The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World was transferred from Bursa to the city of Shusha in Azerbaijan
The title “Cultural Capital” was transferred to Shusha, Azerbaijan, as part of the closing program of Shusha Days, held in Bursa, the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2022,” with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Shusha, the ancient city of Azerbaijan, was promoted during Shusha Days, held by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and Bursa Metropolitan Municipality in Bursa, the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2022,” from December 8 to 9, 2022, with the contribution of TİKA.
Bursa, which had successfully held the title of the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for a year pursuant to the decision made in the 38th Term Meeting of the Permanent Council of TÜRKSOY, handed over the cultural flag to Shusha, Azerbaijan, at the closing program of the event.
Shusha Days in Bursa was attended by Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TÜRKSOY; Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS); Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of President in the Shusha district; Gunay Afandiyeva, President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation; Yakup Canbolat, Governor of Bursa; and Alinur Aktaş, Mayor of Bursa.
In his speech, Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TÜRKSOY, said, “Shusha is a very important and meaningful place for the entire Turkic World. The victory of Shusha did not only take the cooperation between our countries one step further, but it also symbolizes a glorious and blessed process that brings together all our stakeholders and shapes our future.
We will celebrate both the 30th anniversary of our organization, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, and the declaration of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World.”
As part of Shusha Days in Bursa, Khurshidbanu Natavan, a poet from Shusha and the only heir of the Karabakh khan, was commemorated, and the play My Heart Remains in Shusha, adapted from the works of Azerbaijani poet Ilyas Afandiyev, was performed.
