Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai Held in Hungary

The Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai, organized by the Hungarian-Turan Foundation with the aim of preserving the common history, cultural heritage and traditions of communities of Hun and Turkic origin, was held in Hungary’s Bács-Kiskun region. Bringing together numerous guests from the Turkic world and different countries, the Kurultai was also supported by the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB).

The opening ceremony of the Kurultai was attended by Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) Sultan Raev, President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Abdullah Eren, TDBB Secretary General Taha Zahid Özdemir, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Yusufjon Usmanov, Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan Mamabetaliev Mirbek, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Relations with Turkic States Kürşad Zorlu, President of the Hungarian-Turan Foundation András Bíró, as well as numerous guests from Türkiye and different countries.

Held every two years, the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai aims to preserve the common history, culture and traditions of Turkic and Hun-origin communities and pass them on to future generations. Within the scope of the Kurultai, traditional sports, cultural performances, handicrafts and various activities are organized to promote the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

The Kurultai also contributes to strengthening cultural ties between countries and communities by bringing together participants from different regions of the Turkic world.

Speaking at the Kurultai, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev stated that holding the event in the heart of Europe is important for the Turkic world. Omuraliev noted that the Kurultai, held every two years, brings together numerous bureaucrats, artists and participants from across the Turkic world.

TİKA President Abdullah Eren stated that Türkiye has provided strong support to the Kurultai for many years and said that logistical support was provided to the organization through TİKA. Drawing attention to the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Hungary, Eren stated that the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai contributes to strengthening Turkish-Hungarian friendship.

TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev also stated that the Kurultai has evolved into an important international organization and noted that they will continue to support such events aimed at preserving the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

During the three-day Kurultai, traditional music and dance performances, parades by mounted units, reenactments of nomadic life, archery and martial arts demonstrations, handicraft exhibitions, and activities in the fields of archaeology and anthropology were held.

The first Turkic-Hun Kurultai was held in Kazakhstan in 2007, and in subsequent years it continued to be organized in Hungary as a large-scale event with broad participation. The Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai represents an important gathering in terms of preserving common history and culture, developing relations between the Turkic world and Hungary, and strengthening cultural solidarity.