Spiritual heritage of the Turkic world discussed at the Yunus Emre–Shakarim Symposium at ENU

The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted an international symposium "Yunus Emre – Shakarim: The Spiritual Unity of the Turkic Peoples", which brought together scientists, writers and public figures from Kazakhstan and Turkey.

The main purpose of the meeting is to popularize the spiritual heritage of the Turkic world, promote common values through the work of Yunus Emre and Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev, as well as strengthen cultural and scientific ties between the countries.

The symposium was attended by ENU Rector Yerlan Sydykov, TURKSOY Chief of Staff Murat Kakharman, Rector of Ankara University of Social Sciences, Professor Musa Kazim Arican, Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurtore Zhusip, as well as representatives of scientific and creative intelligentsia of Kazakhstan and Turkey.

Opening the symposium, ENU Rector Yerlan Sydykov emphasized the special importance of spiritual dialogue between peoples.

"Today we are gathered at a special event where our common history and fraternal ties are intertwined. The friendship of the Kazakh and Turkish peoples is a deep, spiritually exalted value that goes back centuries. We are united by a common history, culture, traditions, language and spiritual closeness. Yunus Emre and Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev are great thinkers who embody the spiritual harmony of the Turkic world. Therefore, the importance of today's symposium is especially great," Rector said.

One of the key events was the awarding of the title of "Honorary Professor of ENU" to the Rector of Ankara University of Social Sciences Musa Kazim Arican. According to the head of the university, this decision will be an important step in the development of academic cooperation and the implementation of joint research projects.

In his speech, Musa Kazim Arican noted that the legacy of Yunus Emre and Shakarim remains a moral guideline.:

"Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev and Yunus Emre are great thinkers who have elevated the spiritual world of the Turks. Their ideas about humanity, conscience and mercy are especially relevant today. This symposium is not only a scientific platform, but also a space for spiritual dialogue," he said.

Academician Dikhan Kamzabekuly, poet Bauyrzhan Babazhanuly, Professor Serik Negimov, Chief of Staff of TURKSOY Murat Kakharman, Senator Nurtore Zhusip, Professor of the Yunus Emre Institute Orhan Kemal, senior researcher of ENU’s Academy of Abai Assem Yerezhekyzy, writer Aigul Kemelbayeva also made presentations.

Special attention was paid to the continuation of the scientific initiative. As the organizer of the symposium, Assem Yerezhekyzy, noted, the project will be developed: the next stages will be held in Semey and Ankara.

The event included book and art exhibitions reflecting the richness of Turkic culture, as well as the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the universities. A number of cultural figures were awarded TURKSOY medals for their contribution to the development of literature and art.