At the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference — the specialized agency of the United Nations for education, science and culture — held in the city of Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, the date of 15 December was officially proclaimed as the “World Day of the Turkic Language Family”, an event of great significance for the international community.
This historic decision marks the international recognition of the great contribution of Turkic languages and civilization to world culture. It also draws special attention to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Turkic languages, which unite over 200 million people worldwide.
This important decision is not only a language celebration, but also an important step in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the Turkic world. This decision demonstrates to the world that the centuries-old history, literature, art and intangible cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples are a common value for all humanity. It also contributes to the strengthening of mutual understanding, friendship and brotherhood, and cultural relations among different nations.
Turkmenistan also attaches great importance to the development of Turkic languages and culture. The Turkmen language is widely promoted worldwide within the framework of international cooperation. The rich vocabulary of the Turkmen language, folklore, the creativity of our poets, and our national culture are an integral part of the common heritage of the Turkic world. Scientific and practical conferences, international forums, and cultural events held in our country in this area serve to strengthen friendship and brotherhood between nations.
The Turkic language family currently includes several languages that are widely spoken across Asia and Europe. Turkmen, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other languages are the main representatives of this large family. The number of speakers of these languages is over 200 million worldwide, and they are all connected by common historical, cultural, and linguistic roots.
December 15th — World Day of the Turkic Language Family is a holiday that reminds us that Turkic languages are not only a means of communication, but also a precious treasure that transmits the cultural heritage, spiritual values, and historical integrity of peoples from generation to generation. Today, it provides a great opportunity for the development and scientific study of Turkic languages, as well as for the dissemination of the rich literary heritage created in these languages on a global scale. Friendship, unity and spiritual closeness are at the root of Turkic languages. This holiday unites peoples and opens up new opportunities for cultural relations. Our duty is to preserve this precious treasure inherited from our ancestors — our language, literature, and cultural heritage — and to pass it on to the younger generations.
Mammetoraz ORAZBERDIYEV,
chief specialist of the Organizational department of the
Balkanabat city Council of the Youth organization of
Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly.
