PUBLICATION BY THE TURKIC CULTURE AND HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESENTED AT THE 8TH MERZIFON BOOK FAIR

Azerbaijan is participating as the Guest of Honor at the 8th Merzifon Book Fair in Türkiye, organized by the Azerbaijan Cultural Center under the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Türkiye. As part of the event, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is showcasing its publications at the Azerbaijan stand, one of the Foundation’s founding member states.

Within the framework of the fair’s events, the jointly published work by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center — “The Sword That Cuts Ourselves” by People’s Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh — was officially presented to readers. It should be noted that this work, dedicated to the memory of the prominent Turkish poet Nihal Atsız, explores the history of the ancient Göktürks. The book was published in both Azerbaijani and Turkish on the occasion of the poet’s centennial, which is being celebrated this year by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The book opens with an insightful foreword titled “Lessons from History” by the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova.

As mentioned, the book presentation was held with the participation of numerous readers. During the presentation, Samir Abbasov, Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center under the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Türkiye, delivered a speech highlighting Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh as Azerbaijan’s poet of independence. He noted the poet’s lifelong dedication to protecting the Turkish language, promoting common Turkic history, and writing many significant works in the name of Turkic unity.

Following this, Foundation representative Farid Huseyn spoke about the establishment of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and with the support of the heads of state of Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that the Foundation promotes Turkic culture, language, and historical heritage on an international level and outlined its numerous international projects. Farid Huseyn stated that the Foundation consistently treats the legacies of Turkic world thinkers and writers with great sensitivity, and the publication of “The Sword That Cuts Ourselves” is a clear reflection of this commitment. He described the book as a spiritual beacon that guides us toward embracing and preserving our great historical heritage and national identity. Discussing themes of the book, Farid Huseyn expressed confidence that it will remain relevant for generations to come, continually gaining new layers of meaning with changing times.

He also noted that the decree issued by the President of Azerbaijan regarding the 100th anniversary of Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh creates significant opportunities for promoting the poet’s legacy. Farid Huseyn highlighted that the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is implementing numerous important projects in line with this decree to honor the poet’s name, promote his work.

Dr. Tahmina Badalova, PhD in Philology and Senior Researcher at the Nizami Studies Department of the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, also delivered a speech. She spoke about the literary and historical significance of “The Sword That Cuts Ourselves” and emphasized its importance for the spiritual development of youth in the Turkic world. Discussing the history of the Turkic Unity idea in Azerbaijani literature and the value of independence-related thought, Dr. Badalova described Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh as a true successor to the creative path of the great Nizami Ganjavi, especially in terms of themes like the Turkish language and freedom.

At the end of the event, the speakers answered questions from the audience, and books were gifted to readers.