The grand opening of the year "Aktau – the Cultural capital of the Turkic World 2025" took place in Aktau, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. The ceremony was attended by ministers and high-ranking representatives of the ministries of culture of the TURKSOY member countries: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan, also a delegation from Hungary, an observer countries of the Organization of Turkic States.

The ethnic town of "Darkhan Dala" has become a vivid symbol of the unity and mutual respect of the Turkic peoples. He clearly demonstrated the great strength of culture as an essential tool for dialogue and productive cooperation.

In specially installed yurts, craftsmen from Turkic countries presented their rich art and distinctive traditions. An exhibition of artists and skilled artisans from all over the TURKSOY countries was also opened as part of the ceremony.

The colorful festival has become a real musical bridge connecting different cultures. The sounds of Kyrgyz komuzes, Azerbaijani balabans, Turkish baglama and melodious of Turkmen dutars harmoniously intertwined on the stage, revealing to the audience all the diversity of the musical heritage of the Turkic world.

Creative teams from Turkmenistan brought a special flavor to the event, which were presented to guests and participants with original national songs, dances, virtuoso art of playing the dutar and inspired performing skills of bakhshi. The audience was indelibly impressed by the ancient folk dance "Kushtdepdi", performed with inimitable energy and enthusiasm of young Turkmen dancers.

Aktau took over the baton of the cultural capital of the Turkic world from the Turkmen city Anau, which honorably carried this high status in 2024.