also participated in the Congress.

The President of ANAS stressed that the First Turkological Congress is regarded as one of the greatest scientific events in the history of Turkology, not only because of its geographical scope but also due to the breadth of the issues discussed and its exceptional place in the history of social thought. According to him, the papers presented at the Congress laid the foundation for the subsequent development of Turkological studies.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli further emphasized that the First Turkological Congress was the first to establish the concept of “Turkology” as an independent scientific term and introduce it into academic circulation, thereby laying the foundations for the systematic development of Turkology as a distinct field of scholarship. He pointed out that although, during the Soviet period, Turkology was deliberately presented primarily as a branch of linguistics, in reality it is a comprehensive field encompassing literature, history, folklore studies, philosophy, ethnography, art studies, culture and other humanities disciplines.

The Academician also noted that, in the modern era, the activities of the Organization of Turkic States, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and TURKSOY have made significant contributions to the scientific and cultural integration of the Turkic world. He emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev’s statement, “The Turkic world is our family,” constitutes the principal ideological foundation of Azerbaijan's policy towards the Turkic world.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli recalled that, at the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gabala, a decision was adopted at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress throughout the Turkic world. As witnessed during the previous day's events, for the first time in the history of the Turkic states, the Heads of State of five countries addressed congratulatory messages to the participants on the occasion of the anniversary.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli further noted that, in connection with the jubilee of the First Turkological Congress, more than 70 scholarly publications had been published at ANAS during 2025–2026. He also presented the first anthology published in Azerbaijan on the basis of the Common Turkic Alphabet and informed the participants that the Bibliography of the First Turkological Congress had also been published. The Academician emphasized that today ANAS conducts comprehensive research into the literature, history, folklore, philosophy, art, and culture of the Turkic peoples.

Addressing the conference, President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), Professor Muzaffer Şeker, outlined his strategic vision for the development of science and culture in the Turkic world and highlighted the significance of a century of shared scholarly heritage. He described the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku one hundred years ago, as one of the most important turning points in the common history of Turkic scholarship.

Professor Muzaffer Şeker noted that the practical decisions adopted at the First Turkological Congress established a common scholarly approach to the Turkic language, history, and culture, and that this historic dialogue has continued in Baku a century later. Expressing his satisfaction with participating in the conference, he stressed that the prestigious event held in Baku from 26 February to 6 March 1926 was not merely an academic gathering but also an intellectual awakening that scientifically redefined the socio-cultural boundaries of the Turkic world.

Speaking at the conference, representative of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Academician Gezim Hoxha, expressed his pleasure at participating in this distinguished international scientific platform and conveyed his sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to the participating delegations.

Touching upon the importance of preserving the scientific legacy of the First Turkological Congress, Academician Gezim Hoxha stated that this historic event clearly demonstrated that scientific progress is built upon international cooperation and mutual respect for diverse scholarly traditions. According to him, the advancement of science is achieved not within national borders alone, but through dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

In his address, President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History of Türkiye, Professor Derya Örs, stated that the principal factor strengthening relations among the Turkic peoples is not political borders but rather their common language, culture, and spiritual values. He emphasized that preserving the rich scientific and cultural heritage left by previous generations, further developing it, and passing it on to future generations is the responsibility of every Turkologist.

Adviser to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev noted that, at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding, it is particularly important for young people to preserve their native language and national spiritual values. He added that commemorating the centenary of the First Turkological Congress in the very building where it was originally held carries profound symbolic significance. According to him, the fact that eminent scholars and intellectuals of the Turkic world gathered in this historic venue a century ago to exchange ideas for a common future inspires today's participants with a deep sense of pride and responsibility.

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov stated that the ideas laid down at the First Turkological Congress in Baku one hundred years ago continue to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among the Turkic states today. He stressed that, while every nation should preserve its own national identity, language, and cultural heritage, it should also work together to safeguard and promote the common values of the Turkic world.

The conference also featured addresses by People's Poet Sabir Rustamkhanli, Associate Professor Tudora Arnaut, a Gagauz scholar from Ukraine, Gullu Karangil of Comrat State University of Gagauzia (Moldova), and other speakers. They emphasized that the ideas of the First Turkological Congress remain relevant today and underscored the importance of preserving the unity and solidarity of the Turkic world while further strengthening mutual cooperation.

Concluding the conference, Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated that the spirit of the First Turkological Congress continues to unite the Turkic world today. He noted that the intellectual atmosphere created by the distinguished scholars, intellectuals, and patriots of the Turkic world who gathered in this historic building in 1926 can still be felt today.

"As we listen to today's speeches, it is as though we are returning one hundred years into the past," the Minister said. "Even when reading the speeches recorded in the Congress proceedings, one can clearly sense the atmosphere of that period, as well as the spirit and energy that remain embedded within these walls. This spirit of unity and the shared vision built around common values continue to live on today."

According to Minister Adil Karimli, under the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has in recent years consistently implemented important measures aimed at preserving and promoting the common historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic world. These initiatives make a significant contribution to the formation of a common cultural space and to further strengthening cooperation among the Turkic peoples.

Following the speeches, a group of scholars were presented with the "100th Anniversary of the First Turkological Congress (1926–2026)" commemorative badge established by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The participants also posed for commemorative photographs.

The conference continued with panel sessions.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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