Uzbekistan and Türkiye: Literature, Translation, and Shared Spiritual Heritage
September 25, 2026
Events dedicated to developing cultural and literary ties between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, promoting their shared spiritual heritage, and highlighting the role of literary translation in fostering dialogue between peoples were held at Alisher Navoiy Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature.
The events were attended by Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye; Prof. Dr. Selim Argun, President of the Yunus Emre Institute; Nozliya Normurodova, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Alisher Navoiy Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature; representatives of the Yunus Emre Institute's Tashkent Office; scholars, literary critics, translators, professors, lecturers, and students.
During the opening session, the guests shared their views on the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, new areas of contemporary cooperation, and the role of literature and translation in bringing the two peoples closer together.
In her opening remarks, Nozliya Normurodova, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Alisher Navoiy Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, described the meeting as another expression of the shared intellectual traditions, language, literature, and cultural memory that have connected Uzbekistan and Türkiye for centuries.
Particular attention was also drawn to the translation of the work "The World of Maturidi's Thought" into Uzbek, the shared ideas of humanism, love, enlightenment, and human perfection in the works of Yunus Emre and Alisher Navoiy, and the activities of the Yunus Emre Institute's Tashkent Office on the university campus.
During the event, presentations of the Uzbek translations of "The World of Maturidi's Thought" and "The Divan of Yunus Emre" were held. A book handover ceremony also took place.
The guests were also invited to view the Yunus Emre Institute's exhibition entitled "Glimpses of Turkish Culture." The exhibition featured exhibits reflecting Türkiye's rich cultural heritage, art, and traditions.
Another important part of the event was devoted to the presentation of works of modern and classical Turkish literature translated into Uzbek with the support of the TEDA Programme. It was noted that these projects are bringing outstanding examples of Turkish literature to Uzbek readers, while translation serves to strengthen literary and cultural ties between the two peoples.
A panel discussion entitled "The Key Role of Literary Translation in Cultural Relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan" was also organized. Prof. Dr. Shaban Ali Duzgun, Abdumurod Tilavov, Associate Professor at Alisher Navoiy Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, and Taner Beyoğlu, Director General of Libraries and Publications, participated as speakers.
The discussion addressed the role of literary translation in developing literary relations between the two countries, introducing Uzbek readers to classical and contemporary Turkish literature, promoting Uzbek literature in Türkiye, and fostering mutual understanding of the peoples' spiritual heritage through translation.
At the conclusion of the event, the importance of further expanding cultural, scientific, and literary cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, developing translation projects, mutually promoting the literary heritage of both countries, and strengthening educational and academic ties was emphasized.