Turkic World Youth Gathering Opens in Kocaeli with Cultural Events

The Turkic World Youth Gathering began on October 9 at the Kocaeli Congress Center with an opening ceremony attended by AK Party Deputy Chair Kürşad Zorlu, Kocaeli Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, and TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. Participants include university students and digital media representatives from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States.

The opening featured performances by singers Kıraç and Azerin, Kazakh artist Gülzade Riskulova, the Alatau ensemble, and Uzbekistan's Music Bolalar, alongside folk dance troupes. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen cultural ties and cooperation among Turkic youth.

“The root of the brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey is so deep that nothing can harm this brotherhood.”

Zorlu announced initiatives to grant "Turk status" to footballers from the Turkic world playing in Turkey, removing their foreign player classification, and to launch a biennial "Turk Cup" tournament. He said discussions with the Turkish Football Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have begun.

On October 10, panel sessions at The Sign Hotel addressed youth diplomacy, cultural memory, and digital cooperation. Azerbaijani Ambassador Reşad Aslanov said the Turkey-Azerbaijan brotherhood is rooted deeply enough to withstand any challenge, while Kazakh Ambassador Sapiyev Yerkebulan Onalbekuly stressed that young people must carry the Turkic world in their minds and hearts.

Kyrgyz Ambassador İsmet Korukoğlu proposed a sustainable education and exchange program under the Organization of Turkic States, including mutual recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications. Participants also visited the Aytepe Diriliş Camp and the 16th International Kocaeli Book Fair.

The three-day program runs through October 11 with further cultural tours and social activities across Kocaeli. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had declared Kocaeli the "capital of youth" during a May 16 visit, pledging to host the camp in the city.