Turkic world's 'Silicon Valley': Creation of regional tech powerhouse discussed in Baku
The initiative to establish a shared technological belt was presented on Friday at the Turkic World International Engineering Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Speaking in Baku, Kürşad Zorlu, the Deputy Chair of Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party), proposed the creation of a shared technological belt. Stretching from Central Asia to Türkiye and Europe, the initiative is intended to carry the "Made in Türk dünyası (the Turkic world)" brand.
According to Zorlu, Turkic states must consolidate their efforts to establish their own version of "Silicon Valley" — a large-scale technological network that would connect the Turkic world's primary hubs.
He called for a collective effort among all relevant institutions and organizations to establish a "Silicon Valley" for the Turkic world, stating that such a sprawling technological corridor should be unified under the "Made in Türk dünyası" brand. Kürşad Zorlu further pointed out that the continued growth of Turkic economies and cooperation across more than 30 sectors depends on deep digital integration.
He also noted that the Organization of Turkic States intended to fast-track its initiatives on digitalization and AI.
Referencing the words of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who previously stated that the 21st century will be the "century of the Turkic world," the politician emphasized that Ankara will continue to support strategies to deepen integration between Turkic states.
As Zorlu noted, digital development and artificial intelligence will be the central themes of the upcoming informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which is scheduled for May 15 in Turkistan.
Earlier, Qazinform reported that the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation called to open the Turkic Civilization Center in Kazakhstan.
