A Culture Week-2019 has officially opened in the administrative center of Magtymguly etrap. Organized in different parts of Turkmenistan, the large-scale forum is aimed at preserving and enhancing the nation’s spiritual treasures. The annual event celebrates our country’s richly diverse historical-cultural heritage and provides a colorful look at the vibrant contemporary Turkmen culture, reflecting all the national arts - opera, music, songs, cinema, theater, fine, decorative and applied arts, literature and folklore. Interestingly, it was the Balkan region where the fine tradition began. The first Culture Week was held in Avaza National Tourist Zone in 2013. And now, yet another exceptionally beautiful area of Turkmenistan, Magtymguly etrap, is playing host to the annual forum. The etrap bears the name of the great Turkmen poet and thinker, whose 295th anniversary of the birth is being marked this year. Magtymguly Pyragy’s oeuvre is the Turkmen nation’s big, invaluable and unique contribution to the world culture. Written over 300 years ago, his poetry has lost none of its urgency. The opening ceremony of the Culture Week-2019 took place in the town of Magtymguly this morning. Scores of locals and guests gathered in front of the Cultural and Memorial Complex, whose heart is the Magtymguly Pyragy Museum. Among those attending the forum are renowned theater actors, pop and folk singers, museum and library professionals, artists, writers, professional and folk ensembles from across the country. The Welcoming Address by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was solemnly read at the ceremony. Then, performing artists and popular ensembles gave a concert. The forum attendees visited the Magtymguly Pyragy Museum. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree founding the Museum in May 2014, when the 290th anniversary of the poet’s birth was widely observed. Magtymguly’s ever-living poems have been published in many languages. This serves as a visible indication of deep reverence and worldwide recognition for the great master of poetry and his literary legacy, whose importance has gone far beyond the national borders. It was also seen as symbolic that the Museum welcomed its first visitors in the autumn of 2015, the year that marked the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. The Museum gives visitors a sense of the cultural and intellectual environment, in which Magtymguly’s talent was nurtured, and highlights the poet’s special role in developing the national culture. Colorfully designed dioramas take visitors back in time; one of them depicts Magtymguly studying at the Shirgazi Khan Medrese. Another diorama shows the young poet under the legendary plane tree in the midst of a poetry contest so popular in the East. Next to Magtymguly are his father, the outstanding poet and philosopher Dovletmammet Azadi, Durdy Shahir, Chovdur Khan, and other famous historical figures and folk singers. The third diorama, entitled ‘Magtymguly Zerger’, explores yet another side of the poet’s talent, who was also a master jeweler. The Museum exhibits works by Magtymguly, his predecessors and successors – great poets and writers of Turkmen literature, published in different languages and in different centuries. Notably, the Magtymguly Pyragy Medal and the Magtymguly International Prize were instituted in honor of the great poet. Scores of our compatriots and foreign citizens have received the awards for their significant contributions to developing Turkmen literature, exploring and promoting the Turkmen poet’s legacy. The Culture Week participants were particularly impressed by the Magtymguly Pyragy Museum’s up-to-date technologies. All the halls are equipped with monitors used to show thematically related films. Interactive and multimedia facilities enable to present a wealth of information in different ways and to create the appropriate setting. A vast array of photographs, documents and other exhibits displayed in the Garashsyzlyk Hall provide historical evidence of the massive work undertaken in Turkmenistan to advance every region. In the afternoon, after the big celebration to mark the opening of the Culture Week, festive events continued in the village of Gerkez, the birthplace of Magtymguly Pyragy. By tradition, the picturesque Sumbar Valley hosts a festivity devoted to poetry, folklore and folk crafts every year. As usual, a warm and bread-and-salt welcome awaited the guests at Gerkez today. Organized in Magtymguly Park, an exhibition of paintings, crafts, and museum pieces is a unique window onto the Turkmen nation’s centuries-old indigenous traditions, rich heritage and art. The exhibition features a wide variety of carpets, felt rugs, national clothes, natural fabrics, pottery, woodwork, skillfully crafted jewelry, and paintings. The Park also hosted a meeting of poets, attended by many adoring fans of Magtymguly, scientists, cultural figures, writers, journalists, folk singers and musicians. The meeting brought together distinguished and up-and-coming poets alike. The day ended with a big open-air concert given by performing artists in front of the Magtymguly Pyragy Museum in the etrap’s administrative center. Tomorrow, on June 23, the Culture Week participants will explore Magtymguly etrap’s natural wonders and will see the historical sights. Artists from Balkan and Dashoguz velayats will perform in concerts. The program of activities also includes an exhibition of books and prints, and a meeting of library professionals.