In her opening speech, State Minister Isilay Saygin said that many European turcologists had conducted studies on the roots of the Turkish language and that there were many other important studies on turcology. Recalling that Turkish history and Turkish language institutions had been established by Ataturk, and that important steps had been taken in turcology, Saygin extended her thanks to everybody and expressed her gratitude to Ataturk, who had contributed to Turkish language studies.
Pointing out that in the world, science, art and technology had made great gains in protecting national cultures, Saygin added: "It is our aim that the Turkish language will have the capacity to give expression to all branches of the sciences and to have equivalents for new expressions." State Minister Isilay Saygin stressed that the structure of the Turkish language could be improved and be made more productive, and that studies should be intensified in these areas.
Golden years of Turcology Chairman of the Turkish Language Institute, Prof. A.Bican Ercilasun recalled that the first Language Assembly had been held in 1932 under the auspices of Ataturk in Dolmabahce Palace.
Noting that the early 20th century was the "golden age" in the history of turcology, he added that at the close of the studies conducted during those years, the Orhun Monuments, Uygur texts, Atabet-ul Hakayik and Divan-i Lugat-it Turk had been found and presented to the world of science. Prof. Ercilasun noted that with the establishment of the Turkish-speaking Republics in recent years, new opportunities to study the Turkish language had arisen.
Prof. Ercilasun said that the First International Turkish Language Assembly had been held in 1988 and has been organized every four years since then. He added that 175 scientists from 24 countries were attending the 3rd assembly to exchange views.
The Turkish Language Institute would continue its scientific studies both abroad and at home, said Prof. Ercilasun, adding that the assembly would contribute to studies on the Turkish language.
Chairman of the Ataturk Culture, Language and History Supreme Council, Prof. Resat Genc said that Ataturk had been very aware of national culture and the concepts of civilization, and that the Turkish nation would continue to grow on the strong foundations laid down by Ataturk. Prof. Genc stressed that Ataturk's language policy was an inseparable part of national culture policy, and that the original sources of Turkish culture should be investigated.
President's message Deputy General Secretary of the President, Oguz Ozbilen, read out a message from President Suleyman Demirel after the ceremony. In his message President Suleyman Demirel said that the Turkish-speaking nations had an important place, and were a power in the world. Stressing that the Turkish language revolution had begun with the hope of ensuring peace both in the world and at home, Demirel stressed in his message that the Turkish Language Institute had been established to serve the nation.
In his message Demirel also said: "Close communications between the Turkish-speaking countries is the first step on the way to harmonizing with the world.
To integrate our alphabets will contribute not only to the Turkish world, but also to world peace and will strengthen the awareness of history, culture and existence. I closely follow the studies of scientists and support them." At the end of the ceremony, former president of the Turkish Language Institute Prof. Hasan Eren, together with Prof. Zeynep Korkmaz, Prof. Gubeydulla Aydaro, Prof. Andreas Tietze, Prof. Hamza Zulfikar, Prof.
Osman Tuna, Prof. Firidun Celilov, Prof. Marcel Erdal and Prof. Lars Johanson were all awarded plaques for their contributions to Turkish language studies.
The assembly will end on 27 September.
Posted 14 Oct 96