In her opening speech, State Minister Isilay Saygin said that many Europeanturcologists had conducted studies on the roots of the Turkish languageand that there were many other important studies on turcology. Recallingthat Turkish history and Turkish language institutions had been establishedby Ataturk, and that important steps had been taken in turcology, Sayginextended 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 madegreat gains in protecting national cultures, Saygin added: "It is our aimthat the Turkish language will have the capacity to give expression toall branches of the sciences and to have equivalents for new expressions."State Minister Isilay Saygin stressed that the structure of the Turkishlanguage could be improved and be made more productive, and that studiesshould 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 beenheld in 1932 under the auspices of Ataturk in Dolmabahce Palace.
Noting that the early 20th century was the "golden age" in the historyof turcology, he added that at the close of the studies conducted duringthose years, the Orhun Monuments, Uygur texts, Atabet-ul Hakayik and Divan-iLugat-it Turk had been found and presented to the world of science. Prof.Ercilasun noted that with the establishment of the Turkish-speaking Republicsin recent years, new opportunities to study the Turkish language had arisen.
Prof. Ercilasun said that the First International Turkish Language Assemblyhad 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 assemblyto exchange views.
The Turkish Language Institute would continue its scientific studiesboth abroad and at home, said Prof. Ercilasun, adding that the assemblywould 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 cultureand the concepts of civilization, and that the Turkish nation would continueto grow on the strong foundations laid down by Ataturk. Prof. Genc stressedthat Ataturk's language policy was an inseparable part of national culturepolicy, and that the original sources of Turkish culture should be investigated.
President's message Deputy General Secretary of the President, OguzOzbilen, read out a message from President Suleyman Demirel after the ceremony.In his message President Suleyman Demirel said that the Turkish-speakingnations had an important place, and were a power in the world. Stressingthat the Turkish language revolution had begun with the hope of ensuringpeace both in the world and at home, Demirel stressed in his message thatthe Turkish Language Institute had been established to serve the nation.
In his message Demirel also said: "Close communications between theTurkish-speaking countries is the first step on the way to harmonizingwith 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, cultureand existence. I closely follow the studies of scientists and support them."At the end of the ceremony, former president of the Turkish Language InstituteProf. Hasan Eren, together with Prof. Zeynep Korkmaz, Prof. GubeydullaAydaro, Prof. Andreas Tietze, Prof. Hamza Zulfikar, Prof.
Osman Tuna, Prof. Firidun Celilov, Prof. Marcel Erdal and Prof. LarsJohanson were all awarded plaques for their contributions to Turkish languagestudies.
The assembly will end on 27 September.
Posted 14 Oct 96