Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Andijan city                                                                                June 24–25, 2026

The centuries-old history, rich spiritual heritage, unique culture, and art of the Turkic peoples constitute an important part of human civilization. This priceless heritage has, over the centuries, strengthened the bonds of friendship, unity, and cultural affinity among our peoples.

As is known, by decision of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture – TURKSOY, one city in the Turkic states is designated each year as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. This creates a remarkable opportunity to promote, on an international scale, the distinctiveness, culture, art, traditions, and values of each country through the symbol of those cities. In past years, Astana, Eskisehir, Kazan, Mary, Sheki, Turkestan, Kastamonu, Osh, Khiva, Bursa, Shusha, Anau, and Aktau have been honoured with this distinguished status.

In accordance with a decision adopted at the 42nd session of the TURKSOY Permanent Council, held in Aktau, Kazakhstan, in 2025, “Andijon – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026” was proclaimed.

“Andijon – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026” is an international cultural event that serves to broadly promote the shared history, language, literature, music, dance, national customs, and traditions of the Turkic peoples, and to further strengthen cultural cooperation.

In this regard, a number of events (programme attached) are planned in Andijan region on June 24–25 of this year.

The events will showcase the millennia-old cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, their shared values, and the ideals of friendship and brotherhood through theatrical performances, musical compositions, folk songs, national dances, and modern multimedia.

The leadership of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), ministers of culture and deputy ministers of culture of Turkic states will participate in the grand opening ceremony. The artistic programme will feature a grand concert celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, with performances by renowned singers, musicians, and dance ensembles from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

A number of events are planned to be organized throughout the year within the framework of the Cultural Capital.

One of them is the entry of the “Andijon Polka Dance” into the “Guinness Book of Records”, with the initiative of TURKSOY and support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Administration of Andijan region. The aim of this project is to promote Uzbekistan, Uzbek dance art, and our unique culture on the international stage through the symbol of Andijan.

Moreover, within the framework of “Andijon – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026,” the following are planned during the current year: a meeting of the TURKSOY Writers’ Union, the IV TURKSOY International Theatre Festival, the V Meeting of Turkic World Museums and periodic session of the TURKSOY Museums Association, an Experts’ Meeting with participation of responsible officials from the Ministries of Culture of member states, and the 43rd session of the TURKSOY Permanent Council.

In addition, events dedicated to the presentation of Andijan are also envisaged in foreign countries.

For reference: the International Organization of Turkic Culture – TURKSOY was established on 12 July 1993 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on the basis of an agreement signed by the ministers of culture of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

TURKSOY is a multilateral international organization operating to strengthen cultural ties among the Turkic peoples — in particular, to preserve, promote, and transmit to future generations the shared heritage across such fields as language, literature, music, theatre, cinema, and traditional arts.

Since Uzbekistan became a full member of the Organisation of Turkic States, cooperation within the framework of TURKSOY, like all other spheres, has reached a new level.

In particular, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 10 November 2022 “On the Ratification of the Agreement on the Structure and Operating Principles of TURKSOY (Almaty, 12 July 1993)” legally consolidated Uzbekistan’s participation in this international organization.

Today, 6 states — Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan — are full members of the organization. The activities of TURKSOY are determined by the Permanent Council, composed of the ministers of culture of the member states. Decisions adopted at the sessions of the Permanent Council are implemented by the TURKSOY Secretariat-General.

In 2027, Turkey’s “Kayseri – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2027” has been selected.