Uncovering Shared History: Turkıc World Symposium On Excavatıons, Research and Archaeometry
The Turkıc World Symposium On Excavatıons, Research and Archaeometry, organized by the Faculty of Humanities at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), was held from October 15–16, 2026, with broad international participation. Bringing together scholars from nine countries—Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Austria, Iran, and Germany—the symposium comprehensively addressed strategic topics including the rich archaeological heritage of the Turkic world, ongoing field research, archaeometric analysis methods, and cultural heritage preservation.
This landmark international event was organized in collaboration with KTMU, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Turkish Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.
The symposium opened with a special inaugural session chaired by KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan. During this session, prominent scholars from Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan presented their latest findings on the shared heritage across the Turkic geography. A total of 83 papers were presented across 16 scientific sessions over the course of two days.
Following two days of intensive academic exchange, the event concluded with a closing session attended by Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. In his address, Deputy Minister Alpaslan stated that the views and proposals presented during the symposium would be thoroughly evaluated by the Ministry, emphasizing a steadfast commitment to expanding scientific cooperation across the region.
KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan highlighted the significance of uniting researchers operating across diverse regions of the Turkic world within a common academic platform, noting its value for knowledge sharing and fostering joint projects. Prof. Ceylan also announced plans to host the second iteration of the symposium with even broader international participation.
Emphasizing that the preservation of cultural heritage is a shared responsibility, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at KTMU, underscored the importance of supporting archaeological research in the Turkic world through shared databases, sustainable academic networks, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
The Turkıc World Symposium On Excavatıons, Research and Archaeometry went beyond the presentation of individual papers to lay a stronger foundation for shared archaeological policies and scientific cooperation networks across the Turkic world. Bringing together institutions and researchers with a shared vision represented a historic milestone in uncovering joint history and cultural assets through modern scientific methodologies. The establishment of shared databases and sustainable projects planned in line with the symposium's outcomes will make lasting contributions to academic integration and the preservation of shared heritage for future generations.
