On October 16–17, 2025, within the framework of the “Aktau 2025 – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” program, the 4th Meeting of Turkic World Museums and the symposium titled “Stone Monuments – Common Heritage of the Turkic World” were held.

The symposium was organized with the aim of promoting the rich historical and cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, developing international cooperation in the field of museology, and discussing current issues related to the scientific study and preservation of stone monuments.

The event, jointly organized by the TURKSOY Secretariat, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, and the Mangystau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, brought together museum directors and researchers from across the Turkic world.

Azerbaijan was represented by Şirin Malikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, PhD in Art Studies, and Associate Professor, who acted as the national coordinator. On the first day of the event, she delivered a presentation titled “Exhibitions and Cultural Exchange Programs of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art.”

Additionally, participants attended the opening ceremony of the international exhibition “Textile Art of the Turks” held at the Mangystau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore and became acquainted with the museum’s permanent exhibition.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan presented the Mangystau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore with a “Karabakh” carpet. The pile wool carpet, measuring 153 × 107 cm, was woven at the “Azerkhalcha” Open Joint Stock Company.

On the final day of the symposium, a special expedition was organized for the participants to visit historical and cultural sites of the Mangystau region.