Baku: "I sincerely congratulate you, distinguished participants who have gathered with the noble goal of making a worthy contribution to the ancient and rich history of the Turkic world, its scientific and cultural heritage, its spiritual values, and its historical development, on the opening of today's congress," President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in his address to the participants of the Turkic World Week dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the significance of the First Turkological Congress held in Baku in 1926, describing it as a pivotal historical event that ushered in a new era in linguistics, ethnology, history, and the literature, art, and cultural life of the Turkic peoples. He expressed pride in the participation of renowned Uzbek scholars and intellectuals from Turkestan in the congress and lauded the contributions they made to the Turkic world.
The President highlighted the foundational work of Ismail Gaspirali in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sparked a national awakening movement throughout the Turkic world. Intellectuals from Uzbekistan, such as Mahmud Khoja Behbudi and Abdurauf Fitrat, played crucial roles in promoting science, education, cultural development, and progressive ideas. Despite facing repressive policies that led to tragic fates for many, their ideals and legacy continue to inspire current and future generations.
Mirziyoyev noted the ongoing efforts to study the historical literature and legacy of the Jadid movement, as well as the importance of educating the younger generation with the moral courage exemplified by these figures. He underscored the importance of their struggle for a life based on science, enlightenment, and universal values, recognizing their scientific and cultural heritage as invaluable assets.
As the world progresses, Mirziyoyev pointed to new tasks in Turkology, including the integration of artificial intelligence, information technologies, and the development of common Turkic electronic resources. He emphasized the need for joint research, support for young researchers, and expanded academic cooperation among Turkic states.
In conclusion, Mirziyoyev proposed the establishment of an international scientific project to study the heritage of Turkic world enlighteners and the creation of a unified digital archive of the works and historical documents of the Jadid movement. He expressed confidence in the success of the congress and the achievements it would bring to its participants.