Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Prepares Digital Catalog of Turkic World’s Cultural Heritage
The Aktota Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage, under the auspices of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), is undertaking the preparation of a comprehensive digital and printed catalog of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
Head of the foundation, Raimkulova, revealed this initiative in an interview with Anadolu, emphasizing the foundation’s mission to safeguard and promote Turkic cultural heritage across various domains.
Raimkulova highlighted the collaborative efforts with experts from member countries of the foundation, leveraging expertise in history, archaeology, architecture, art, and folklore. She pointed out a recent scientific expedition involving leading historians, archaeologists, and restorers from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, organized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the inclusion of Tamgali petroglyphs in Kazakhstan’s Yedisu Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The decision to compile the catalog was made at the Istanbul summit of the OTS following direct instructions from heads of state. A dedicated working group has been formed to execute this project.
“We have initiated the creation of an advisory board platform,” Raimkulova explained, detailing its composition that includes members from national UNESCO commissions of member countries, along with representatives from organizations like TURKSOY, International Turkic Academy, and TURKPA. The council will convene regularly to ensure coordinated efforts in preserving Turkic cultural heritage.
In a significant move, the Foundation established the Council of Restorers of the Turkic World to address unique challenges in conserving Turkic heritage structures, incorporating traditional construction methods and materials distinct from those used in the West and East.
Raimkulova also outlined ongoing legal initiatives aimed at drafting a “Convention for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World,” modeled after UNESCO conventions.
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans various projects for the year, including restoration training in Istanbul for Turkic world restorers, focusing on palace restoration. Collaborative efforts with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) will involve educational programs, including the restoration of the 12th-century Koran in Almaty’s National Library and an international conference at UNESCO commemorating the 950th anniversary of Mahmud Kashgarly’s “Divani Lugati’t Turk,” the first Turkic language dictionary.
Through these initiatives, the Aktota Foundation aims to foster deeper appreciation and preservation of the rich cultural heritage shared among Turkic nations.
