Museum Leaders of the Turkic World Gathered in Ankara
The working meeting of the coordinators of TÜRKSOY Museum Union member states took place in Ankara on December 20–21, 2024.
In his speech, TÜRKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev praised the activities of the TÜRKSOY Museum Union since its establishment in 2022, emphasizing that the organization significantly contributes to the development of museum work in the Turkic World.
The event brought together museum leaders from Azerbaijan, Gagauzia (Moldova), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Northern Cyprus, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and representatives of the Museum Union.
Speakers at the opening session included Bülent Gönültaş, Deputy Director General for Cultural Assets and Museums at the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Erhan Karakaya, Head of Ankara Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism; Serkan Gedük, Head of the Museum Department of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums; Ali Haydar Atalar, Director of the July 15 Democracy Museum; and Dr. Javid Movsumli, General Coordinator of the TÜRKSOY Museum Union.
During the exchange of views, participants discussed the events planned by the Union for 2025, the development of an award system in the museum field, support for creating museums of Turkic peoples, the implementation of the TÜRKSOY museum card, increasing Union membership, advancing digital projects, and other significant issues. The coordinators approved the decisions made by the member countries.
After the working meeting, a cultural program was organized at the Ankara Museum of Painting and Sculpture for the museum directors from the Turkic World. The program featured traditional dances from the Trabzon region, the Seğmen dance, Caucasian folk dances, and a performance by the Ottoman military band “Mehter.”
The Museum Union's next meeting will take place in Aktau, one of Kazakhstan's key historical centers. Aktau has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2025.
