The Integrative Function of Culture in Psychocultural Context: The Case of Turkic Nations
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Objective: This study examined the integrative function of culture in the psychocultural context of Turkic nations, focusing on shared traditions, values, language, cultural heritage, and institutional cooperation.
Methods and Materials: This theoretical study used an interdisciplinary cultural-historical approach. The analysis drew on anthropological, axiological, symbolic, diachronic, synchronic, and historical-comparative methods to examine the historical development of Turkic cultural identity; the ideological foundations of cultural integration; the role of TURKSOY; bilateral and multilateral cultural cooperation; and the relevance of European cultural policy experience for Turkic integration.
Findings: Turkic cultural integration is supported by a shared civilizational background, common linguistic roots, historical memory, traditions, and values. The institutionalization of TURKSOY in 1993 represented a major step in cultural cooperation among Turkic-speaking states. Key initiatives included Nauryz celebrations, designation of cultural capitals of the Turkic world, commemorative cultural years, festivals, musical and theatrical projects, publications, conferences, and cooperation with international organizations. Bilateral and multilateral projects, including cinema cooperation and Kazakhstan–Turkey cultural exchanges, further strengthened integration. However, differences in political, economic, and social development limit broader integration, making culture the most viable and sustainable domain for integration.
Conclusion: Culture functions as a central mechanism for strengthening Turkic identity, dialogue, and cooperation. Future cultural integration among Turkic-speaking states may benefit from adopting program-based models inspired by European cultural policy while preserving cultural diversity and national specificity.
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