A monument complex and a new inscription of Ilterish Kutlug Kagan was found in a joint scientific archaeological expedition of the International Turkic Academy and the Mongolian Archaeological Institute in the Nomgon Valley.

Baku State University has hosted a presentation of the monument complex and inscription of Ilterish Kutlug Kagan at the initiative of the International Turkic Academy and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan.

BSU Rector Elchin Babayev said that the monument erected in the name of Ilterish Kagan, the father of Kultegin and Bilge Kagan, was found in a joint scientific archaeological expedition of the International Turkic Academy and the Mongolian Archaeological Institute in Mongolia. Scientists participating in the expedition identified words from the text of the monument, such as “Tanrı” (God), “Turk”, “Kutlyk”, and “Tumen”. The inscription is considered to be the oldest written monument of the Turkish period, where the name “Turk” was mentioned for the first time.

The event was attended by Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan Isa Habibbeyli, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Culture Ganira Pashayeva, Vice President of the ITA Fizuli Majidli, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Science and Education Tural Ahmedov.

ITA expert on ancient Turkic languages Napil Bazilkhan made presentation on the monument complex and a new inscription of Ilterish Kutlug Kagan.