Tourism Cooperation in Turkic World

The Fourth Summit of Turkic Council starts in Bodrum. This year the Summit will concentrate on “Tourism Cooperation”

The Fourth Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council), an international organization established by the Nakhchivan Agreement signed among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey in 2009, will be held on 4-5 June 2014 in Bodrum, Turkey. The President of Turkmenistan will also attend the Summit.  

Within the scope of the Summit, Senior Officials Committee will meet on 2-3 June followed by the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers on 4 June, while the Council of Heads of States will meet on 5 June 2014. Secretary General of the Turkic Council will hold a press conference on 5 June.

The Summit is an institutionalized continuation of the Summits Process that took place from 1992 to 2010.  Each year the Summit is hosted by a different member state with a different topic. This year the Summit will concentrate on “Tourism Cooperation”. 

In preparation for the Fourth Summit the Ministers in Charge of Tourism of the Turkic Council met for the first time on 11 April 2014 in Istanbul. Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Marat Igaliev, Chairman of Tourism Industry Committee of Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Maksat Chakiev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Halil Akinci, Secretary General of the Turkic Council attended the meeting hosted by Ömer Çelik, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. 

Turkic World

The Ministers signed a Joint Cooperation Protocol in Tourism at the said meeting in order to promote the tourism potential of the Member States. The Ministers instructed the relevant authorities for preparation of the joint tour programme named “Turkic Council-Modern Silk Road”, together with a tourist guide, authorized the establishment of a Task Force under the leadership of Kazakhstan to make field visits in the Member States, underlined the importance of preparing necessary conditions for the organization of the tourism training programs to be conducted by Turkey for the other Member States. Furthermore, they decided to establish a Tourism Business Association under the aegis of the Turkic Council in order to initiate multilateral cooperation in tourism among private sectors of the Member States.  

Upon the invitation extended by Azerbaijan, the Second Meeting of the Ministers in Charge of Tourism of the Turkic Council will be held in May in 2015.

The Flag of Turkic Council

Photos from The Fourth Summit of Turkic Council

Additional information will be distributed to the media following the Summit. (www.turkkon.org)

Visit The Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking Countries (TURKPA): http://www.turk-pa.org/

Visit the Turkic Academy: http://www.turkacadem.kz/

Visit The International Organization of Turkic Culture: http://www.turksoy.org.tr/

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Happy Nevruz! Nevruz (Spring) Festival

The sun gives more light and heat to the southern hemisphere until March 21, after which this applies to the northern hemisphere instead. 

That is why March 21 is a day to celebrate for people living in the northern hemisphere as the symbol of awakening and creation. 

On Nevruz Day, people lay their tables with an assortment of foodstuffs, play games, hold festivities, eat painted eggs and prepare large fires. 

Nevruz, which every society celebrates in forms peculiar to itself, still exists with traditional celebrations in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, the Uygur region, Anatolia and the Balkans.

THE UN DECLARED MARCH 21ST AS INTERNATIONAL NEVRUZ DAY

The Nevruz Feast which was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO in 2009, is now officially recognized by the UN. At the session of the UN General Assembly which took place on December 2nd, 2009, March 21st was declared “International Nevruz Day”. Thus, in order to promote and celebrate this tradition, the General Assembly asks countries which celebrate the Nevruz Feast to cooperate  with the UNESCO, other Intergovernmental Organizations and NGOs.

WHAT IS NEVRUZ?

Nevruz which is known in Central Asian countries as the messenger of the spring season and the New Day , is a feast which stands for the revival of nature bringing about abundance, dynamism, joy of sharing and fraternity as well as peace and friendship among people. Nevruz is the day on which Mother Earth starts breathing and flourishing  again. The tradition of Nevruz which dates back to five thousand years and is known as the most important day of the year for Central Asian peoples, is being celebrated with various coulourful events each year under various names such as  Navrız, Yeni Gun (New Day), Ulu Kun (Big Day), Mart Dokuzu (Ninth of March), Cıl Pazı, Canı Kun, Sagaa, Isıah, and Yengi Kun.

Nevruz is a cultural heritage of the Turkic World which strengthens the ties among  its peoples. It is one of the most important feasts for Central Asian countries. This feast which stands for the beginning of a new year and the revival of nature, also brings hope and wishes as to the future. This is probably one the unique features of this tradition. Indeed, Nevruz means renewal not only for nature but also for the human being. With the beginnning of a new year, feelings and thoughts are also renewed. Therefore, Nevruz brings about the joy and enthusiasm of starting a new life and symbolizes new beginnings.

