Yesterday, June 22nd, Culture Week commenced in the Ahal velayat. This event is dedicated to Culture and Art Workers’ Day and the commemoration of the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy.

This significant annual event, initially proposed in 2013 by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, aims for a comprehensive promotion of the nation's rich cultural heritage.

The primary goals of Culture Week are the preservation, study, and enhancement of Turkmen spiritual heritage, alongside stimulating the development of Turkmenistan's creative potential.

The opening ceremony brought together prominent government officials, leaders from the Ministry of Culture, representatives of creative universities, public organizations, mass media, as well as renowned cultural figures, masters of arts, and students. Attendees listened attentively to the welcoming address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who specifically emphasized the importance of Culture Week in strengthening patriotism and promoting the country's achievements on the global stage.

Within the foyer of the ceremonial “Türkmeniň ak öýi” building, an impressive exhibition of fine and decorative applied arts was showcased. This display featured valuable artifacts from museum collections, vividly illustrating the distinctive traditions and unique cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The exhibition captivated visitors with its magnificent carpets, felt mats, tapestries, exquisite ceramics, expressive sculptural compositions, ancient national attire, and sophisticated jewelry. Following the concluding concert, a traditional toy-sadaka (feast) was organized in the public hall of “Türkmeniň ak öýi” on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, and the esteemed President, Arkadagly Hero Serdar. This offering symbolized the prosperity of the country and the well-being of its people.

A training and methodological meeting was held at the “Ak bugdaý” National Museum, with its central theme being the role of museums in preserving and studying cultural heritage. Participants particularly noted the active development of the museum sector, made possible through presidential support, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the improvement of the legislative framework. The meeting also addressed the significance of Turkmenistan's historical and cultural monuments as an integral part of world heritage and their potential to attract international interest to the country.

As part of Culture Week, a moving performance titled “Şükür bagşy” was presented at the Culture House of the Kaahka etrap. This production is unique because its protagonist, using dutar melodies instead of weapons, achieves his brother's liberation, thereby vividly demonstrating the triumph of peace over violence.

The Culture Week program is replete with a variety of events, including artist performances, new exhibitions, engaging theatrical productions, film screenings, as well as seminars and creative encounters. All these activities are designed to comprehensively demonstrate the multifaceted nature of national culture and to identify new avenues for its continued enrichment and widespread popularization.

ORIENT