On 28 November 2026 in Aktau, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Merey Mukazhan participated in the closing ceremony of the event “Aktau-Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and Mangystau Region Akimdigi.

The event continued with a Gala Concert, in which more than 300 artists from Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan took part, presenting vocal and dance performances to the audience. The concert program showcased the diversity of the performing arts of the Turkic countries, creating an atmosphere of festive mood and creative unity.

The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Ms. Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Binali Yıldırım, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the OTS, H.E. Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Atageldi Shamyradov, Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Murad Hüseynov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Askaraly Madaminov, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Mr. Serdar Çam, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Sultan Raev, TURKSOY Secretary General as well as heads and representatives of Turkic Cooperation Organizations and diplomatic corps, prominent cultural figures and statesman.

The event was preceded by the 42nd meeting of the Permanent Council of the Ministers of Culture of TURKSOY. The Ministers along with the cultural issues have discussed implementation of the OTS Gabala Summit decision “On the development and strengthening of TURKSOY”.  

The Permanent Council also welcomed the declaration of the historical city of Andijan in Uzbekistan as Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2026.

Throughout the year, Aktau hosted more than 30 major international events, bringing together thousands of artists, scientists and guests, which included music, epic, folklore, and dance festivals, creative symposiums and scientific conferences, as well as various competitions for children and youth.