The History of Cooperation Among Turkic Peoples:
The First Turkological Congress
Elnara Mammadova1* , Tarana Ismayılova2
Absrtact. The article analyzes the deep cultural, linguistic and scientific ties that have historically existed between Azerbaijan and Turkey, especially cooperation in the field of turkology. Here, based on the principle of "One nation, two states", the strategic role of both countries in the integration of the turkic world is emphasized. The study extensively highlights the historical significance of the First Turkological Congress held in Baku in 1926, the roles of prominent Azerbaijani and turkish scientists who participated in it, such as Khalid Said Khojayev, Ruhulla Akhundov, Mehmed Fuad Köprülü, Rufat Akhundov, Bekir Chobanzadeh, Zeki Velidi Toğa, Reshid Rzanur, Sadri Maksudi Arsal and others. Fundamental issues discussed at the congress, such as the transition to a common Latin script alphabet, terminology, and the preparation of language textbooks, are examined. Also, the contributions of the translation of the great turkish thinker Mahmud Kashgarli's "Divan-u lugat-it-türk" into Azerbaijani by Khalid Said Khojayev to the science of Turkology and the joint projects continued in modern times through organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States and TURKSOY are highlighted. The development of the mother tongue, common features of turkic languages and terminological issues were discussed at the congress, and Azerbaijani intellectuals expressed their scientific positions in these discussions. Their close participation in the congress and exchange of views with the most leading Turkologists of the time were characterized as thinkers of the Turkic world, were positively received by the congress participants, and gave a strong impetus to the development of the science of turkology and scientific research on turkic languages.
Keywords: turkic peoples, Azerbaijani language, turkish language, turkology, culture