The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi International Kazakh-Turkish University has become a focal point for Turkic unity as it hosts the international cultural and scientific symposium titled “Craftsmen in the Footsteps of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Ahism).” Organized in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Trade and the Akimat of the Turkestan region, the event explores the “Ahism” model—a civilizational system based on professional ethics, honesty, and brotherhood.
During the opening ceremony, Governor of the Turkestan Region Nuralkhan Kosherov highlighted the city’s recent accreditation as an “International City of Craftsmen,” a status that boosts its global tourism and cultural prestige. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu, representing Türkiye’s ruling party, delivered a personal greeting from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasizing that this gathering sets a vital spiritual foundation for the upcoming Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in May.
“We are holding this essential cultural meeting to celebrate our shared historical heritage. Organizing such a meaningful event on the eve of the May summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Turkestan further deepens its significance. Long live the Turkic world!”
Senator Darkhan Kydyrali also shared a message from Senate Chair Maulen Ashimbayev, noting that Yasawi’s wisdom remains the ultimate symbol of Turkic solidarity.
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to popularizing the works of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Yasawi’s personality is the spiritual symbol of Turkic unity. Studying the testaments of such common historical figures will undoubtedly take our cooperation to a new level.”
The event also featured prominent speakers, including Daulet Karibek, Executive Secretary of the AMANAT Party; Mahmut Gürcan, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkiye; Mustafa Kapucu, Consul General of Turkiye in Astana; Muhittin Şimşek, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IKTU; and Zhanar Temirbekova, Rector of IKTU.
Running from April 1 to 3, the symposium focuses on the traditions of Ahism in relation to the wisdom of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, alongside scientific reports aimed at defining the shared cultural identity of the Turkic World.
