Baku: The idea of a Common Turkic Alphabet is not an attempt to replace national alphabets or impose a standardized script at the state level, stated Kubanichbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, during an interview with APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the initiative aims to simplify mutual understanding among Turkic-speaking peoples. The Turkic World Common Alphabet Commission, established by the OTS, has finalized a proposal for a Latin-based Common Turkic Alphabet. This was achieved during the Commission’s third meeting, organized by the Turkic Academy and Turkic Language Institute, from September 9 to 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The proposed alphabet consists of 34 letters, each representing different phonetic sounds found in Turkic languages. This development enhances mutual understanding and cooperation among Turkic peoples while preserving linguistic heritage. The concept of a unified alphabet traces back to intellectual discussions in Baku decades ago, aiming to make Turkic languages more accessible to one another. This initiative would facilitate easier navigation for travelers and better comprehension of literature across Turkic states.
A unified alphabet serves as a tool for cultural rapprochement, strengthening linguistic ties, and fostering closer relations among Turkic peoples. Secretary General Omuraliyev noted that preparations are underway to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Baku Turkology Congress of 1926, which included the adoption of a common Latin-based alphabet for Turkic languages. This celebration, scheduled for 2026 during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship at the Organization, will involve extensive cooperation with all Turkic Cooperation Organizations, especially the Turkic Academy.