BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. On November 13–14, 2025, during the official visit of the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, to Poland, a series of significant events took place aimed at promoting Turkic cultural heritage and developing academic cooperation in Europe.
Opening of the International Conference on Turkology
An International Conference on Turkology was held at the University of Warsaw, organized with the support of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Faculty of Asian and African Cultures.
Speaking at the opening, President of the Foundation Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova noted Europe’s growing interest in Turkic heritage and emphasized that strengthening academic cooperation with the University of Warsaw opens new prospects for joint scientific projects.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps and leading universities of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, as well as scholars specializing in Turkology.
The conference focused on expanding academic exchanges and developing partnerships between the University of Warsaw and research centers of the Turkic world.
Particular attention was drawn to an exhibition of ancient European maps of the Turkic world, prepared by Kazakh researcher Mukhit-Ardager Sydyknazarov.
Signing of the Agreement on the establishment of the Turkic Cultural Heritage Center
A key event of the visit was the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of a Turkic Cultural Heritage Center at the University of Warsaw.
The document was signed by Foundation President Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova and the university’s Vice-Rector, Professor Ewa Krogulec.
The new Center will focus on:
promoting the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples;
developing academic and educational initiatives;
organizing interactive exhibitions and seminars;
strengthening public interest in the Turkic world in Poland.
Visit to the Library of the University of Warsaw
Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova held a meeting with the Director of the University of Warsaw Library, Krzysztof Nierzwicki. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the study and restoration of ancient written monuments, as well as opportunities for exchange-based research programs.
Expansion of cooperation between the Foundation and the Asia and Pacific Museum
During the visit, the President of the Foundation visited the Museum of Asia and the Pacific, where she met with its Director, Józef Zalewski. The parties discussed the museum’s collections related to Turkic peoples and prospects for further cultural collaboration.
Working Visit to Białystok
On November 14, 2025, the delegation visited the city of Białystok, where meetings were held with Deputy Mayor Rafał Rudnicki and the Mufti of Poland, Tomasz Miśkiewicz, who heads the Muslim Religious Union and the Tatar community.
The sides discussed:
the development of intercultural dialogue;
cooperation with Polish Tatars — descendants of Turkic peoples;
prospects for joint projects in the cultural and humanitarian spheres.
It was particularly noted that for more than 600 years, Turkic peoples - Tatars and Karaites - have lived in harmony in the Białystok region, forming part of Poland’s historical and spiritual heritage.
During the meeting at the city hall, agreements were reached on implementing new international projects aimed at promoting Turkic heritage, supporting community initiatives, and expanding cultural exchange.
The visit to Białystok strengthened cooperation with Turkic ethnic communities in Europe and highlighted the significance of the Turkic contribution to the European cultural space.
Results of the Visit
The visit of the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation to Poland became an important step in the development of cultural diplomacy and the expansion of international cooperation.
Signed agreements, academic events, and high-level meetings create new opportunities for promoting Turkic heritage in Europe, strengthen strategic dialogue between the Turkic world and European institutions, and contribute to preserving and supporting and popularization of Turkic culture and heritage across European countries.
