President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, together with other heads of state participating in the informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, visited the "Hazret Sultan" State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve in the city of Turkistan on May 15.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the heads of state were provided with detailed information about the reserve. Established in 1989, the "Hazret Sultan" Museum-Reserve aims to preserve and promote the unique historical and cultural heritage of the medieval period. The museum's collection includes over 26,000 exhibits, approximately 80 percent of which are authentic artifacts reflecting the rich history of Turkistan and the spiritual legacy of the Turkic world. The leaders also toured the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 14th-century monument commissioned by Amir Timur. As one of the largest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia, the mausoleum remains a significant spiritual symbol and cultural hub.
The visit highlights the growing cultural cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Turkistan, often referred to as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, plays a central role in the organization's efforts to foster shared identity and heritage among member nations. Azerbaijan continues to be a key proponent of these integration processes, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical monuments that link the Turkic peoples across the Eurasian continent.
