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The 9th Great Hun-Turkic Kurultai, which brings together communities of Hun and Turkic heritage, was held with the participation of thousands of people in Bugac, in Hungary’s Bács-Kiskun region. Hosted by the Hungarian Turan Foundation in cooperation with the Municipality of Bugac, the event was officially opened by András Bíró, President of the Hungarian Turan Foundation, and László Szabó, Mayor of Bugac.

Described as Europe’s largest nomadic cultural festival, the event brought together representatives of more than 27 Turkic and related peoples. Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, also attended the Kurultai. In his address, he emphasized that the Turkic world shares a common history, spirit, and future. Rector Ceylan stated that Manas University serves as a center for shared intellectual thought, science, and education across the Turkic world. He stressed that international gatherings of this kind, together with the transmission of long-standing traditions to younger generations, help strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and academic cooperation among Turkic peoples.

On the Bugac Plain, large nomadic yurts and the Attila Tent were erected, alongside exhibitions dedicated to shared history and cultural heritage. Traditional cavalry displays, archery demonstrations, and performances based on the Epic of Manas created an atmosphere of excitement among participants.

As part of the festivities, mounted horsemen carrying the flags of Turkic states and communities, including Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, took part in impressive military and cavalry parades wearing traditional armor and clothing. A spectacular mass archery display featuring both mounted and foot archers was also held, along with traditional mounted combat games, horse races, and wrestling competitions. The Kyrgyz nomadic way of life was brought to life through yurts established throughout the festival grounds. The epic heritage of the Turkic world, particularly the Epic of Manas, was presented through special stage performances, while a symbolic nomadic wedding ceremony was also reenacted. At the giant Attila Tent, a symbolic centerpiece of the event, exhibitions featuring historical artifacts and cultural heritage associated with the Huns, Turks, and Hungarians were presented. Markets featuring traditional handicrafts were also established, while folk dances and performances by traditional singers and poets added to the festive atmosphere. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the winners of the various competitions, followed by a traditional sacred-fire ceremony held on the festival grounds.