A new symbol of Turkic unity has opened in Ankara. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev joined fellow leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on October 29, 2026, to inaugurate the Alley of the Turkic World in Beştepe Park, according to the official statement from Akorda.
The new cultural site brings together national pavilions representing six countries: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, DKNews.kz reports.
Each pavilion introduces visitors to the cultural heritage, traditions and historical connections of the Turkic peoples. The project is intended to highlight their shared roots while celebrating the distinctive identities of individual nations.
Kazakhstan presents the heritage of the Great Steppe
One of the central features of Kazakhstan's exhibition is a traditional Kazakh yurt.
According to Akorda, the yurt symbolizes the spirit of the Great Steppe and the historical connections linking the peoples of the Turkic world.
Its interior design draws on several themes:
- The origins of ancient Turkic civilization.
- The cultural legacy of the Saka people.
- The traditional Kazakh relationship with nature.
- The image of modern Kazakhstan.
The presidents were introduced to the historical and cultural ideas behind the exhibition, which connects Kazakhstan's ancient heritage with its contemporary national identity.
The Saka Hunter sculpture draws attention
Another exhibit presented to the visiting leaders was the Saka Hunter sculpture.
The artwork reflects the Kazakh tradition of hunting with birds of prey, a practice closely associated with the country's nomadic heritage.
By including this sculpture, Kazakhstan's pavilion highlights an aspect of traditional culture that remains recognizable today.
The exhibition also provides an opportunity to introduce international visitors to the cultural traditions of the Great Steppe beyond conventional historical displays.
Ancient Turkic inscriptions on display
The heads of state also viewed the Orkhon inscriptions, an important part of the ancient Turkic written heritage.
These inscriptions provide insights into the language, history and political culture of early Turkic societies.
Their inclusion in the Alley of the Turkic World connects the cultural exhibitions with the broader historical development of Turkic civilization.
Alongside the national pavilions, the inscriptions emphasize the linguistic and historical connections among the participating countries.
Tokayev and fellow leaders plant trees in Ankara
The inauguration concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.
President Tokayev and the other participating heads of state planted trees in the Alley of the Turkic World.
The ceremony formed part of the official opening of the cultural site, adding a lasting physical element to the initiative.
Akorda did not specify the number or species of trees planted.
What the new alley represents
The Alley of the Turkic World brings together cultural symbols from several countries in a shared public space in Türkiye's capital.
For Kazakhstan, the project offers an opportunity to present its history, traditions and contemporary identity alongside those of other Turkic nations.
The combination of national pavilions, historical exhibits and a joint tree-planting ceremony reflects the cultural dimension of cooperation among Turkic states.
While the inauguration did not involve the announcement of new economic agreements or political commitments, it highlighted the role of shared heritage in relations among the participating countries.
Earlier, we reported on Kazakhstan's call for closer cooperation ahead of the 13th OTS summit, including discussions on political dialogue, trade, transport connectivity and artificial intelligence. The opening of the Alley of the Turkic World adds a cultural dimension to that wider agenda.