All Turkic States owe their power, strength and historical continuity to their peoples’ solidarity, tolerance and fraternity.

This day which is considered as New Year’s day  by ancient Turks and Iranian people is called ‘‘Nevruz’’ in Persian language. Nevruz means   ‘‘new day’’. This special day of the year on which the sun enters the Aries constellation is also the March equinox and occurs on March 21st every  year.

Turkic speaking peoples used to believe that Nevruz brings new life and dynamism to nature as well as spiritual renewal for the human being. As displayed on the first calendar of Turkic peoples consisting of twelve animals, this is an ancestral tradition which is still being celebrated through various ceremonies. According to the Celali Calender  which was designed for the Seljuk Sultan Meliksah, the day on which the sun enters  Aries constellation  is considered as the beginning of a new year. It is also known that Seldjukide emperors were crowned and celebrated Nevruz with their people on this day. The Spring Feast Nevruz which symbolizes  virtue, beauty, integrity, happiness and peace has been celebrated for ages throughout a vast territory including countries of Central Asia. It is as old as humanity itself. Today, Nevruz is even being celebrated in China and in the Balkans in similar ways although under different names. After the declaration of independence of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, March 21st has been declared  as an official holiday in these countries as well.

Legends and religious beliefs related to Nevruz… are all hinting at the need to move from a closed space to the open air, from darkness to light, to the sun and to abundance. At the same time this wish goes along with the expectation of relief and inner peace. The lighting of the fire as it appears in legends and beliefs symbolizes the end of the Ice Age and the invention of fire by man. Similarly, the melting of mountains  stands for the begining of the Bronze Age, and the ploughing of a field as well as the taming of wild animals symbolize the beginning of the Neolithic Age. Still today, fire, water, earth and  caves which are often referred to in Nevruz traditions are insidpensable  elements for the whole humanity. However, fire does have a very special meaning for Turks, no matter which religion or belief they belong to. Indeed, many Turkic peoples such as Altai peoples as well as Tatars, Azeris as well as Karaites and Gagauz people, do all believe that water and fire are necessary for spiritual and physical purification. Therefore, it is a typical Nevruz tradition celebrated throughout the Turkic World to light a fire and jump over it by making good wishes...

Refference:

TURKSOY: http://www.turksoy.org.tr/EN/belge/2-29253/nevruz-fire-in-turkey.html

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Local Culture in Antalya: Turkish Nomads (Yörük Turcoman)

Most Turkish nomads share the same housing the special tents called as yurt. Nomadic lifestlye today can also be found among the Altays, the semi-nomadic Yakut Sakha people, the Karakalpaks, the Turkmens - Turkish people and the Uzbeks. Today many of these people have settled down in modern homes.

Nomadic culture was very strong in Turkey, but today some Turks are still nomadic. People call them as Yörüks or Yörük Turcoman.

Many nomadic Turks own sheep, goats, horses, cattle, and camels. They move from place to place to find grazing fields for their animals.

How Turkish Nomads came to Antalya and settled?

One hundred years is not long time when we look the history of humanity.

However, there are some states, empires or leaders that they do many important things in one hundred years and the things that they did may influence today`s world. Seljuks was one of them. They were  Turkic nomad warriors and moved to the Middle East from the Central Asia and they did many important things in the region which affected the Middle Eastern history and the world history. 

When the Seljuks conquered Anatolia, Turkic people began to move from east of the Caspian Sea to Anatolia. And some of these people moved to Antalya when Antalya was conquered in 1207 by Seljuks.

The Siege of Antalya and the Role of Turkish Nomads

Turkish Nomads had very important role in the siege of Attalia in 1207 was the successful Turkic capture of the city of Attalia (today Antalya,Turkey). The capture of port gave the Turks another path into the Mediterranean although it would be another 100 years before the Turks made any serious attempts into the sea. Since 1207 Antalya belongs to the Turks. 

Today's Turkish Nomads

Settlement policy of Turkish Nomads started in the last period of the Ottoman Empire, and lasted until the 1970s. Today many of these people have settled down in modern homes.

