Turkistan to become Islamic World's Cultural Capital in 2027
Turkistan has been designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2027 by the decision of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced on social media, Qazinform News Agency reports.
"By decision of ICESCO, the sacred city of Turkistan will become the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World next year," the President posted on the social media platform X.
ИСЕСКО ұйымының шешімімен киелі Түркістан шаһары келесі жылы Ислам әлемінің мәдени астанасы атанады. По решению ИСЕСКО, в следующем году священный Туркестан станет культурной столицей исламского мира. By decision of @ICESCO_En, the sacred city of Turkistan will become the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World next year. #OTSAnkaraSummit2026
— Qasym-Jomart Toqayev (@TokayevKZ) October 30, 2026
As part of the initiative, Kazakhstan plans to host large-scale international events aimed at preserving spiritual unity and the continuity of Turkic civilization. Key events include an international forum named after Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, dedicated to literature and linguistics, and a gathering of museum professionals from across the Turkic and Islamic worlds.
Earlier, at the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), President Tokayev highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties among Turkic nations.
"Kazakhstan pays particular attention to studying, preserving, and promoting the historical heritage of the Turkic peoples. At a meeting in Turkistan this year, I proposed establishing a Center of Turkic Civilization and the Mangilik El Center, which is intended to promote Steppe Civilization. Relevant work is currently underway," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
