― 21 января 2025 г.

Title of "Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World" awarded to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar

The Nobel Prize-winning  Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was awarded the title of ‘Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World’ in accordance with the decision made by the Permanent Council of TURKSOY  at its 40th meeting held in Shusha, Azerbaijan.
 

At the ceremony held on January 19th, 2025, at the Sancar Cultural Centre within the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation in North Carolina, in the United States of America, Secretary General Sultan Raev stated that the specially prepared Order of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World was presented to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar upon unanimous decision of the Ministers of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY.
 

‘Pride and Inspiration of the Turkic World’
 

In the speech he delivered at the ceremony, Secretary General Sultan Raev stressed that Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar is the pride and inspiration of the Turkic World and said:
 

‘Mr Aziz Sancar, you are not only a scientist, but also a value that reflects the common consciousness and scientific genius of the Turkic World. Your work, which contributes to all humanity with the Nobel Prize, is an example for all humanity with your humility and diligence reflecting the values of Turkish culture as well as your outstanding success in the world of science. Your commitment to your roots and your achievements in the world's most prestigious platforms are an important source of motivation for us. This title is more than an appreciation, it is a thank you from the Turkic World. We are honoured to present you the title of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World on behalf of TURKSOY member countries.’
 

The Role of TURKSOY in the Turkic World
 

In his speech, Secretary General Raev drew attention to TURKSOY's mission to protect and promote the cultural richness of the Turkic World and said: ‘TURKSOY, as the first intergovernmental cooperation organisation established in the Turkic World, has undertaken important tasks for the cultural integration of this geography for more than 30 years. The unity of the Turkic World is the most important pillar of our ancient nation.’
 

Emotional Moments in the Event
 

The event opened with the screening of TURKSOY promotional film and was moderated by İsmail Arslan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation. The event was attended by Melih Seyfettin Güngör, Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Washington, as well as approximately 150 guests, including friends of the Aziz & Gwen Sancar couple, children of different age groups and university students.
 

Prior to the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar showed Secretary General Sultan Raev and the accompanying delegation around the various departments of the Centre and shared information about the future activities. Meanwhile, the guests were waiting for Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar's arrival to the hall. After a short while, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar entered the hall accompanied by applause and was enthusiastically welcomed.
 

 Order of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World awarded to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar
 

The event continued with the speeches of Mr. Melih Seyfettin Güngör, the Undersecretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Washington and Mr. Sultan Raev, the Secretary General of TURKSOY. Following the speeches, the Order of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World was presented to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar amid applause. Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar expressed his happiness for the title and insignia and made a speech drawing attention to the potential of the Turkic World. In his speech, he said, ‘Acting together and giving more importance to science will carry the Turkic World among the most powerful states of the world.’
 

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar: ‘This was My Dream’
 

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar described the title of ‘Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World’ as the most important award of his life. Stating that this honour is even more valuable than the Nobel Prize, Sancar said: ‘This honour is more valuable to me than any award. This was my dream. TURKSOY is a very valuable organisation and I hope it will represent us all over the world.’
 

In his speech, Sancar also touched upon the difficulties the Turkic World has experienced in terms of unity throughout history and said: ‘Turkic tribes did not act together for a long time in history. However, if we can talk about a unity today, the contribution of our heads of state, those who have the awareness of Turkism in their hearts and organisations such as TURKSOY is great.’
 

‘The awareness of Turkism in the Turkic World is very strong’
 

Prof. Dr. Sancar stated that he grew up with the consciousness of Turkism since his childhood and added the following: ‘I have been a Turkist since I was 8 years old. I grew up with the awareness of the unity of the Turkic World and Turkism.’ Stating that he has visited all independent Turkic states except Turkmenistan, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar said that he observed that the Turkism consciousness in the Turkic World is very strong and that he is proud of the hospitality he receives when he visits independent Turkic states: ‘I am a successful scientist, but there are many successful scientists. My brothers and sisters welcomed me like one of their own on every visit. I felt the Turkish Union in our ancestral lands. I witnessed the Turkism consciousness in the Turkish World. This made me very happy.’
 

Gifts Symbolising the Unity of the Turkic World
 

At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was presented meaningful gifts reflecting the unity and rich culture of the Turkic World by Secretary General Sultan Raev. Among the gifts were çapan from Kazakhstan, kalpak from Kyrgyzstan, national sash from Uzbekistan, cane with wolf head from Turkey, symbol of Karabakh Victory, collar pin with Har-ı Bülbül design from Azerbaijan and a special edition of Mahtumkulu Firaki from Turkmenistan. ‘These gifts are a symbol of the unity and solidarity of the Turkish World,’ said Sancar and expressed his gratitude.
 

Works displayed at the exhibition were offered to the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Cultural Centre
 

The event went on with the opening of the photography  exhibition of TURKSOY featuring photographs of  cities selected as  Cultural Capital of  the Turkic World along with prize-winning works of children and young people who participated in the painting competition traditionally  organised by TURKSOY. Works displayed at the exhibition were offered to the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Cultural Centre at the end of the event.
 

Order of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World: Symbol of Unity and Light
 

The ‘Title of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World’ is a special decoration awarded by TURKSOY to prominent persons in the fields of culture, arts, sports and science upon  decision of its Permanent Council. The design of the insignia features 6 stars representing the founding member countries of TURKSOY, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan and Türkiye, and the sun in the centre symbolising the bright future of the Turkic World. The insignia is inspired by the logo of TURKSOY  and decorated with turquoise enamel. The inscription ‘Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World’ appears on the front side of the insignia, while the word ‘Turk’ written in runic alphabet and Ismail Gaspıralı's words ‘Unity in language, idea and work’ appear on the back side.