Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Merey Mukazhan, participated in the official opening ceremony of “Aktau – The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” held on 5 April 2024 in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

In his remarks, Mukazhan congratulated the people of Mangystau on receiving this prestigious title, highlighting the region’s rich history, strong cultural traditions, and its growing role within the Turkic world. He also noted Mangystau’s recent recognition in the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering in traditional Kazakh attire—an achievement that reflects the region’s deep-rooted cultural pride.

OTS Deputy Secretary General emphasized that the designation of Aktau as the Cultural Capital symbolizes not only the city’s unique heritage, but also the unity, shared values, and cultural ties among Turkic nations.

The opening celebration brought together nearly 100,000 attendees along the Caspian coast and featured performances by around 1,400 artists from across the Turkic world, marking a vibrant start to a year of cultural exchange.

As the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, Aktau will host nearly 30 major international events throughout the year, including traditional music concerts, theater and film festivals, youth summits, and cultural forums.