The International Scientific Conference entitled “The Karakhanids are descendants of Alp Er Tunga (Afrosiyob): the Turkic and Islamic World during the Karakhanids’ Era” was held on 16 October 2025 at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS).

The event brought together leading representatives of the Turkic States, scholars, and rectors of member universities, with the aim of exploring the historical and cultural legacy of the Karakhanid era and strengthening academic cooperation among the Turkic nations.

The opening speeches were delivered by H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS); H.E. Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Ms. Gulchekhra Rikhsieva, Rector of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies; H.E. Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY; H.E. Shahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkic Academy; and Mr. Sherzodxon Qudratxo‘ja, Chairman of the Board of the National Media Association of Uzbekistan.

In his address, Secretary General Omuraliev underlined that the Karakhanid period occupies a special place in the common history of the Turkic and Islamic world, symbolizing the synthesis of Turkic statehood traditions and Islamic moral values. He highlighted the works of Yusuf Has Hajib, Mahmud al-Kashgari, and Ahmad Yesevi as enduring sources of inspiration for contemporary Turkic societies, emphasizing that these figures “laid the foundations for the Turkic-Islamic civilization that continues to inspire us today.” 

He expressed his confidence that the symposium would contribute to the study of the historical and cultural legacy of the Karakhanids, while inspiring the new generations of the Turkic world to build a common future grounded in knowledge, solidarity, and shared values.