HATAY, Saturday, June 13, 2026 (WNP): Türkiye and Uzbekistan on Saturday reaffirmed their deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership as senior leaders from both countries attended the naming ceremony of the Uzbekistan Neighborhood, Şevket Mirziyoyev Boulevard and accompanying public spaces in the earthquake-affected province of Hatay.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş and Chairman of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Nuriddin Ismailov, along with senior government officials, parliamentarians and local authorities from both countries.
Addressing the gathering, Kurtulmuş described the event as one of the most meaningful ceremonies held in the earthquake zone since the devastating February 2023 earthquakes, saying it symbolized the enduring friendship, solidarity and brotherhood between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
“This ceremony goes far beyond the inauguration of homes, a mosque, a boulevard and infrastructure projects built by Uzbekistan. It stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the bridges connecting Türkiye and Uzbekistan and demonstrates that our friendship and brotherhood are lasting and enduring,” he said.
The Turkish parliamentary speaker noted that several landmarks in the newly built district would bear Uzbek names, including the main boulevard named after Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reflecting the close ties between the two nations and serving as a lasting reminder of Uzbekistan’s support during one of Türkiye’s most difficult periods.
Kurtulmuş recalled the catastrophic earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye in February 2023, describing them as one of the greatest natural disasters in recorded human history. He emphasized that Uzbekistan was among the first countries to extend assistance following the tragedy.
“During those difficult days, when our nation faced immense destruction and uncertainty, our Uzbek brothers and sisters stood firmly beside us. The people and government of Uzbekistan were among the first to offer a helping hand, and for that we remain deeply grateful,” he said.
He praised the reconstruction efforts undertaken in the earthquake-hit provinces under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting that the scale of rebuilding achieved within a short period had transformed devastated areas into modern and vibrant communities.
Referring to Hatay’s reconstruction, Kurtulmuş said he was proud to witness the emergence of a “new Hatay,” adding that the successful rebuilding of the region reflected Türkiye’s resilience and determination.
Highlighting the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations, he described Uzbekistan as the ancestral homeland of the Turkish people and one of the most important centers of Turkic and Islamic civilization.
He paid tribute to the region’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage, citing renowned scholars and thinkers including Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ali Qushchi, Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Abdulkhaliq Ghijduwani and Bahauddin Naqshband, whose contributions shaped the course of science, philosophy and Islamic scholarship.
Kurtulmuş also commended the reforms and development initiatives being undertaken in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev, describing them as the foundations of a new era of progress and renaissance.
“Centuries later, Uzbekistan is once again witnessing a new awakening and a new rise under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. We sincerely congratulate our Uzbek brothers on this remarkable journey,” he said.
He noted that relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan had entered a new phase under the leadership of Presidents Erdoğan and Mirziyoyev, characterized by strategic cooperation, shared vision and strong people-to-people ties.
The Turkish speaker said the Uzbekistan Neighborhood, Şevket Mirziyoyev Boulevard, Imam Bukhari Mosque and related facilities should be viewed not merely as physical structures but as enduring symbols of friendship, solidarity and a shared future.
During the ceremony, commemorative certificates were presented to Uzbek dignitaries, including Nuriddin Ismailov, Khorezm Region Governor Farhod Ermanov and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Ilkhom Khaydarov, in recognition of their contributions to the project.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen the historic bonds between the Turkish and Uzbek peoples.
“Long live Türkiye–Uzbekistan brotherhood. Long live the unity of the Turkish and Uzbek peoples,” Kurtulmuş said.
