Organized with the support of TURKSOY, the Kurultaj once again brought together the deep-rooted cultural ties between the Turkic World and Hungary in Bugac.

The 9th Great Hun-Turkic Kurultaj, held in the Bács-Kiskun region of Hungary, opened with a grand ceremony attended by high-level representatives, artists, scholars, and tradition keepers from 27 Turkic states and communities.

Organized by the Hungarian Turan Foundation from August 14 to 16, 2026, with the support of TURKSOY, the Kurultaj stands among the world’s most comprehensive traditional gatherings, preserving the shared historical memory, cultural heritage, and fraternal bonds of the Hun-Turkic peoples.

The opening was hosted by András Bíró, President of the Hungarian Turan Foundation, and László Szabó, Mayor of Bugac.

The opening ceremony was attended by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Organization of Turkic States Secretary General Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Relations with Turkic Republics Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu, President of the Turkic Academy Prof. Dr. Shahin Mustafayev, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, heads of diplomatic missions based in Budapest, and numerous distinguished guests from across the Turkic World.

Speaking at the opening, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed his pleasure at being in brotherly Hungary once again on the occasion of the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultaj, expressing his gratitude to the Government of Hungary, the Hungarian Turan Foundation, and everyone who contributed to organizing the event.

Emphasizing that the ties between the Turkic World and the Hungarian people reach from the depths of history into the present day, Raev noted: “Today, here, we hear the voice of our shared memory. We hear our past in the sound of horses’ hooves, our inner world in the melody of the komuz, and our shared future in the fluttering flags. Distance has not weakened this bond, because the borders of our realm of hearts cannot be drawn by maps.”

Describing the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultaj as a grand arena of brotherhood where shared roots come alive anew, Raev affirmed that TURKSOY will continue its efforts to preserve, promote globally, and transmit this common cultural heritage to future generations.

Participants of the 20th TURKSOY Photographers’ Gathering at the Kurultaj

Photographic artists participating in the 20th TURKSOY Photographers’ Gathering, held this year, were also present at the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultaj.

Photographers from various countries across the Turkic World captured the vivid atmosphere of the Kurultaj, traditional attire, equestrian displays, cultural events, and the spirit of brotherhood. Their work aims to preserve the Kurultaj and the shared cultural heritage of the Hun-Turkic peoples in visual memory.

A Celebration of Shared Culture in Bugac

Throughout the three-day Kurultaj, events will feature traditional music and dance performances, parades of mounted units, re-enactments of nomadic life, archery and martial arts demonstrations, handicraft exhibitions, as well as archeological and anthropological activities.

Inside the iconic Tent of Attila, artifacts reflecting the shared historical heritage of the Huns, Turks, and Hungarians will be showcased, while traditional lifestyle, crafts, and national values will be presented to visitors in yurts representing kin nations.

As one of the key cultural gatherings highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the Turkic World and Hungary, the Great Hun-Turkic Kurultaj will continue to carry the spirit of shared history, culture, and brotherhood into the future across the Bugac steppe.