- 2026-11-07
- 402
Common Cultural Heritage of the Turkic Peoples: Language, History and Education
The Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, in cooperation with Giresun University of Türkiye and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), held an international scientific symposium entitled “Common Cultural Heritage of the Turkic Peoples: Language, History and Education” on 4–6 November.
The symposium brought together scholars, researchers, heads of higher education institutions and specialists from Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and other countries. Participants exchanged academic views and expertise on current issues related to the common cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, as well as language, history and education.
The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Türkiye. The event was opened by Professor Shahzoda Negmatova, Rector of Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, who wished all participants a successful and productive symposium. This was followed by speeches from Professor Yılmaz CAN, Rector of Giresun University; Professor Haluk Selvi, Chairman of the Turkish Historical Society; and Joliboy Eltazarov, Director of the Institute of Languages and Culture of Central Asian Peoples at Samarkand State University. In their remarks, they highlighted the academic and practical significance of the symposium and the prospects for future cooperation.
During the event, the current state of cooperation between Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute and Giresun University, as well as its future priority areas, was discussed. In addition, the Rector of the Institute, Shahzoda Negmatova, conferred the title of “Honorary Professor” of Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute upon Yılmaz CAN, Rector of Giresun University, and Ali AKAR, Professor at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University.
The symposium programme also featured the official opening ceremony of the artistic composition “Echoes of Values”, scientific and cultural events, and a joint tree-planting ceremony involving the heads of the two higher education institutions as part of the nationwide “Green Space” project. Students from the Institute’s Music Education programme also performed traditional Uzbek and Turkish melodies and songs.
Furthermore, a meeting was held with the participation of the Deputy Governor of Samarkand Region, the rectors of the two higher education institutions and the Chairman of the Turkish Historical Society. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye in education and science, implementing joint projects and strengthening academic ties.
At the symposium’s plenary session, scientific presentations were delivered on current issues concerning the common cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, language, history and education. During the parallel sessions, scholars and researchers presented the findings of their academic studies, analyses and proposals. A number of scholars and researchers were recognised for their substantive scientific presentations.
At the final discussion and closing session, Yılmaz CAN, Rector of Giresun University, and Shahzoda Negmatova, Rector of Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, shared their views and reflections on the outcomes of the symposium.
It was emphasised that the conference provided an opportunity to present significant academic perspectives on the common cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, language, history and education, while fostering productive academic dialogue between local and international scholars. Important proposals were put forward regarding the exchange of experience, the identification of new areas of scientific cooperation, and the implementation of joint research and educational projects.
The contribution of international scholars, whose presentations and proposals enriched the content of the symposium, was also particularly highlighted. At the conclusion, the rectors expressed their gratitude to all participants, presenters and organisers for their contributions to the conference.
As part of the closing session, participants were presented with commemorative gifts featuring the symposium logo, specially prepared by the spin-off company affiliated with Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute.
Thus, the international scientific symposium concluded with a rich programme of academic discussions, exchange of experience, important meetings and cultural events. The conference marked an important step towards further developing cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries, deepening the study of the shared scientific and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, and expanding international academic relations.