― 19 февраля 2025 г.

Distinguished Service Medals of the Turkic World awarded by TURKSOY at the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University

TURKSOY honoured those who have served the Turkic World with a ceremony held at the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University. Attending the ceremony, TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf started his speech by conveying the greetings of TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and gave important messages on the worldwide promotion of Turkic culture. During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, the Rector of the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Prof. Dr. Idris Nebi Uysal, the Head of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature and Prof. Dr. Ercan Oktay,  the Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration were awarded the   Medal of Distinguished Service of the Turkic World. In addition, the Dean of the Faculty of Literature Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mercan and  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Aykaç from the  Faculty of Turkish Language and Literature received  plaquettes.
 

Promotion and Development of Turkish Culture to the World
 

Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf emphasised the importance of keeping the legacy of Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey alive in Karaman, which is considered as the capital of the Turkish language, and expressed his pleasure to take part in this meaningful ceremony of TURKSOY, which undertakes the task of introducing Turkic culture to the world and fostering it through joint activities. Mr. Yusuf thanked   protocol members of Karaman as well as  administration of the  university for their interest and support.
 

The Place of the Turkish Nation in History
 

Stressing that the Turkish nation has made great contributions to human civilisation throughout its thousands of years of history, Yusuf said: ‘Turkish culture and civilisation cannot be separated from the cultural heritage of world civilisation. Turks are a nation that has always fought for freedom and independence wherever they lived  and they have never accepted captivity.’ Stating that the Turkic World is spread over a wide area that cannot be limited only to certain regions, Deputy Secretary General Yusuf stated that traces of Turkish culture are seen in many regions worldwide including South America, Africa, Siberia and South Asia.
 

The Power of Turkish and the Importance of Unity
 

Referring to the magical power of Turkish on the world, Yusuf said ‘When the power of Turkish is missing from the world, we see that the world is confused’ and drew attention to the unifying role of the Turkish language. Drawing attention to the importance of the unity of the Turkic World, Mr. Yusuf stated that the ties established between  Turkic republics after the collapse of the Soviet Union should be strengthened. Yusuf added  that:  ‘In the 1990s, there were only very few people who considered themselves as Turks in the Turkic World . Today, the strength of this union is increasing day by day.’
 

Advice for Young People: Discover Turkish Culture
 

Addressing young people, Deouty Secretary General Yusuf advised them to make good use of various opportunities offered by social media and technology  to get  more closely acquainted with Turkic culture and history. Mr. Yusuf further said, ‘Read about illustrious figures of the Turkic-Islamic World such as  Yunus Emre, Mevlana, Ali Shir Navoi and many others. Be inspired by their works,’ he said. Stating that young people have a great responsibility in promoting the values of the Turkic World and transferring them to future generations, Mr. Yusuf emphasised the importance of academic studies and cooperation in this regard.
 

Academic Cooperation with the Turkic World
 

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, Rector of the  Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, mentioned the academic cooperation established by the university with the Turkic World. Gavgalı stated that student and academic exchange programmes were carried out thanks to the agreements signed with universities in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Gavgalı said, ‘550 foreign students are studying at our university and 336 of them are students from Turkic republics. This interaction is a great opportunity for both our students and scholars.’
 

Invitation to Turkic Language Festival
 

In his speech, the Governor of Karaman Mr.  Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli,  mentioned the importance of the Turkic Language Festival and stated that they wanted to organise the 748th anniversary of the Turkic Language Festival together with TRT. Çiçekli further said, ‘We want to celebrate the Turkic Language Day not only in Karaman but also with the whole Turkic World. We would like TURKSOY to take part in this organisation.’
 

Minstrels Concert
 

The ceremony ended with the presentation of medals and plaquettes to those  who served the Turkic World. At the end of the ceremony, Ahmet Tekin, Emine Tekin, Ismail Hakkı Keçeci and  Ezgi Tekin gave a short concert which highlighted the event. Minstrels performed  most beautiful examples of Turkic folk music  revealing the depth of Turkic culture and art.
 

While the importance of TURKSOY's activities to promote and develop Turkic culture was emphasised once again, the audience was informed  that the  academic cooperation of the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University  with the Turkic World will be further strengthened in the future.