On December 20, The capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana, hosted the “Roots of Brotherhood: Models of Outstanding Personalities” international conference today, marking the culmination of the 100th anniversary year for the Turkic World. The momentous year saw celebrations honoring the centenaries of the Republic of Türkiye’s founding, the birth of Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev, and the birth of renowned Kazakh writer Kemel Tokayev.
Organized by the Turkic Academy, the conference brought together eminent state and public figures, heads of diplomatic missions, scholars, and intellectuals at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event featured the unveiling of significant works, including the Kazakh translation of historian Afet İnan’s “Remembering Atatürk.” This marks the first translation of the book, originally published in 2021 by the Turkic Historical Society. Afet İnan, a leading figure in the Turkish female intellectual community, shares her memories and thoughts about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
Additional highlights included the presentation of “Charismatic Leader, Bright Personality Haydar Aliyev,” based on the memoirs of Hasan Hasanov, former Prime Minister of Azerbaijan and member of the OTS Elders’ Council. The book delves into the life of Heydar Aliyev during the pivotal period leading up to independence.
The conference also showcased “Kemel Tokayev: The Life Story of a Pen Master,” shedding light on the Kazakh writer who pioneered the detective genre in Kazakh literature. The first part of the book features memoirs by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokaev, while the second part includes memories and opinions about Kemel Tokayev by his friends and disciples.
Key figures in attendance included the President of the Turkic Academy, Shahin Mustafayev, Senate Member Darkhan Kydırali, and Ambassador Mustafa Kapucu. The Academy President highlighted the significance of introducing leading Turkic personalities, emphasizing their shared history and the importance of their life stories as historical textbooks.
Senate member Darkhan Kydyrali commended the Academy’s successful efforts in introducing distinguished personalities, while OTS Elders’ Council member Hasan Hasanov shared memories of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Haydar Aliyev, underscoring his role in fostering unity among brotherly nations.
Ambassador Mustafa Kapucu expressed gratitude for the high-level meeting organized by the Academy, acknowledging the importance of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
Ulugbek National University Professor Nasimhon Rahmonov emphasized Kemel Tokayev’s role in shaping the detective genre in Kazakh literature and highlighted his contributions to the genre’s formation in Uzbek literature.
The conference served as a platform for intellectual exchange, reflecting on shared histories, and celebrating the contributions of distinguished personalities in the Turkic world.
