Kazakhstan’s Aktau Shines as the 2025 Culture Capital of the Turkic World

Nestled on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Aktau, Kazakhstan’s vibrant port city, has been crowned the 2025 Culture Capital of the Turkic World by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). This prestigious title marks a historic moment for Kazakhstan, as Aktau prepares to host nearly 30 international events throughout the year, showcasing the rich heritage and unity of Turkic peoples. From grand festivals to cultural exhibitions, the city is ready to welcome the world to its shores. Let’s explore what this means for Aktau, Kazakhstan, and the broader Turkic community.

The journey to this honor began with a spectacular open-air ceremony on April 5, held along the Caspian coastline. Over 1,400 artists from across the Turkic world took the stage, captivating an audience of approximately 30,000. The event, filled with music, dance, and tradition, set the tone for a year of celebration. A specially constructed “Darhan Dala” ethnovillage gave visitors a taste of Kazakh and Turkic customs, from intricate crafts to shared culinary delights. It was a powerful display of cultural pride, as noted by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Serdar Çam, who praised the unity and collective spirit of the Turkic world.

Aktau’s selection as the Culture Capital is no small feat. The city, located in the Mangystau region, is a gateway to Kazakhstan’s stunning landscapes and natural resources. Its rocky terrain, dotted with dramatic cliffs and underground mosques like Shakpak Ata, tells a story of resilience and beauty. The Astana Times highlights Aktau’s unique charm, from its flamingo-filled springs to its serene winter shores, where snow-white swans glide along the Caspian. This blend of natural wonder and cultural depth makes Aktau the perfect stage for TURKSOY’s vision of cultural exchange.

Throughout 2025, Aktau will buzz with activity. The lineup includes the Korkut Ata Film Festival, a theater festival, scientific conferences, and art exhibitions, as announced by TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev. These events aim to bring together artists, scholars, and visitors from Turkic nations like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, as well as observer states like Turkmenistan and Hungary. A recent Azernews report showcased the participation of Azerbaijani dancers at the “Rhythms of the Turkic World” festival in Aktau, performing traditional pieces that resonated with audiences. Such moments underscore the shared heritage that TURKSOY seeks to celebrate.

The opening ceremony itself was a star-studded affair. Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen, alongside Azerbaijani artist Roza Zergerli and Uzbek star Yulduz Usmanova, delivered performances that lit up the night. A touching highlight was Qudaibergen’s meeting with 87-year-old craftswoman Sharkhat Tolemisova, who gifted him a hand-knitted shashak, a traditional fringed tassel. These personal connections, as reported by Kazinform, reflect the warmth and community spirit driving Aktau’s cultural year.

Kazakhstan’s leadership sees this as more than a local milestone. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a message read by Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, emphasized that strengthening ties among Turkic peoples is a shared responsibility. His words, shared via the Kazakhstan Embassy in Azerbaijan, highlight the broader mission of fostering cooperation and mutual understanding. Aktau’s role as Culture Capital builds on TURKSOY’s legacy, which began in 2012 and has since seen cities like Almaty and Shymkent carry the torch.

Beyond the festivities, Aktau’s designation shines a spotlight on Kazakhstan’s growing cultural and economic influence. The city is a key player in the nation’s economy, with projects like the petrochemical plant in the Morport Aktau Special Economic Zone, as noted by Atalayar. Its port status and proximity to the Bozzhira Plateau, a breathtaking destination for jeep tours, make it a hub for both industry and tourism. The World Nomad Games, a celebration of Turkic nomadic culture, have also put Kazakhstan on the global stage, with the next edition set for Kyrgyzstan in 2026.

For Central Asia, Aktau’s moment is a chance to showcase the region’s diversity and potential. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is pushing for deeper integration in 2025, with initiatives like a unified Turkic alphabet and cultural exchanges. Aktau’s events will amplify these efforts, drawing visitors to explore not just Kazakhstan but the shared identity of Turkic nations. As Caspian Post notes, the city’s cultural richness will be on full display, inviting the world to discover its traditions and innovations.

Despite its global aspirations, Aktau remains grounded in local pride. The Mangystau region’s governor, Nurdaulet Kilybay, revealed that over 2 billion tenge ($4 million) has been allocated for preparations, according to Tengrinews. This investment reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to making 2025 a landmark year. From the Botanical Garden, a green oasis in rocky terrain, to the vibrant markets and coastal views, Aktau is ready to charm visitors with its blend of modernity and tradition.

As Aktau steps into its role, the city is poised to leave a lasting legacy. Whether through the rhythm of Azerbaijani dances, the melodies of Kazakh singers, or the scholarly discussions at international conferences, 2025 will be a year of connection and celebration. For those eager to witness this cultural renaissance, Aktau is calling.

Follow Voice of Central Asia for updates on this historic journey and more stories from the heart of the region.