UNESCO declares December 15 World Turkic Language Family Day

Türkiye has welcomed UNESCO's declaration of December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day, following a resolution passed during the organization's 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement celebrating the decision, which establishes an annual observance dedicated to preserving and promoting Turkic languages worldwide.

Historical Significance of Date Selection

The chosen date commemorates December 15, 1893, when renowned Turkologist Vilhelm Thomsen announced his deciphering of the Orkhon Inscriptions to the international academic community. These inscriptions, discovered in 1889 in what is now Mongolia and dating to the early eighth century, represent the earliest known written records of Turkic languages and were carved into memorial steles erected by the Göktürks in the Orkhon Valley.

Collaborative Diplomatic Effort

The resolution was jointly drafted by Türkiye and other Turkic states, representing a coordinated effort to safeguard linguistic heritage. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the declaration's location in Samarkand—one of the historic centers of Turkic civilization—adds particular significance to the UNESCO decision, strengthening collective initiatives to preserve this shared cultural legacy.

Cultural Preservation Objectives

In its statement, the ministry extended congratulations to the Turkic world and all who speak or learn Turkic languages, highlighting the importance of transmitting this linguistic heritage to future generations. The annual observance aims to raise global awareness about the Turkic language family's historical significance and contemporary relevance across the geographic regions where these languages are spoken.