Historic decision on common alphabet for Turkic World in Baku 

On Monday, the Turkish World Common Alphabet Commission reached a historic decision in Baku, Azerbaijan. During the meeting, where the topic of a common alphabet for the Turkic World was discussed, 34 letters were officially agreed upon.

This decision marks a significant step toward unifying the Turkic states under a shared linguistic framework. 

Century-old problem of different alphabets 

One of the most persistent issues faced by the Turkic World over the last century has been the divergence in alphabets. This challenge has hindered linguistic and cultural integration among the Turkic nations. Addressing this, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) made resolving the alphabet issue a key objective. 

The Turkish World Common Alphabet Commission was established by the OTS, with each Turkic state appointing two representatives. The commission is tasked with developing a unified alphabet to enhance communication and cultural ties across the Turkic-speaking regions. 

Progress at third meeting toward common alphabet

The third meeting, co-organized by the International Turkic Academy and the Turkish Language Association (TDK), saw significant progress. Held on Monday, this meeting followed two previous sessions where groundwork had been laid. 

Nizami Caferov, a member of the Turkish World Common Alphabet Commission, provided insight into the recent decision, stating that the new alphabet will consist of 34 letters. 

• Certain sounds, not present in some Turkic languages, will be excluded. 

• The alphabet will be based on the Latin script. 

This new system is viewed as a unifying step for the Turkic-speaking nations, fostering closer ties and facilitating greater cultural exchange. 

Turkish World Common Alphabet Commission

Operating under the International Turkic Academy, the commission had previously convened twice. 

• The first meeting took place on May 28-29, 2023, in Astana. 

• The second meeting followed on May 6-7, 2024, in Baku. 

During these sessions, foundational work on the common alphabet was completed. Sahin Mustafayev, president of the International Turkic Academy, announced during the second meeting that 14 letters of the common alphabet had already been approved. 

The 34-letter alphabet is set to be a transformative tool for the Turkic world, aiming to bridge the gaps that have historically existed due to the use of different writing systems. This initiative, driven by the collaboration of linguists and cultural experts, holds the promise of deepening the bonds between the Turkic nations and promoting a shared future.