The idea of strengthening cooperation among the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies of the members of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was first raised by the leaders at the Seventh Summit held in Baku on October 15, 2019. The summit emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in the areas of development and humanitarian aid.
The Turkish Red Crescent and OTS Secretariat agreed to draft a Concept Note defining the framework for cooperation among the National Societies during a consultative meeting on 27 January 2021. The Presidents of the National Societies of the Member States reached a consensus on a roadmap for collaboration.
The OTS Heads of States welcomed the decision taken at the meeting of the National Society Presidents which was led by the Turkish Red Crescent aimin to establish a network. The Summit invited Member States to support this initiative through article 52 of its Declaration announced on 12 November 2021.
National Societies of the Member Stated held their First Expert-Level Working Group Meeting on 13 January 2022, during which they reviewed the draft agreement, network guidelines, and concept note. However, progress was temporarily delayed due to the post-pandemic recovery efforts and natural disasters occured during the period.
The National Societies reviewed and finalized the text of draft agreement during the Second Expert-Level Working Group Meeting on 28 March 2024.
The National Societies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Bishkek on 10 October 2024 and officially established the Turkic Red Network. The establishment of the Network was formally recognized by the Member States of the OTS through Article 72 of the 11th Summit Declaration, adopted on 6 November 2024.
The Hungarian Red Cross, Turkmen Red Crescent, and Cyprus Turkish Red Crescent joined the Network as observers following the Strategic High-Level Network Meeting held in April 2025. Thus, the Network has evolved into a broader regional platform that fosters humanitarian solidarity and cooperation across the Turkic world.