CULTURAL CAPITALS

The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World program, initiated by TURKSOY, has been implemented since 2012 with the aim of promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkic World and strengthening cultural and artistic interactions between cities. Each year, a different Turkic city is honored with this title and organizes international events in the fields of culture and art. To date, 12 cities have been designated as the Turkic World Capital of Culture. This program serves as an important platform that fosters cultural exchange, enhances mutual understanding, and celebrates shared values.

The cities that have been named Turkic World Capital of Culture are as follows:

2012: Kazakhstan, Astana

2013: Turkey, Eskişehir

2014: Tatarstan, Kazan

2015: Turkmenistan, Merv

2016: Azerbaijan, Sheki

2017: Kazakhstan, Turkistan

2018: Turkey, Kastamonu

2019: Kyrgyzstan, Osh

2020: Uzbekistan, Khiva

2022: Turkey, Bursa

2023: Azerbaijan, Shusha

2024: Turkmenistan, Anev

2025: Kazakhstan, Aktau

This prestigious program aims to promote the cultural richness and shared values of the Turkic World on the global stage.