The Turkish world is taking an important step in terms of common history, culture, and geography. Following the common Turkish alphabet, a common map of the Turkish world is now being drawn. The heads of the mapping institutions of the member countries of the Organization of Turkish States (TDT) met in the capital Ankara and decided to produce a common map for the Turkish world.
The General Director of Mapping, Major General Osman Alp, shared the first information about the common map of the Turkish world with TRT News. Underlining that the map is one of the basic elements of the country's defense, Major General Alp said, "We cartographers; from Ibn Haldun's words, 'Geography is destiny', we argue that geography should be known very well. We accept that the way to know geography well is through the map, which is one of the most important keys to development and country defense. Therefore, this meeting held in the field of mapping has a meaning beyond a meeting for us."
TURKISH WORLD MAP WILL BE DRAWN WITH TDT MAP
First, a special map will be prepared for the Organization of Turkish States. Then, a larger map covering the entire geography of the Turkish world will be produced. This map will visually present the historical ties, common traditions, and cultural richness of the Turkish states. Thematic data, especially settlements, languages, traditions, and food cultures, will also be included on the map.
The Turkish world map will reflect not only geographical information but also the richness of Turkish culture. For example, many cultural themes, from carpet motifs to traditional dishes, will be included on the map. In this way, a visual narrative will be presented about how close relations Turkish communities have had throughout history.
AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS TURKISH UNITY
This map will also symbolize the unity and solidarity between Turkish states. Major General Alp stated that the map is the most effective and easiest way to make Turkish unity felt and said, "When the Common Turkish World Map emerges, all our citizens looking at that map will realize that the Turkish States that seem geographically distant are actually very close. They will see that our customs, traditions, and customs are also valid there and that some life issues there are applied in the same way in our country. Therefore, the map that we see as a symbol will actually give an idea about how close the Turkish States are to each other, how much they lived together in the past, and why they should be together in the future."
THE GOAL IS TO CREATE A MAP THAT IS BOTH GEOGRAPHICAL AND CULTURAL
The idea of a map showing the vast geography where the Turks settled first came to life in the famous work of Kashgarli Mahmud, Divan-ü Lügati't-Türk, who lived in the 11th century. This map, which shows the vast geography where Turkish communities lived at that time, had great importance for the Turkish World both geographically and culturally.
COMMON MAP OF THE TURKIC WORLD WILL SHOW HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES
Reflecting the cultural richness and historical ties of the Turkish states, this map will visually reveal the strong unity of the Turkish world. Enriched with both geographical and cultural themes, the map will show the common past and future of the Turkish states together. This map aims to be a symbol of Turkish unity.