Aktau – The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World: What Events Await in 2025?
The grand cultural program for "Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" will kick off in April 2025 and continue through the autumn, featuring a diverse array of events celebrating Turkic heritage and strengthening ties between Turkic-speaking nations.
According to Kazinform, citing Nurtas Sali, Head of the Department of Culture, Language Development, and Archives of the Mangystau Region, preparations for the events are already underway.
The official opening ceremony will take place on April 5 in Aktau, supported by TURKSOY, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, and local authorities.
Among the highlights are the international dance competition “Dance in the Turkic Rhythm” (April 7-9), the scientific-practical conference “The Civilization of Turkic Peoples and Its Place in World Cultural History” (May 29), and a festival celebrating Turkic epic traditions, dedicated to the legend “Forty Batyrs of Crimea.”
Other major events include folk music and instrumental performance festivals, the TURKSOY Opera Days, a traditional crafts fair, an ethno-fashion show, and a musical tribute to composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev on June 15.
Additionally, art symposiums, poetry readings, a festival dedicated to shubat (fermented camel milk), an international conference on S. Kondybay’s legacy, and the TURKSOY Council of Culture Ministers’ meeting will take place.
The program will conclude with a grand closing ceremony on November 13-14 in Aktau.
