In recent decades, cultural diplomacy has become a crucial component of the foreign policies of many countries, including Uzbekistan. As a result of ongoing efforts, there has been a notable expansion in engagement with foreign states, the establishment of sincere and respectful relationships with international organisations and diplomatic missions, and the systematic implementation of joint spiritual and educational initiatives.

Our country possesses an ancient history, a rich culture, and centuries-old traditions and customs. Leveraging its cultural potential in foreign policy has become a key aspect of forming a positive image of the Republic, enhancing its global reputation, and effectively addressing both domestic and foreign policy challenges. That is why Uzbekistan actively employs cultural diplomacy in its foreign affairs — diplomacy based on mutual respect, exchange of values, arts, and traditions. Experts in international relations view cultural diplomacy as a strategic tool that builds long-term connections between peoples and shapes the global perception of a country.

International organisations play a special role in promoting cultural diplomacy. For instance, on May 21, an informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Budapest (Hungary), where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in promoting the invaluable cultural and historical heritage of the Turkic peoples.

Uzbekistan joined the OTS in 2019 and has since regularly put forward initiatives not only in political and economic cooperation but also in cultural and humanitarian collaboration. Key objectives include preserving and promoting Turkic heritage, advancing Turkic languages, and supporting cultural exchanges and joint events.

It should be emphasised that the foundations of the OTS lie in shared language, religion, and historical-cultural ties, which strengthen the collective voice of member states on the international stage and promote the values of their peoples. Therefore, expanding cooperation in science, education, culture, and tourism is among the priority goals of the OTS, alongside fostering trust and friendship between members.

Under the OTS, six institutions operate, two of which focus on promoting cultural and humanitarian ties. The International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), headquartered in Ankara (Turkey), was established on July 12, 1993, to revive cultural and humanitarian ties among Turkic-speaking peoples. The organisation has a scientific and educational mission and promotes Turkic culture through numerous international projects. Every year, TÜRKSOY highlights the contribution of a prominent Turkic cultural figure and announces a "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" — a title previously awarded to the Uzbek gem, Khiva.

Another institution under the OTS promoting cultural initiatives is the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, headquartered in Baku (Azerbaijan). Established in August 2012 at the initiative of Azerbaijan, its purpose is to support projects aimed at preserving, developing, and promoting the culture and historical legacy of Turkic peoples.

Uzbekistan's promotion of key cultural-humanitarian initiatives through affiliated OTS institutions — including TÜRKSOY, TurkPA, the International Turkic Academy, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation — highlights the country’s historic role in the Turkic world and is a foreign policy priority. This active role is natural: Uzbekistan has long been home to great scholars and thinkers, writers and theologians, who made significant contributions to global civilisation. Al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Fergani, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek, and many others left a lasting legacy, and the works of the genius Alisher Navoi continue to unite the Turkic world.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the informal OTS summit on March 31, 2021, stressed:
“It is essential to deeply study the invaluable contributions of our peoples to secular sciences and their rich cultural heritage, to conduct research and promote it globally.”
During six years of OTS membership, Uzbekistan has held major events in collaboration with the organization’s Secretariat: the international conference “The Role of the Kokand Khanate in the Development of Statehood and the Cultural Heritage of Turkic Peoples,” the first Young Entrepreneurs Forum with over 250 participants, and the 4th Young Leaders Forum in Bukhara — declared the first Youth Capital of the Turkic World. Uzbekistan also initiated the Alisher Navoi International Prize for contributions to Turkic unity.

The year 2022 was particularly active, with Uzbekistan hosting over ten major events, including the first Meeting of Agriculture Ministers and the Turkic Agro Forum. In December 2023, Uzbekistan successfully organised the international conference “Jadids: National Consciousness, Ideas of Independence and Statehood.”

Tashkent supports a comprehensive strategy of rapprochement among OTS countries, relying on shared historical roots and rich cultural heritage, while developing projects in education, innovation, and tourism. Notable examples include the Union of Turkic Universities and the Orhun Exchange Program, which enhance academic mobility and scientific cooperation.

Today, the OTS countries possess significant institutional and practical potential for expanding multifaceted cooperation. Moreover, cultural-humanitarian initiatives offer a platform to showcase national achievements and heritage, and to build a shared space for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. Uzbekistan’s initiatives within the OTS are constructive in nature and do not aim for dominance or bloc politics. This pragmatic and balanced foreign policy approach opens up new opportunities for regional and global cooperation, forming the basis for mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, industry, investment, and business.

The development of interstate relations within the OTS demonstrates that shared ethnic, linguistic, and geographic features are a strong foundation for building close political, economic, and cultural ties. Accordingly, regional countries are prioritising mutual trade relations, supporting each other’s market access, transit logistics, and other economic concerns.

The initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at OTS summits — aimed at promoting Uzbekistan’s culture and the priceless heritage of our ancestors, who are the pride of the Turkic world — deserve special attention. The President has emphasised that the legacies of such great poets as Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Yunus Emre, Yusuf Khass Hajib, Nizami Ganjavi, Magtymguly, Firogi, and Boborahim Mashrab are the spiritual wealth shared by all Turkic peoples.

Speaking recently at the informal OTS summit in Budapest, President Mirziyoyev stated:
“Deep study and global popularization of the legacy of our great ancestors, who made immense contributions to world science and culture and are our national pride, is a noble and responsible task for all of us. In striving to develop science and expand educational opportunities for our youth, we enshrined in the Charter of the Turkic World a vital spiritual principle: ‘There is and can be no salvation other than knowledge.’”

The President also proposed new initiatives, including the establishment of the International University of Turkic States in Tashkent. It is expected that leading professors and scholars from across the Turkic world will work at the university, contributing to intellectual development and new opportunities for youth.

It is important to recognize that the global cultural landscape has significantly transformed over recent decades, increasing the demand for the development of cultural and humanitarian ties. In a world where economic and political clashes persist, culture has the greatest potential to overcome divisions, foster mutual understanding, and enhance international relations. Promoting the principles of cultural diplomacy is essential for strengthening ties between countries and achieving global sustainable development — helping preserve and promote heritage, exchange experiences and knowledge, and create new opportunities for creative growth and mutual understanding.

Ranokhon Tursunova
Associate Professor, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Doctor of Historical Sciences.
Saodat Gladkikh
Independent researcher, Coordination and Methodology Center for the Modern History of Uzbekistan under the Academy of Sciences.