In a commemorative event organized by the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the book “The Strategic Depth of Turkic Culture” was presented as a tribute to the eminent Dr. Yaşar Kalafat, whose contributions have enriched Turkic cultural heritage for millennia. Addressing the gathering on behalf of TURKSOY, Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf praised Dr. Kalafat as a pioneering scientist and reiterated TURKSOY’s commitment to promoting the works of such valuable figures.

At the heart of this event was the remarkable book, “The Strategic Depth of Turkic Culture,” which offers deep insights into the cultural and historical dimensions of the Turkic world. Under the meticulous editorial guidance of Dr. Timur B. Davletov, the publication not only serves as an academic milestone but also as a vital resource for preserving and promoting Turkic cultural identity.

Throughout the event, several esteemed speakers underscored the centrality of culture in defining a nation’s identity. Prof. Dr. Bahattin Yediyıldız remarked, “Turkic culture is the identity of a nation. Societies that nurture their cultural heritage evolve into nations, and when this culture reaches a level that benefits others, it becomes a civilization.”

Adding to the dialogue, Assoc. Dr. Fahri Atasoy emphasized the need to revitalize Turkish culture for modern times. “We need new words and renewed excitement. It is imperative that we carry the cultural codes of the Turkic World into the modern age,” he stated, praising Dr. Kalafat as one of the rare visionaries in this field.

Dr. Yaşar Kalafat himself expressed gratitude towards TURKSOY’s leadership for organizing the event and conveyed his honor at being part of an institution that stands as a symbol of cultural integration in the Turkic world. The event concluded with a group photograph and the presentation of certificates of appreciation, marking a memorable celebration of Turkic cultural heritage.

About the Editor – Dr. Timur B. Davletov:

Dr. Timur B. Davletov, since 1999, has been working as a Siberia Specialist at the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Secretariat, and since October 2023, he has been teaching in the Cultural Studies Program for Graduate Students at Kapadokya University.

Born in Kyrgyzstan in 1974 and raised among the indigenous Shaman Turkic peoples of the Khakas community in Siberia, after completing his education at the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Olympic Reserve High School (Freestyle Wrestling) and working as a shepherd in his homeland, he studied for one year at the Nikolay F. Katanov Khakas State University Faculty of History, and then graduated from the Department of International Relations at Istanbul University Faculty of Political Science. He completed his master’s degree and defended his doctoral thesis in the Department of Sociology at Hacettepe University in 2018.

Dr. Davletov served as the Representative of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Khakassia (RF) in the Republic of Türkiye (2000–2008) and then as the Permanent Representative of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Khakassia to TURKSOY (2008–2016). Since 2004, he has also been a member of the Editorial Board of the International TURKSOY Journal. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the “Best Scientific Work Translation Award” by the Avrasya Yazarlar Birliği (2012), TURKSOY’s 20th Anniversary Honorary Medal (2013), the Süyinbay Aronoğlu Honorary Medal and the Hakas Republic (RF) Çitĭgen Hakas Music and Drama Theatre Certificate of Appreciation (2015), the Superior Culture Worker Medal from the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2017), TURKSOY’s 25th Anniversary Honorary Medal (2018), the Extraordinary Contribution Certificate of Donguk Women’s University (Seoul, Republic of Korea) Euroasia Research Institute and Euroasia Research Journal, the Prof. Ármin Vámbéry Commemorative Coin signed by the eminent Hungarian Turkologist, natural scientist, and traveler, and the Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov (2022), as well as the Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Chairman of the National Writers Union of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurlanbek O. Kalıbekov (2023).

Dr. Davletov has delivered conferences on Shamanism at approximately 50 universities and various NGOs in Turkey. As of February 2025, he has authored approximately 265 scientific and popular articles, translated about 900 news and scientific/popular articles, and composed around 200 poems in Khakas. He is the author of 17 works (approximately 4700 pages) and has compiled, translated, edited, and prepared for publication 43 works (approximately 6700 pages), totaling 60 published works.