Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid an official visit to the city of Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan on 21 September 2025, where he was received by Mr. Ertay Altayev, Deputy Akim of the city, along with the Mayor and several senior officials.

During the visit, Dr. AlMalik toured the city to explore its urban and cultural development, and held a meeting with the Deputy Akim and Mayor of Turkistan to discuss opportunities for cooperation, including the possible nomination of Turkistan as the Cultural Capital in the Islamic World for 2027 or 2028. Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the Islamic Culture Capitals Program is a rich and diverse initiative that reflects the civilizational and historical wealth of cities, praising Turkistan’s strong potential for this nomination.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik visited a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including the Uly Dala Eli Center, Farab Library, Music and Drama Theater, Karavansaray Tourist Complex, and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

At the end of the visit, the Deputy Akim and Mayor offered their parting remarks to Dr. AlMalik and the accompanying delegation, which included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku. Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, also took part in the visit and meetings.: