“Unity in Language, Thought, and Action: Turkic World Literature (Story) Awards” Presented

The “Unity in Language, Thought, and Action: Turkic World Literature (Story) Awards” were presented on December 20, 2024, at the Supreme Council Conference Hall under the presidency of Mr. Binali YILDIRIM, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, and with the participation of H.E Prof. Dr. Derya ÖRS, President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language, and History.

The award ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Dr. Serdar ÇAM, President of the Turkish Language Association Prof. Dr. Osman MERT, President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel ÖZGEN, President of the Atatürk Cultural Center Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki ERASLAN, President of the Atatürk Research Center Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet KILINÇ, Rector of the Turkish Aeronautical Association University Prof. Dr. Rahmi ER, Rector of the Ankara Music and Fine Arts University Prof. Dr. Erhan ÖZDEN, as well as distinguished scholars, academicians, students, and many guests from Turkey and the Turkic world.

The event began with a concert by the “Turkic World Music Ensemble” of Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, followed by opening speeches delivered by Mr. Binali YILDIRIM, H.E Prof. Dr. Derya ÖRS, and Prof. Dr. Osman MERT.

In his speech, Mr. Binali YILDIRIM emphasized the regional significance of the Organization of Turkic States, which unites countries from the vast and ancient geography stretching from the Balkans to Lake Baikal. He underlined that this union holds strategic importance for the Turkic World. Referring to the vision of İsmail Bey Gaspıralı, he stated that the ideal of “Unity in Language, Thought, and Action” encapsulates the Organization’s mission. YILDIRIM also highlighted the Supreme Council’s critical role in fostering Turkish language, history, and culture, as well as in promoting unity among Turkic states in all fields.

H.E Prof. Dr. Derya ÖRS, stressed in his speech that the Turkish language is a treasure that unites the Turkic world and strengthens intergenerational bonds. He noted that since 2022, these awards, organized in collaboration with the Organization of Turkic States and the Turkish Language Association, have aimed to support cultural cooperation in the Turkic world and encourage literary works. “Languages are the past, present, and future of nations. The Turkish language is a heritage that deeply connects Turks living across a vast geography,” he said.

Quoting Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK’s statement, “The bond between national sentiment and language is very strong,” ÖRS praised the Turkish Language Association for its diligent efforts to strengthen the linguistic and cultural values of the Turkic world, particularly its work on a “common Turkic alphabet.” He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Binali YILDIRIM and all participants for their contributions to the event and congratulated the award-winning authors.

Prof. Dr. Osman MERT remarked “Our language is the most powerful force uniting the Turkic World. This force has kept us rooted together for centuries and carries us into the future.” He reiterated that İsmail Bey Gaspıralı’s motto “Unity in Language, Thought, and Action” serves as their guiding principle.

Following the speeches, the award ceremony commenced.

The “Unity in Language, Thought, and Action: Turkic World Literature (Story) Awards” were presented to: