The V International Symposium on Communication and Art and the X Documentary Film Festival of the Turkic World were held at Turan University

On November 5 and 6, 2025, Turan University hosted two major international events that brought together scholars, researchers, industry professionals, and creative communities from across the Turkic world: the V International Symposium on Communication and Art of the Turkic World and the X Documentary Film Festival of the Turkic World. The events were organized by the Turan Film Academy HS with the active support of the Department for International Affairs and the HS of Media and Intercultural Communications, ensuring the high professional and cultural significance of the program.

The first day of the program took place in the assembly hall of Turan University. It opened with the performance of the national anthems of the two countries, underscoring the spirit of intercultural dialogue and unity within the Turkic world.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by:

• Rahman Alshanov, Rector of Turan University, Professor, Doctor of Economics;
• Menderes Demir, President of the Federation of Journalists of the Turkic World;
• Ayhan Korkmaz, Education Attaché at the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Almaty.

During the ceremony, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Turan University and the Federation of Journalists of the Turkic World. The event continued with the presentation of commemorative plaques to distinguished guests and festival partners.

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to a screening of the award-winning films of the X Documentary Film Festival of the Turkic World. Students and faculty members of the university viewed some of the finest documentary works of the region, highlighting the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of the Turkic states.

The second day was devoted entirely to the academic program, including plenary sessions and research presentations. The symposium sessions were held in parallel across two venues of the university: Auditorium 207 and the Civilization Turan Conference Hall.

Participants presented their research on media, cinema, communication, audiovisual culture, and contemporary art of the Turkic world. Scientific discussions continued after the lunch break and concluded with the awarding of personalized plaques to Diaz Azimzhanov, Director of the Turan Film Academy, and Gulzhanat Tayauova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Doctoral Studies, in recognition of their contributions to the cultural development of the Turkic world, as noted by the Federation of Journalists of the Turkic World.

The importance of these events was further underscored by the fact that they received extensive coverage in nearly 30 media outlets across Turkey and Kazakhstan.

The symposium and festival reaffirmed the significant role of Turan University in fostering academic and cultural dialogue among the countries of the Turkic world. These events served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, the promotion of documentary cinema, and the strengthening of professional ties in the fields of media, communication, cinema, and the arts.