Türkiye, Azerbaijan promote Turkic language heritage in Colombia

The World Turkish Language Family Day program, organized on December 15 at the Türkiye Maarif Foundation (TMV) education center, was attended by Saide Nur Alp, Third Secretary at Türkiye’s Embassy in Bogota; Namık Ramazanov, Chargé d’Affaires of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Bogota; Colombian students learning Turkish; and representatives from various Turkish public institutions.

Azerbaijan’s Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Ramazanov greeted the guests in the Azerbaijani language and expressed his pleasure in participating in the event as a graduate of a Turkish institution, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Ramazanov emphasized that celebrating December 15 annually as World Turkish Language Family Day is important for the Turkic world, adding that Azerbaijan’s initiative is a meaningful step that strengthens ties within the Turkic community.

Türkiye’s Embassy Third Secretary Alp stated that commemorating World Turkish Language Family Day together with Colombian friends carries special significance for them. Alp highlighted that the Turkish language family, spoken across a vast geography from Turkey to Azerbaijan, Central Asia, and the Balkans, is a shared linguistic heritage that strengthens cultural bonds and the spirit of brotherhood.

TMV Colombia Representative Dr. Rıza Feridun Elgün noted that Turkish is not merely a communication tool but a distinguishing element of the thousands-year-old Turkish civilization. He added that Turkish has attracted interest in Latin American countries, especially Colombia, for its warmth and as a symbol of civilization, and that TMV places great importance on teaching Turkish as a foreign language internationally.

Elgün also outlined the 2026 goals in the country: “Using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the ‘Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language Program’ structures teaching quality within an international framework. Starting in 2026, we aim to support Turkish language education in Bogota’s education center and universities through social and cultural activities as well as professional development programs.”

About December 15 – Turkish Language Family Day

December 15 marks the anniversary of the announcement to the scientific world that the Orkhon Inscriptions, a cornerstone of Turkish language and civilization, were written in Turkish.

As reported by CE Report, in this context, UNESCO has designated December 15 as “Turkish Language Family Day,” highlighting the historical origins, richness, and international significance of the Turkish language. The day is now celebrated abroad as well.