Turkestan has been officially recognized as the tourist capital of the Turkic States, marking a significant shift in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Turkic peoples. The decision to bestow this special status upon the city was made following instructions from Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing the evolving cultural and spiritual environment of the Turkic nations.
Akim of the Turkestan region, Darkhan Satybaldy, highlighted the changing dynamics in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Turkic peoples over the years. At the VIII informal summit of the Council, President Tokayev underscored the high importance of the declaration signed by the parties, officially naming Turkestan the spiritual capital of the Turkic world.
The closing ceremony of the “Shamakhi – the Tourist Capital of the Turkic World 2023” event recently took place in Azerbaijan, where a special delegation from the Turkestan region participated to secure the official status. The city of Turkestan, with a rich history spanning over 1500 years, has been a center of science, literature, culture, and trade along the Great Silk Road.
During the VIII meeting of tourism ministers from the Organization of Turkic States in October, Turkestan was declared the tourist capital of the Turkic states for the year 2024. The city’s historical significance, combined with its modern revival, was acknowledged as a potential powerhouse for tourism.
Erlan Kuzembaev, the head of the regional department of social development, expressed joy at the historic moment, emphasizing that the decision would boost relations among Turkic-speaking countries in the tourism sector. In addition to promoting historical and educational tourism, Turkestan is keen on introducing medical, health, and ecological tourism initiatives.
The city’s unique appeal extends to the renowned mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a cultural and artistic masterpiece that stands as a spiritual heritage for all of humanity. The transfer of the tourist capital status from Shamakhi to Turkestan in 2024 is seen as a significant step toward fostering unity among the Turkic people. The coming year promises not only various local events but also the initiation of international projects aimed at further developing and showcasing the rich heritage of the Turkic world.
