Today, the official opening ceremony of the Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan took place at the Palace of Mukams of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan in the capital city.

Participants in the event expressed their sincere gratitude to the Presidents of the two countries and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, for their great attention to the development of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan, including in the cultural sphere.

The head of the distinguished delegation from the friendly country thanked the President of Turkmenistan and Hero-Arkadag for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the guests on Turkmen soil.

It was noted that interstate dialogue has been developing dynamically in all areas in recent years, as evidenced by the numerous reciprocal visits at various levels.

In this regard, particular emphasis was placed on the significance of the working visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Azerbaijan in October of last year to participate in the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States. At that time, Hero-Arkadag noted that the two countries had accumulated extensive experience in organizing Culture Days, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and film screenings, emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation in this area.

Speakers at the ceremony stated that the current event confirms the shared commitment of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to further strengthening cultural relations.

It was also noted that during the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag to Azerbaijan, a foundation-laying ceremony was held for a mosque in the city of Fuzuli, which is being constructed as a gift from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan. Representatives of the friendly nation confirmed that construction work is progressing actively and once again expressed their gratitude to the Turkmen people.

The ceremony was followed by a large-scale concert program featuring local artists and guests. The opening composition, “DOSTLUK KOMPOZISIÝASY,” vividly and inspiringly embodied the unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and peoples, as well as their aspiration for continued development.

The audience warmly applauded performances by the Fikret Amirov Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, the Gara Garayev Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra, the drummers’ ensemble of the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, as well as distinguished soloists and artistic groups.

Popular domestic dance ensembles also joined the Azerbaijani performers. A special highlight of the festive program was the joint performance of the ancient dance “küştdepdi” by the Turkmen dance ensemble “Galkynyş” and an Azerbaijani soloist.

The brilliant performances by musicians, singers, and dancers demonstrated, through the universal language of music and choreography, the cultural affinities, hospitality, and creative potential of the two nations, delighting the audience.

The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the composition “LEÝLISAÇ BARADA ROWAÝAT,” created from the poetry and music of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The performance by the People's Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Gulyanag Mammadova, together with dancers from the Turkmen ensemble “Näzli,” was met with prolonged and enthusiastic applause.

As part of the Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after the Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi hosted the opening ceremony of the exhibition “The Pearl of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage.”

The exhibition features pile and flat-woven textiles spanning the period from the 19th century to the present day, as well as metal jewelry, embroidery, traditional headwear, and examples of national ornamentation from the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

On the first day of the cultural event, Azerbaijani feature films were also screened at the “Aşgabat” cinema in the capital.

The Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan continue. The program of the cultural forum includes a number of major events in the city of Arkadag. Among them are a scholarly conference dedicated to the works of the classical poets of the two countries, to be held at the Dovletmammet Azadi Library, and a photographic exhibition of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Museum of History and Local Lore. In addition, the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus will host a joint concert featuring artists from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, including a performance by the renowned “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group.

The guests will also take part in an extensive excursion program that includes visits to cultural centers, historical landmarks, and major shopping and entertainment complexes throughout the country.