NEWS

Collection of Magtymguly’s Manuscripts Included in the International Memory of the World Register

Good news came from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is a specialised body of the United Nations. The 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board was held at the headquarters of this structure in Paris from May 10 to 24, during which it was unanimously decided to include the collection of manuscripts of the Turkmen philosopher and poet Magtymguly Pyragy in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

2 June 2023

Culture

Pattern Embroidered for Happiness

National embroidery, being a part of the decorative and applied arts of the Turkmen people, which has its roots in ancient times, is an original and peculiar phenomenon. Like the famous Turkmen carpets, it has not only been preserved in its original form, but has also been developed in the works of modern skilled needlewomen. Of course, handmade embroidery has a certain intrinsic value, the presence of its creator, her individuality and spirituality are always felt in it. It contains a kind of message in which the mood, thoughts and feelings of the craftswoman are reflected. The articles embroidered by Turkmen needlewomen can be compared with fine arts, which are part of visual communication, a reflection of reality, an expression of something meaningful and exciting. The ethnic history, the mystical sacredness of the sign-symbolic letter, addressed, ultimately, not only to the contemporaries, but also to future generations, is reflected in the Turkmen national embroidery. Our talented grandmothers and great-grandmothers were engaged in needlework, weaving carpets and rugs, making felt mats, knitting and weaving various amulets – “alaja”, “jähek”, “aldymgaç”. Their golden hands did not know fatigue, their creativity is worthy of surprise, and their work is admirable! Putting a piece of their soul into every item, they have been creating unique products for centu

19 May 2023

Culture

Restorer is a Vocation

From time immemorial, the Turkmen land has been known as one of the centres of scientific knowledge and culture, and therefore, the heritage that has survived to this day arouses fascination with its uniqueness and large scale. Today, the interest in the study of manuscripts created and stored in Turkmenistan is growing in many countries of the world, which causes special pride. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov notes, “It is known that the ultimate task set before the educational sector is to bring up the well-educated younger generation with a broad outlook and devoted to the Motherland, the people and the great values of their ancestors. Through education, we are therefore transforming our cultural and spiritual life, comprehensively strengthening the position of our independent state in the world and building our great future with a solid foundation… on the interests of people, national and universal values and on humane traditions.” The opening of the Faculty of Reconstruction and Restoration of the National Heritage at the State Institute of Culture was a significant event, especially for us, professional restorers, because it is very important to bring up worthy successors of masters of their craft, so that the ancient writings continue to live in the future.

19 May 2023

Culture

Anau – the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2024

The conference entitled “Ancient Anau – the Cultural Centre of the Turkic World” was held at the Ak Bugday National Museum of Turkmenistan in the city of Anau. It was devoted to the decision of the 39th meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY, held in Bursa (Turkey) on November 5 last year, which declares the city of Anau the cultural centre of the Turkic world in 2024. It is also symbolic that at the same meeting 2024 was declared the year of the great poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy. The Director of the Museum Gozel Ovlyakuliyeva notes that the announcement of the city of Anau as the cultural centre of the Turkic world caused a great positive resonance in the public life of the country. In our state, great work is being done to preserve for future generations the historical, cultural and natural monuments that have become an integral part of the common human heritage. The museums of the country have collected and have carefully stored exhibits that testify to the rich history of the Turkmen people. The museum staff plans to hold a number of events to mark this significant event.

28 April 2023

Culture

Oraza Bayramy – a Bright Holiday of High Spirituality

Today is the Oraza holiday that crowns the 30-day fast is devoted to the physical and spiritual purification of a person. On this day, believers pray to the Almighty for success in the activity of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov aimed at achieving global progress, prosperity and a happy life of our people and all humankind and thank the Almighty for Oraza Bayramy – the bright holiday of breaking the fast that has come to the ancient Turkmen land like in previous years to the homes and hearts of the people of Turkmenistan and all the Muslims of the world. The Decree of the President of Turkmenistan “On the Celebration of Oraza Bayramy” notes that this was done to further strengthen the unity, harmony and cohesion of the people in the period of the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, respect for centuries-old traditions and customs and preserve our spiritual wealth. In the history of the Turkmen people, the ritual of celebrating Oraza Bayramy has been preserved at all times as a sacred symbol of purification, goodness and peace. Breaking the fast, the Messenger of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad Aleihissalam, said, “God, for Your sake I kept the fast. I broke my fast with Your food; my thirst disappeared, and my veins were filled with moisture; and

