Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk Exhibition Opens in Turkistan

Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk Exhibition Opens in Turkistan Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk Exhibition Opens in Turkistan https://innews.az/en/news/id-48173

The Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk Exhibition, jointly organized by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Turkic World Foundation—following its successful showcases in Bishkek and Astana—was inaugurated on June 10, 2025, in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan. The exhibition is hosted by Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University with the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

The exhibition presents the historical journey and content of Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk, a cornerstone of the shared memory of the Turkic world. Authored in the 11th century by Mahmud al-Kashgari, this monumental work—the first dictionary of the Turkic language—is explored through objects, thematic garments, and contemporary designs that shed light on the aesthetic values, clothing styles, and social life of the era. Inspired by details from the Divan, fashion designer Ezgi Karayel has created a special collection of men’s and women’s outfits, visually bridging the past and the present.

Also featured in the exhibition are a replica of the original manuscript, selected words and proverbs from the Divan, and a modern interpretation of the first world map centered on the Turkic world, originally drawn by Mahmud al-Kashgari.

“The work serves as a key to uniting the Turkic world”

In her opening remarks, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, emphasized the unifying role of Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk in the cultural identity of Turkic peoples:

“As a Foundation, we take great pride in reintroducing this monumental work, which offers unique insights into the daily lives, traditions, and culture of Turkic communities, on the occasion of its 950th anniversary.”

Raimkulova also expressed her gratitude to Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Turkic World Foundation, for their collaboration in realizing this exhibition, and extended her thanks to TİKA and YTB for their generous support.

In his address at the ceremony, Mr. İlker Pak, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Turkistan, emphasized that the soul of a nation lives in its language. He underlined that it is our shared responsibility to preserve and pass on the richness of the Turkish language, rooted in its deep heritage. He also added that Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk, authored by Kaşgarlı Mahmud, serves as a mirror reflecting both Turkish culture and mindset.

Osman Özsoy, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Turkic World Foundation, remarked that Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk is not merely a dictionary but a civilizational document:

“The work includes nearly 250 proverbs, 10 of which are featured in our exhibition. Sayings such as ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ and ‘Little by little, a lake is formed’ are still commonly used across Anatolia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—demonstrating our linguistic and cultural unity.”

Zhanar Temirbekova, Rector of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, expressed her university’s honor in hosting such a meaningful exhibition.

Following the opening, the exhibition was toured by distinguished guests and officials, accompanied by Nuri Aksu, Project Manager at the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, who provided detailed explanations.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors at Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University until June 30, 2025.