As Kazakhstan's Turkistan city prepares to host the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States on May 15, the ancient city is transforming into a showcase of Turkic unity, cultural heritage, and futuristic ambition.

Authorities across Turkistan have completed large-scale beautification and security preparations ahead of the high-profile gathering, which will bring together heads of state, international organizations, and leading figures from across the Turkic world, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The summit’s theme - “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development” - reflects the bloc’s growing focus on innovation and technological cooperation, even as the event unfolds in one of the most spiritually significant cities for Turkic nations.

Flags of member states now line the streets of Turkistan, while major landscaping and city-cleaning efforts have reshaped the city ahead of the diplomatic event. Officials say hosting the summit in Turkistan carries deep symbolism because of its historic role as a cultural and spiritual center of the Turkic civilization.

Security has been dramatically tightened in the city. Additional police forces from Almaty and Shymkent, along with officers from Aktobe, Zhambyl, and Kyzylorda regions, have been deployed. Military personnel from Kazakhstan’s National Guard and Ministry of Defense are also supporting operations.

Six special checkpoints have been established at entry points into the city, with vehicles undergoing inspections as authorities finalize readiness checks for equipment and official motorcades.

Emergency services have also mobilized extensively. Rapid-response units and firefighting vehicles have been stationed at 16 summit venues, while aircraft support has been assigned for emergency operations.

One of the most eye-catching additions ahead of the summit is a massive new “Taikazan” installation at the entrance to the city. Designed as a symbol of unity and prosperity among Turkic nations, the structure reportedly resembles the flag of the OTS when viewed from above.

The giant Taikazan is five times larger than the historic Taikazan housed inside the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The new installation stands 10.4 meters tall with a diameter of 12 meters.

Turkistan has also unveiled a new ethno-tourism complex centered around a giant yurt measuring 31 meters in diameter and 15.5 meters in height. The venue is expected to host international exhibitions, ethno-festivals, forums, and cultural gatherings linked to the summit.

The “City of Artisans” project will showcase works from 17 foreign artisans, highlighting the shared artistic traditions of the Turkic world.

According to city officials, around 70 hotels and accommodation facilities are prepared to host international delegations and visitors. The summit itself will take place at the Congress Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,000 participants.

Authorities have also introduced temporary restrictions during the summit period. Drone flights have been banned, several roads will face traffic limitations, and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi will remain closed on May 14-15. Schools and colleges across the city are switching to remote learning during the event.

With diplomacy, technology, culture, and symbolism converging in one of Central Asia’s most historic cities, Turkistan is positioning itself at the heart of a new era of Turkic cooperation.