SOTA is an acronym derived from the first letters of the Dutch abbreviation
of "Foundation for the research of Turkestan, Azerbaijan, Crimea,
Caucasus and Siberia". Established in 1991 by Mehmet Tutuncu,
the Centre is dedicated to research and analysis
of the Turkic Peoples of the former Soviet Union and the promotion of human
rights, democratic governments and just peace in the Turkic World. Another
goal is to provide information to the public opinion in Western Europe, US and
other countries in the West.
SOTA's Activities
Publications:
SOTA has a quarterly journal called BITIG. First issue
of this journal was published in 1991. So far 12 issues of BITIG have been published.
Some of the journal articles are also published on line.
It has subscribers and readers in more than 54 countries. More recently,
SOTA expanded its publications program by issuing a monograph, CAUCASUS: War and Peace
edited by Mehmet Tutuncu. Several other works are also in preparation.
Conferences:
SOTA organizes conferences and symposia where actual issues
of the Turkic peoples are discussed. SOTA gives support and helps delegations
and democratic movement representatives from the Turkic World who are
visiting Holland and Western European countries.
Archive and Library:
SOTA has an extensive Archive and Library. This Library
consists of more than 4.000 books and journals and more than 10.000 pamphlets,
articles, newspapers, electronic materials and original manuscripts
on all facets of Turkic Peoples from the beginning of history to contemporary
times. The core of this Material consists of Mehmet Tutuncu's private
Library, who has gathered these materials during his travels to the Turkic
regions and his ongoing research. A list-catalogue of the collection
can be obtained by request.
The Library collections can be consulted for research
purposes by previous appointment.
SOTA on Internet:
SOTA has so far launched 4 Web projects: One is the page
where you are now.
Web Pages of SOTA are: