Turkicstan

Cultivates a dynamic, inclusive community while advancing Central Asian and Turkic Studies through education, engagement, and dialogue. By organizing events and programs celebrating the richness of the Turkic World, our center(s) serve as a bridge to preserve, promote, and invigorate Central Asian and Turkic cultural heritage across the Greater Boston area and the USA.

Research

The Turkicstan Center aims to promote research, knowledge, project approaches, and methodologies in Central Asian and Turkic Studies. It seeks to represent and unite people from Central Asia, as well as other Turkic ethnic groups with unique cultural heritages.
Cultural Activities

The Turkicstan Center addresses the social and cultural needs of Central Asians and other Turkic nations. We value our shared heritage and promote cross-cultural awareness rooted in mutual respect and understanding of Central Asian and other Turkic ethnic groups' cultures.
Non Profit for Education

The Turkicstan Center organizes educational activities that ignite curiosity and foster learning. Host enlightening seminars that delve into intriguing topics, and curate dynamic courses for both professional and personal development, empowering kids and individuals to grow and thrive. Invite captivating guest speakers who can share their unique insights, and organize vibrant festivals that celebrate diverse cultures.

Our projects

Conferences & Programs for Scholars
on Central Asia and Turkic Studies

An emerging platform committed to nurturing Central Asian and Turkic communities while establishing initiatives that reflect the core of its vision.

Central Asian Instrumental Show

An enchanting concert featuring the mesmerizing national instruments of the Turkic World is set to take place in the vibrant Greater Boston Area.

Central Asian Fashion Show

A vibrant fashion showcase celebrating the exquisite national, modern, and stylish dresses of Turkic-speaking nations, set against the lively backdrop of the Greater Boston Area.

A trip to Central Asia

Prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, explore ancient cities, and experience this unique region's stunning natural beauty. Join us as we delve into the heart of Central Asia and the Turkic World, discovering its captivating history and warm hospitality at every turn.

About Us

We are a Boston and Cambridge based, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental, and Mass Council-recognized BIPOC-centered organization. Grounded in Turkic traditions, our mission is to lead professional education and research in advancing Turkic studies, culture, and community wellness in the Greater Boston Area. The center breathes life into Turkic cultures and traditions by organizing cross-cultural art performances, events, festivals, social gatherings, fashion shows, cultural film screenings, and educational activities.

Zhanat Zhapparov

Principal Officer

Zhanat holds a Master of Education in ESL and a Master of Liberal Arts in Math for Teaching. With eight years of experience, he has served as an instructor in K-12 STEM education. At Harvard University, he is the founder of the Central Asian Student Association and the founder of Intellectuals League Inc. Additionally, he serves as the president of IVY Standard Educational Consulting LLC and is the president of The Turkicstan Center Inc.

Zhibek Orozbekova

🇰🇬 Kyrgyz C-Liaison

Zhibek is an IT Engineer at a California startup, specializing in process automation and software delivery. She is a strong advocate for Human Rights and served as an official representative for activist Rita Karasartova during her presidential campaign in the Kyrgyz Republic. As a mother of a toddler, Zhibek values family traditions and wants her son to learn about Kyrgyzstan's roots and Central Asian culture. She is eager to contribute her skills to a TurkicStan that shares her values.

Nilufar Qahorova

🇺🇿 Uzbek C-Liaison

Nilufar is the founder of the Center for Clinical Research and Innovation and co-founder of the Uzbek American Medical Association. With over 10 years of experience in strategic business planning, safety risk, and healthcare improvements, she has focused on Primary Care Improvement and Health Care Quality initiatives. Nilufar is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the Uzbek diaspora in the U.S. and aims to connect experts to tackle social, educational, and healthcare challenges in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia.

Munawwar Abdulla

☪︎ Uyghur C-Liaison

Munawwar holds a Master of Science and works in cancer research. She is one of the founding members of the Boston Uyghur Association and has many years of experience in Uyghur community-building work around the world and in online spaces. She hopes to foster connections between Uyghurs and the general public through literature, cultural sharing, allyship, and solidarity.

Vugar Khudiyev

🇦🇿 Azeri C-Liaison

As the Head of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Massachusetts, he serves as a bridge between cultures, promoting Azerbaijani heritage and fostering cross-cultural appreciation within the community. Additionally, he is the owner of AZ Service LLC, a construction firm committed to delivering excellence and transforming visions into reality. He is also the founder of Wunderkind Planet Daycare, a child care center dedicated to provide a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment.

Yerdaulet Tastanbek

🇰🇿 Kazakh C-Liaison

Yerdaulet is a founder and President of the Qazaq Student Association at Boston University and is currently pursuing his Master's degree in the dynamic fields of City Planning and Urban Affairs. With a passion for fostering cultural connections, he orchestrates vibrant events throughout the Greater Boston area, bringing together the diverse communities from Kazakhstan and celebrating their rich heritage. His dedication not only creates a sense of belonging but also enriches the cultural tapestry of the region.

Rauan Yerulankyzy

Outreach Manager

Rauan Yerulankyzy has a Master of Science degree in economics and specializes in project management, sustainable growth, and nonprofit organization. She has 15 years of experience in strategy and budget planning in the national companies of Kazakhstan and other international organizations. For about ten years, she worked as a consultant at Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Program, and United Nations Food.

Malika Kalila

Digital Supervisor

Malika-Budur Kalila is a broadcast and digital media journalist. She earned her M.S. degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University. Malika also studied Economics in Turkey for three years and earned her B.A. in Communication from Niagara University. Malika has a comprehensive journalism experience at famous media outlets such as NPR affiliate WAER in Syracuse and international television network CGTN in Washington DC.

Makpal Kadyrbayeva

Treasurer

Makpal Kadyrbayeva works as a mentor and coach at Boston Education and Counseling. She has also worked as a mathematics teacher for two years in an after-school academy and served as the director of the weekend school at the Kid's Academy in Massachusetts. Additionally, she has mentored high school students for college readiness and is involved in organizing social networking activities for Muslim students in the Greater Boston Area.

Recent Events & Programs

Sponsors • Partners

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded generous grants from Incorporation for our festivals & project applications. These grants testify to our commitment to enriching cultural experiences and projects in our community. With this support, we can continue to grow and enhance our festivals and projects, ensuring they have a positive and lasting impact on our society.

Turkicstan Center is proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier. EBT and WIC cardholders receive free admission to all our events. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.

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All donations foster a vibrant, inclusive community while promoting Central Asian and Turkic Studies through education, engagement, and dialogue. By hosting events and programs that celebrate the richness of the Turkic world, our centers act as a bridge to preserve, promote, and breathe new life into Central Asian and Turkic cultural heritage across the Greater Boston area and the United States.

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