Kazakh statesman, diplomat and musician Professor Düsen Kaseinov has received the Organization of Turkic States’ Alisher Navoi International Award for his contribution to the unity of the Turkic world.
The decision was made following a meeting of the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers. The award ceremony took place on October 29, 2026, during the organization’s 13th summit in Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally presented the award to Kaseinov.
The award recognizes Kaseinov’s long-standing contribution to strengthening cultural ties, developing humanitarian cooperation and preserving the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
Kaseinov, a Merited Artist of Kazakhstan and former culture minister, headed the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) from 2008 to 2022. During that time, he contributed to preserving and promoting shared cultural heritage, supporting creative initiatives and raising the international profile of Kazakh culture.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information nominated Kaseinov for the award. The ministry said the nomination recognized his professional achievements and years of international cultural work to strengthen spiritual and humanitarian ties among Turkic states.
The Alisher Navoi International Award was established in 2021 at the initiative of the president of Uzbekistan. Its first recipient, in 2022, was Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, who received it posthumously. In 2025, the award went to Turkish scientist and Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar.