A Small Yörük Museum

Nomadic lifestlye today can also be found among some Turks. But for the most, the semi-nomadic life continues in Antalya. Because people in Antalya go to their homes in the cool highlands of Antalya in the Summer, and they return Antalya in Autumn.

Eating Gözleme

Today you can see the effects of the nomadic culture all over Antalya. In Yörük's tent cafes where you can eat pancakes (gözleme) and drink ayran. You can visit horse, goat and camel farms, or Yörük museums.

When you ask every local person in Antalya, will describe themselves as yörük nomads.

Lastly, if you visit Antalya, you should try to taste local culture in Antalya. Yörüks will welcome you. 

Don't forget that Antalya is not only about sun and sea holiday


Some Photos about Yörüks:

Inside of the Yörük Tent

Making Gözleme

Still Nomadic

Traditional Yörük

Modern Yörük Tent

For More Photos, visit Turkic Family Photo Blog:

http://turkicfamily.blogspot.com/

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Turkic Family

We will introduce a new blog today. Name of this blog is Turkic Family. It's a photoblog about Turkic World. You can find photos from the Turkic World. When you look at the photos, you will understand what a great world Turkic people have.  You should follow this blog if you want to know Turkic culture. 

Turkic Family:  http://turkicfamily.blogspot.com/

About Turkic World

At present, there are six independent Turkic countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan; There are also several Turkic national subdivisions in the Russian Federation including Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Chuvashia, Khakassia, Tuva, Yakutia, the Altai Republic, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachayevo-Cherkessiya. Each of these subdivisions has its own flag, parliament, laws, and official state language. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in western China and the autonomous region of Gagauzia, located within eastern Moldova and bordering Ukraine to the north, are two major autonomous Turkic regions. The Autonomous Republic of Crimea within Ukraine is a home of Crimean Tatars. In addition, there are several Iraq, Syria, Iran, Georgia, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and western Mongolia. Moreover, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), commonly called Northern Cyprus, is a self-declared state that comprises the northeastern part of the island of Cyprus. Recognised only by Turkey.

Turkic World Map

The Turks (or Turkics) are peoples residing in northern, central and western Asia, Mongolia, southern Siberia and northwestern China and parts of eastern Europe. They speak languages belonging to the Turkic language family. They share, to varying degrees, certain cultural traits and historical backgrounds. The term Turkic represents a broad ethno-linguistic group of people including existing societies such as the Chuvashes, Kazakhs, Tatars, Kyrgyzs, Turkish, Turkmen, Uyghur, Uzbeks, Bashkirs, Qashqai, Gagauzs, Yakuts, Crimean Karaites, Krymchaks, Karakalpaks, Karachays, Krymchaks, Nogais and as well as past civilizations such as the Kumans, Kipchaks, Avars, Turgeshs, Seljuks, Khazars, Ottomans, Mamluks, Timurids, and possibly the Xiongnu and Huns. 

Turkistan (literally meaning "Land of the Turks") in Asian history, the regions of Central Asia lying between Siberia on the north; Tibet, India, Afghanistan, and Iran on the south; the Gobi Desert on the east; and the Caspian Sea on the west. It has been referenced in many Turkic and Persian sagas and is an integral part of Turan. Oghuz Turks (also known as Turkmens), Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Khazars, Kyrgyz, Hazara and Uyghurs are some of the Turkic inhabitants of the region who, as history progressed, have spread further into Eurasia forming such Turkic nations as Turkey and Azerbaijan, and subnational regions like Tatarstan in Russia and Crimea in Ukraine. Tajiks and Russians form sizable non-Turkic minorities.

It is subdivided into Afghan Turkestan and Russian Turkestan in the West, and East Turkestan (previously Chinese Turkestan) in the East. The Tian Shan and Pamir ranges form a rough division between the latter two.

 

 There are several international organizations created with the purpose of furthering cooperation between countries with Turkic-speaking populations, such as the Joint Administration of Turkic Arts and Culture (TÜRKSOY) and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking Countries (TÜRKPA).

The newly established Turkic Council, founded on November 3, 2009 by the Nakhchivan Agreement Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, aims to integrate these organizations into a tighter geopolitical framework.

Some photos from Turkic Family Blog:

 

 

 

 

Turkic Family:  http://turkicfamily.blogspot.com/

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