On 2 July 2026, the National Library of Azerbaijan hosted a presentation ceremony for the Union of Turkic World National Libraries and the publications “The First Turkological Congress: Stenographic Report” and “The First Turkological Congress: Bibliography as part of ‘Turkic World Week’ “, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress.

The event began with a tour of the book exhibition “Common Heritage, Rich Treasury: From the Golden Collection of the National Library,” followed by the national anthem and a minute of silence in memory of the participants of the First Turkological Congress.

Opening the ceremony, Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the National Library, emphasised the shared historical roots, language, traditions, and cultural values of the Turkic peoples, highlighting the growing cooperation among Turkic states. He recalled the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926, which brought together leading scholars to discuss the languages, cultural heritage, and future of scientific collaboration among Turkic peoples.

Professor Tahirov noted that the 80th, 90th, and 100th anniversaries of the Congress have been celebrated at the national and international levels in accordance with decrees signed by President Ilham Aliyev. As part of the centenary commemorations, the National Library published The First Turkological Congress: Stenographic Report and The First Turkological Congress: Bibliography. He also described the establishment of the Union of Turkic World National Libraries as an important step toward realizing the ideals of the historic Congress.

Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of unity among Turkic nations, quoting President Ilham Aliyev: “We have no other family. Our family is the Turkic world.” She noted that the Union of Turkic World National Libraries was established at the National Library in December 2024 and expressed confidence in its future joint projects under the chairmanship of Professor Karim Tahirov.

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Academician Isa Habibbeyli described the Stenographic Report as one of the most significant scholarly publications prepared for the Congress’s centenary and expressed hope that it would be widely disseminated throughout the Turkic world. He also praised the Bibliography as an invaluable reference source for researchers.

Speakers including representatives of the National Assembly, universities, research institutions, the Ataturk Center, and cultural organizations from Azerbaijan and Türkiye highlighted the historical importance of the First Turkological Congress and emphasized the expanding cooperation among Turkic states in science, education, culture, and the humanities. They noted that the centenary celebrations would further strengthen cultural integration and promote the preservation and study of the common heritage of the Turkic world.

During the event, the electronic database “The First Turkological Congress” was also presented, providing digital access to materials related to the historic Congress.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative awards by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a group photograph of the participants.