The concept of “Turk” as a shared identity is today widely discussed across the scientific, political and diplomatic spheres of the Turkic world. Historical sources demonstrate that the term Turk has never referred solely to a particular state, but rather serves as a collective designation for all peoples who speak Turkic languages.

According to AZERTAC, these remarks were made by Professor Ojal Oghuz, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, during the VIII International Scientific Symposium “From the Common Turkic Past to the Common Turkic Future” held under the theme “Turkological Folklore Studies: Theoretical Context, Practical Aspects and Analytical Perspectives”.

Professor Oghuz noted that the Gokturk inscriptions were among the earliest written monuments of Turkic history and language. He noted that the address found in the inscriptions was directed to all Turkic peoples and remains one of the most significant expressions of their shared historical memory. He further recalled that, in 2019, UNESCO commemorated the 1300^th anniversary of the Bilge Tonyukuk Monument at the joint initiative of the Turkic states. As a result, the Gokturk inscriptions gained broader international recognition as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage and secured a lasting place in UNESCO’s cultural memory.

Concluding his remarks, Professor Ojal Oghuz stressed that shared history, a common language and common folklore constitute the fundamental pillars of the future integration of the Turkic world. He noted that safeguarding this heritage, conducting rigorous scholarly research and promoting it through UNESCO’s international platform were of vital importance for strengthening future cooperation among Turkic nations.