A Scientific Bridge from TÜBA to the Turkic World
Organized in cooperation with TÜBA (the Turkish Academy of Sciences) and the International Turkic Academy, with the support of TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) and YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities), the 7th Traditional Turkic States Summer School of Turkology was held between 10 and 16 August 2025 at Karabakh University in Azerbaijan.
As a significant initiative reflecting TÜBA’s vision of strengthening scientific collaboration in the Turkic world, the summer school was designed to promote the sharing of common cultural values, foster academic knowledge production, and contribute to the training of future generations of Turkologists. The program brought together young researchers from across the Turkic world with leading scholars in their respective fields, creating a valuable platform for both scientific cooperation and cultural exchange.
During the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University; Prof. Dr. Şahin Mustafayev, President of the International Turkic Academy; and Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, President of TÜBA, delivered speeches.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker expressed his satisfaction with organizing such an event in the liberated Karabakh region. He stated, “Hosting a program of this nature at Karabakh University in the city of Khankendi, which remained under occupation for many years, holds great significance in every respect. We are in close collaboration with the International Turkic Academy in organizing this event. Through this initiative, we aim to further strengthen academic cooperation with Azerbaijan. The program will contribute to the development of a shared scientific vision within the Turkic world. As the academy of Türkiye, we are ready to enhance collaboration in all fields and will continue to provide all necessary academic support.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin Bayramov emphasized that the summer school serves as a vital platform that will accelerate scientific activities and encourage joint research in the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. Şahin Mustafayev highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Karabakh, underlining that the liberation of Khankendi after 30 years of Armenian occupation represents not only a historical victory for Azerbaijan but for the entire Turkic world. He noted that the Turkology Summer School builds enduring bridges of friendship and cooperation among young scholars and Turkologists.
The summer school, which includes participants from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Iran, North Macedonia, TRNC, and Türkiye, offers a rich academic program on Turkish language, literature, history, archaeology, music, and cultural heritage. Classes are supported by scientific discussions, cultural trips, and workshops.
Within the scope of the program, "Common Alphabet in the Turkic World", "Shamanism and Belief Practices in the Turkish Cultural Paradigm", "Ottoman Archives and Turkology Studies", "Trade in Turkic States: From the Past to the Future" were presented by academicians specialized in their fields. Participants also had the opportunity to get to know the historical and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan on site with trips to Shusha and Baku.
