The Turkish scientist and Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was awarded the title of “Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World” based on the decision made during the 40th meeting of the TÜRKSOY Permanent Council held in the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan.

At a ceremony held on January 19, 2025, at the Sancar Cultural Center, part of the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation in North Carolina, USA, Secretary-General Sultan Raev presented the specially designed Turkic World Cultural Ambassador Medal. Raev emphasized that the medal was conferred based on the unanimous decision of the ministers who are members of the TÜRKSOY Permanent Council.

“The Pride and Inspiration of the Turkic World”

In his speech at the ceremony, Secretary-General Sultan Raev underlined that Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar is a source of pride and inspiration for the Turkic World, saying:
“Dear Aziz Sancar, you are not only a scientist but also a value reflecting the collective consciousness and scientific genius of the Turkic World. Your work, which contributes to humanity and is crowned with the Nobel Prize, serves as an example to all of humanity, not only for your exceptional achievements in science but also for your humility and diligence, reflecting the values of Turkish culture. Your connection to your roots and the success you have achieved on the most prestigious global platforms are a significant source of motivation for us. This title is not just an acknowledgment but also a gesture of gratitude from the Turkic World. We are honored to present you with the title of Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World on behalf of the TÜRKSOY member states.”

TÜRKSOY’s Role in the Turkic World

Secretary-General Raev highlighted TÜRKSOY’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural richness of the Turkic World, stating: “As the first intergovernmental cooperation organization established in the Turkic World, TÜRKSOY has undertaken significant tasks for the cultural integration of this region for over 30 years. The unity of the Turkic World is the most essential foundation of our ancient nation.”

Emotional Moments at the Event

The event, opened with a promotional film about TÜRKSOY, was moderated by İsmail Arslan, Chairman of the Board of the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation. Approximately 150 guests, including Turkish Embassy in Washington Counselor Melih Seyfettin Güngör, friends of Aziz and Gwen Sancar, children of various age groups, and university students, attended the event.

Before the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar showed Secretary-General Sultan Raev and the accompanying delegation around the center, sharing insights about future initiatives. Meanwhile, attendees eagerly awaited Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar’s arrival. Entering the hall to applause, he was greeted with great enthusiasm.

Cultural Ambassador Medal Presented

The event continued with speeches by Counselor Melih Seyfettin Güngör and TÜRKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev. Following the speeches, the Cultural Ambassador Medal was presented to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar amid applause. Expressing his happiness over the title and medal, Aziz Sancar emphasized the potential of the Turkic World, saying: “Acting together and placing more emphasis on science will elevate the Turkic World to be among the strongest states in the world.”

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar: “This Was My Dream”

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar described the “Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World” title as the most significant award of his life, even more valuable than the Nobel Prize, stating:
“This medal is more precious to me than all other awards. This was my dream. TÜRKSOY is a very valuable institution, and I hope it will represent us globally.”

In his speech, he also addressed the historical challenges faced by the Turkic World in achieving unity, saying:
“Historically, Turkic tribes have not acted together for long periods. However, if we are talking about unity today, it is thanks to the contributions of our heads of state, those with Turkic consciousness in their hearts, and institutions like TÜRKSOY.”

“Turkic Consciousness is Strong in the Turkic World”

Prof. Dr. Sancar, who grew up with a deep sense of Turkism, stated:
“I have been a Turkist since the age of 8. I grew up with the consciousness of Turkic unity and Turkism.”
He expressed pride in the hospitality he received during his visits to all independent Turkic states except Turkmenistan, noting:
“I may be a successful scientist, but there are many successful scientists. My brothers welcomed me as one of their own on every visit. I felt the unity of the Turkic World on our ancestral lands. I witnessed the strong consciousness of Turkism in the Turkic World, and this made me very happy.”

Gifts as Symbols of Unity in the Turkic World

At the end of the event, Secretary-General Sultan Raev presented Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar with meaningful gifts representing the unity and rich culture of the Turkic World. The gifts included a “chapan” from Kazakhstan, a “kalpak” from Kyrgyzstan, a national sash from Uzbekistan, a wolf-headed cane from Turkey, a pin with the “Khari Bulbul” design symbolizing Karabakh’s victory from Azerbaijan, and a special edition of the work Mahtumkulu Firaki from Turkmenistan. Sancar thanked them, saying:
“These gifts symbolize the unity and solidarity of the Turkic World.”

Exhibition Gifted to Sancar Cultural Center

The program continued with the opening of a photography exhibition meticulously prepared by TÜRKSOY. The exhibition featured photos of cities selected as the Cultural Capitals of the Turkic World and artworks by children and young people recognized in TÜRKSOY’s traditional painting competitions. At the end of the event, the exhibition was gifted to the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Cultural Center.

Cultural Ambassador Medal: A Symbol of Unity and Enlightenment

The “Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World” program, initiated by TÜRKSOY, recognizes individuals excelling in culture, arts, sports, and science through a special medal granted by the TÜRKSOY Permanent Council. The medal’s design includes six stars representing the founding members of TÜRKSOY—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey—and a sun symbolizing the bright future of the Turkic World. Inspired by the TÜRKSOY logo and adorned with turquoise enamel, the front of the medal bears the inscription “Cultural Ambassador of the Turkic World,” while the back features the word “Turk” in runic script and the quote by İsmail Gaspıralı: “Unity in language, thought, and work.”