Baku: President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the Turkic World Week dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, APA reports. In his address, President Aliyev extended a warm welcome to attendees and expressed satisfaction over the realization of his initiative, proposed at the 12th Summit of the Council of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, to commemorate this significant milestone.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized the symbolic importance of the Turkic World Week coinciding with Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States. He highlighted the historical significance of the First Turkological Congress, held at the Ismailiyya Palace, as a cornerstone for the cultural integration of Turkic peoples. The congress was pivotal in discussing key issues related to the development of the Turkic world, including language, history, and the transition to a unified Turkic alphabet.

President Aliyev noted the challenges faced following the congress, particularly the suppression of its principles by the Soviet regime in the 1930s. Many delegates were subjected to repression, but despite these obstacles, the decisions made at the congress remained a beacon for cultural and spiritual revival following the fall of the Communist regime. He affirmed that the ideas from the congress continue to underpin current projects by the Organization of Turkic States to create a unified humanitarian space.

The President expressed confidence that the Turkic World Week would contribute significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Turkic world's rich heritage. The series of events planned would ensure the week leaves a lasting impact on cultural memory, honoring the legacy of ancestors who laid the foundations of a great civilization. Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, delivered President Aliyev's address to the participants.