The grand opening of the international art exhibition «Spirit of the Great steppe» and «Artists of the Turkic world honour the memory of Chingiz Aytmatov» took place at the «Zorlu» Performing arts centre in Istanbul.

The exhibition, organised by the Institute named after Chingiz Aytmatov, features over 100 works by 16 master painters from various regions of the Turkic world. The paintings reflect the flavour of the Turkic world and the literary legacy of the great writer.

Officials attended the opening ceremony, TURKSOY General Secretary Sultan Rayev, the artists whose works were on display, the exhibition curator, Azerbaijani artist Sakit Mammedov, son of Chingiz Aytmatov Eldar Aytmatov, and numerous guests. Speakers emphasised the significance of works of Aytmatov for the Turkic world and the importance of the Common Turkic alphabet for cultural unity.

A new edition of «Jamila» of Chingiz Aytmatov was presented at the event. This edition is the first prepared and printed using the 34-letter Common Turkic alphabet developed by the Organisation of Turkic states.

The program concluded with a gala awards ceremony for the Academy of artists of the Turkic world. Among the laureates awarded this prestigious title were representatives of Turkmenistan. The Academy welcomed new Full Members and Members of Correspondents from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Saragt Babayev, Hero of Turkmenistan, People's Artist of the country, two-time laureate of the International prize named after Magtymguly, and honorary elder of the people, became a Full Member of the Academy.

The title of Members of Correspondents was awarded to the artist Gahryman Gochmyradov, a member of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan and laureate of the President of Turkmenistan Prize «Türkmeniň Altyn asyry».

Following the exhibition, a special art catalogue was published, which included the works on display.