From October 29th to 31st, a cultural event was held in the Republic of Uzbekistan to honor the culture of Turkmenistan. This gave people the chance to come together and develop the humanitarian relations between the two countries. On the first day, a creative meeting of Turkmen and Uzbek writers and poets was held in the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan. This was in celebration of the 300th birthday of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi. People in the arts, sciences, media, and Turkmens living in Uzbekistan also attended.
The day before, members of the Turkmen delegation visited cultural sites in Tashkent. Those who spoke in the meeting noted that the modern-day Turkmen-Uzbek relations are full of new content. It was stated that the countries’ relations are actively growing in many areas, and are based on the historical traditions of friendship and good neighborliness. It was also mentioned that literature, particularly the works of Magtymguly Fragi, serves as a bridge of friendship between the two peoples.
The opening ceremony of the cultural event and a formal concert was held in the International Congress Centre in Tashkent. The exhibition displayed national values that showed the development of the Turkmen culture, its decorative, applied, and fine arts. It also showed the grand transformations in modern Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
A concert of workers of art and culture followed the opening ceremony. Turkmen folk songs and dances were welcomed with loud applause from the audience. Uzbek actors also took part in the concert. The performance of the dance kushtdepdi, which expressed the creative spirit and power of Turkmen people, was the climax of the event.
The same day, the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting of music academies from both countries. They discussed modern music culture and the need to intensify relations in this area between professors and students.
On the final day, the delegation of Turkmenistan visited the madrasah “Gögeldaş” in Bukhara, where Magtymguly Fragi studied. They were familiarized with the history and architecture of the madrasah and the room where Magtymguly Fragi lived. The museum of Turkmen carpet and carpet making art was also opened in Bukhara.
The closing ceremony of the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan was held with the participation of workers of culture and art from both countries. The performance of famous national musicians and bagshy, opera and variety singers, and the folklore-dance group of “Miras” made a lasting impression on the participants.
The cultural forum showed the importance of culture, art, and literature in strengthening the long-lasting friendship between the two peoples and developing the multilateral relations between them. The Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan was a step towards further strengthening of spiritual and cultural links between the two countries.