UNESCO declares Dec. 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — DEC. 15, 2025

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially declared December 15 as "World Turkic Language Family Day," marking a significant milestone for Turkey and Turkic-speaking nations globally.

Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the decision, emphasizing that it was the result of joint efforts between the Republic of Turkey and other Turkic states. The date holds historical significance, as it commemorates December 15, 1893, when the Orkhon Inscriptions were deciphered and announced to the world as being written in the Turkic language.

A historic opportunity for cultural unity

The decision is seen as a major victory for the Turkic world, offering a new avenue to strengthen cultural and literary ties that have often been overshadowed by economic and political relations. Experts view this designation as a vital motivation to deepen cooperation in language and literature.

Prominent figures in the Turkic literary and academic world have welcomed the move but warned against it remaining merely symbolic. They urge that this victory be crowned with scientific studies, congresses, and artistic works to truly awaken the Turkic intellectual community.

Calls for concrete action and standardization

Adnan Özer, a renowned poet, stressed the need for standardization in language and regular congresses. "This is a valuable opportunity to show our presence in the world. However, such days should not remain symbolic. We must deepen social and cultural empathy," Özer stated, suggesting a biennial literature congress similar to those held by Spanish-speaking nations.

Selim Babullaoğlu highlighted the timing of the decision, noting it serves as a prelude to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkology Congress in Baku next year. "Our language is the language of thousands of years of glorious history, from the Orkhon Inscriptions to the Epic of Manas. It is the language of brave people across all Turkic states," Babullaoğlu said.

Strengthening the center of gravity

Prof. Dr. İskender Öksüz argued that a "center of gravity" is needed for the Turkic world, encompassing economic, political, and cultural power. "Turkey should be this center of gravity, approaching the World Turkic Language Family Day with the perspective of unity in language, thought, and action," he remarked.

Seyfettin Hüseynli added that the decision confirms the increasing political and economic power of Turkic states. He called for tireless work to advance Turkic languages through symposiums, festivals, and joint literary projects.

Scientific and artistic mobilization

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bican Ercilasun, who played a role in the proposal, explained that the date was accepted by UNESCO with the support of 26 members. He emphasized the need for grand artistic productions. "Scientific meetings are essential, but even more importantly, we need large-scale musical stage works. For instance, we have yet to turn the Ergenekon Epic into a stage production," Ercilasun noted.

Mehmet Cemal Çiftçigüzeli pointed out the economic implications, suggesting that language unity facilitates trade. "Business people work more comfortably in regions like Tatarstan and Crimea due to language proximity. This day will pioneer further sectoral developments," he said.

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