"Mukam Lurks in a Ray of Sunlight" – In Memory of Poet Khadzhi Kakaliev
In early July 2026, Khadzhi Kakaliev passed away. He was a poet whose work was imbued with the warmth of his native land, a profound sense of national unity, and a sincere love for humanity. His poetry became an integral part of national culture, and his lines set to music will forever remain in the hearts of listeners.
Kadzhi Kakaliev possessed a rare gift for blending tradition and modernity. His poems brought to life images of Turkmen life, the boundless steppes, the wisdom of his ancestors, and radiant lyricism.
A special chapter in his life is his creative collaboration with the outstanding composer Nury Khalmamedov. Their joint work, "Song of Russia," became a striking example of how poetry and music merge in a single breath, becoming a true bridge between cultures.
The poet expressed a deep sense of continuity and admiration for the masters of the past in lines dedicated to Kurbannazar Ezizov and Nury Khalmamedov:
Kurbannazar is gone. Nury is gone.
Poetry and music remain.
Their voices are still heard,
— We return to them, growing old.
Mukham is hidden in a sunbeam.
Oh, who are we, what are we, oh, when and where are we?!
We write in Khalmamedov's vein
Favorite Ezizov themes.
These quatrains became not only a tribute to Kakaliev's memory but also his creative credo, striving for the truth of feeling. Khadzhi Aga's poetry has also found a new lease on life in contemporary classical music. Composer Mamed Guseynov, inspired by his works, created the diptychs "The Creative Heart" and "The Prophetic Voice," as well as "Ode to the Hero," included in the collection "Crystal Chapel."
Recalling his meeting with Khadzhi Kakaliev, Mamed Guseynov, Artistic Director of the International Arts Festival "Sounds of the Dutar," shares: "Exactly one year ago, our meeting with Khadzhi Kakaliev took place in Ashgabat, and it became one of the most vivid experiences for Daria and me. I have long admired his poetry, which I first discovered through a collection given to me by the singer Roza Turaeva. On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, at the request of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the National Guard Troops, I wrote “Ode to the Hero” based on the poems of Hadji.
This work was included in my collection "Crystal Chapel," with a foreword by Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli—it was one of his last documents.
Khadzhi attended two of our concerts, and after the performance, we personally presented him with this collection. He was not only a talented poet but also a remarkable person, whose interactions left an indelible mark. After we met, he often sent us his new poems. Some of them were dedicated to us, and it was incredibly touching. We will miss him greatly."
Khadzhi Kakaliev's memory will live on in his books, in the music he inspired, and in the sincere gratitude of all who came into contact with his luminous talent.
Sounds of the Dutar Foundation