21 April 2023

Culture

The Main Character of the Exposition is the Akhalteke Horse

A good tradition for the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan is the annual holding of a creative competition devoted to the Ahalteke horse in the Exhibition Hall of this higher educational establishment. Once again, majestic celestial creatures are captured in paintings, sculptural compositions, ceramics, photographs, carpets, tapestries, printed products, women’s decorations, souvenirs and magnificent jewellery sets for ceremonial equestrian vestments. All this rich variety of creative imagination of artists testifies to the great love of the Turkmen for their national treasure and special pride – Ahalteke horses.

21 April 2023

Culture

Archaeology at a new stage

Scientific advancement occupies a leading position in strategic transformations in all sectors of the national economy and the life of each of us, in the context of our professional activities as well. Studying the history of Turkmen archaeology that dates back to the 1880s, when the Commander of Transcaspian Region General A.V. Komarov conducted first excavations on the Northern Hill of Anau in 1886, I studied many specialised articles. The newspapers of that time wrote, “In the upper layer of the barrow… bones, coals, shards and others began to appear…, a bone needle, a bone awl were found – both things were made of deer antler. Even deeper – a stone axe made of quartzite... The finds indicate that people of the Stone and Bronze Ages once lived there.”

14 April 2023

Culture

Turkmen Land Abounds with Talents

The wealth of folk crafts is a tangible reflection of the spiritual wealth of cultural heritage, long history and sustainability of national traditions and customs. Human talent and variety of national traditions can be seen in the warm patterns of a solar felt mat koshma, the scattering of gems on the metal basis of Turkmen women’s jewellery that has no analogues, the viscous sound of the tuyduk and the originality of embroidery on the wedding cape kurte. Representatives of crafts, members of folk dance groups, craftsmen in sheepskin processing, tailoring of national robes and telpek headdresses, carpet weavers and felt makers often cheer their fellow countrymen in velayats with their art of dancing and singing during the festive events and state exhibitions. At these moments, craftsmen put their artworks on display on improvised trestle beds covered with carpets, and musicians dressed in bright national costumes play the national instruments performing melodies of their region next to the pavilions showcasing the economic achievements of the regions. The performances of dutar and depchi players and masters of verbal folk art attract numerous spectators. Pumpkin carving

31 March 2023

Culture

When Novruz comes…

Early in the morning, the sparrow sings so beautifully… It is the messenger of nature’s awakening and clear to all animals, big and small. As is known, spring is the season of resurrection and renewal. Resurrection is certainly a celebration. The Turkmen people will celebrate the national holiday of Novruz – with great enthusiasm and inspiration in a few days. There is another messenger of the resurrection known to everybody – semeni. When the Turkmen people say «semeni», the Novruz holiday is the first to come to mind. Even if we know more or less about other nations that celebrate this holiday, what do they think of when they hear «Novruz» and what actions come to their mind? Let’s try to answer briefly this question.

31 March 2023

Culture

Legislative reflection of the cultural heritage of the turkmen people

Culture is one of the most important areas of public policy. In this regard, every success in the field of culture includes a whole set of different social goals. The cultural heritage of the Turkmen people is reflected in the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the laws and other regulatory legal acts. As provided for in Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, «The state is responsible for the preservation of national historical, cultural and natural heritage, the preservation of the environment, and the maintenance of equality between social and national communities. The state encourages scientific, technical and artistic creativity and the dissemination of its positive results. The state promotes the development of science, technical area and technology, as well as supports international cooperation in these areas. The state's science and technology policy is in the interest of society and everyone». The content of this concept includes human intellectual work, inventions created by works of art, industrial designs, goods, service symbols, as well as works of science, literature etc.

25 March 2023

Culture