Commemoration of the World Day of the Turkic Languages Family on December 15

Commemoration of the World Day of the Turkic Languages Family on December 15

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, in a message published on its official social media accounts, congratulated the arrival of December 15, the World Day of the Turkic Languages Family.

The World Day of the Turkic Languages Family was officially recognized in November this year (2025) by the UNESCO General Assembly, with the decision that it will be commemorated annually on December 15. This date was chosen in memory of the deciphering of the Orkhon inscriptions by the Danish linguist Vilhelm Thomsen on December 15, 1893—an event considered one of the most significant historical proofs of the common roots of Turkic languages.

Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Communications Directorate of the Presidency of Turkey, emphasized in a message on this occasion: “Turkish is not only a means of communication, but also a bearer of our shared values, history, and civilization.”

In a social media post, he wrote:
“Turkish has been one of the firmest foundations of common history and culture, binding hearts together for centuries.”

Duran also extended his warm greetings to all peoples who speak Turkish from Anatolia to Central Asia, from the Caucasus to the Balkans, and from the Mediterranean to the Caspian Sea, adding: “As President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasized with the motto ‘Our unity is our strength,’ our goal is to strengthen the Turkic world in all fields.”

He further noted:
“Today, our cooperation under the umbrella of the Organization of Turkic States paves the way for the stronger transmission of our common language and culture to future generations. I wholeheartedly thank all institutions, academics, and volunteers who strive to preserve, honor, and develop the richness of the Turkish language.”