On April 29, 2026, the 1st International Symposium on "Traces of Culture and Values in the Turkic World" was held at Khazar University, organized by Caucasus University of Türkiye, in partnership with Amasya University of Türkiye, the Institute of Manuscripts of ANAS of Azerbaijan, Ganja State University, the Azerbaijan Theology Institute, and the International Bukhara University of Uzbekistan. The event, dedicated to the theme of Ismail Bey Gaspirali's idea of "Unity in Language, Thought and Action," aimed to bring together cultural codes and shared spiritual values that have filtered through the historical roots of the Turkic world within a contemporary scientific framework.

The symposium was organized in a hybrid format, with 143 participating scholars — 109 attending in person from Baku and 34 joining online. At this international scientific gathering, prominent researchers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tatarstan, Malaysia, and Algeria, alongside those from Azerbaijan and Türkiye, presented their scholarly achievements and shared their experience.

At the opening ceremony held in the Marble Hall of the university, the symposium coordinator and representative of the Mevlana Literary-Philosophical Research Institute, Dr. Farida Seyidova, spoke about the scientific and political significance of the symposium and, on behalf of the organizing committee, expressed gratitude to the university leadership for their high-level hospitality. Khazar University Rector Dr. Razia Isaeva noted in her address that they were proud to host such a platform serving the Turkic world. Rector Razia Isaeva spoke about the university's international relations and highlighted the steps taken in recent years toward transforming the institution into a research university, citing specific statistical indicators.

The Chair of the symposium's organizing committee, Director of Caucasus University's Kharakani Institute, Assoc. Prof. Muhammed Alparslan Kartal, conveyed the greetings of Caucasus University Rector Prof. Husnu Kapi and emphasized the driving role of Turkic-Islamic unity in the development of their states. He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chairs of the organizing committee, Assoc. Prof. Murat Sarigul and Assoc. Prof. Maleyka Mammadova, as well as coordinator Dr. Farida Seyidova. Assoc. Prof. Kartal presented Rector Razia Isaeva with a special carpet embroidered with the Turkish flag, accompanied by the words "the flag is entrusted to trusted hands." In a gesture of mutual respect, commemorative gifts were also presented to the guests on behalf of Khazar University.

The event continued with an address by Prof. Mitat Durmus, a member of the Turkish Language Association and a faculty member at Caucasus University. Beginning his speech with the quote "Azerbaijan is the aorta of my heart," the professor spoke about the strategic steps to be taken toward the unity of the Turkic world and highly commended the symposium's role in achieving this goal.

Assoc. Prof. Mehman Hasanli, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi of ANAS, emphasized the contemporary significance of scientific and cultural integration among Turkic peoples. He noted that such scientific events serve to establish direct ties among scholars from different countries and wished the symposium every success.

Prof. Hasan Yerkazan of Amasya University also touched upon the importance of the unwavering unity of Turkic states in his remarks. At the close of the ceremony, Prof. Sardarkhan Jahangir, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, greeted the guests in the Azerbaijani language as a gesture of brotherhood and respect. He offered a detailed analysis of the symposium's significance in terms of strengthening Turkic unity on a scientific basis.

The symposium proceeded with its work across 11 different sections covering linguistics, literature, culture, history, archaeology, sociology, national identity, religion, and philosophy. The discussions examined the mutual interactions of Turkic tribes from ancient times to the present day within an interdisciplinary context. It was noted in conclusion that such joint initiatives by scientific institutions of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan further consolidate the cultural and scientific foundations of the Turkic world's shared future.