In September, Turkmenistan celebrated the 27th anniversary of the most important national holiday - Independence Day. Festive events were held on a large scale in all regions of the country, while millions of people watched the main parade that traditionally took place in the central square of the capital city.
A solemn flower laying ceremony was held at the Independence Monument in Ashgabat in honor of Independence Day of Turkmenistan. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated in the ceremony. The head of state laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial plate in front of the entrance to the memorial complex.
Following the Turkmen leader, members of the government, leaders of the Mejlis (parliament), law enforcement agencies, Turkmen diplomats, representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Ashgabat, political parties, public associations and foreign guests also laid their wreaths and bouquets of flowers.
A military parade and a festive procession took place in the main square of the country in honor of Independence Day of Turkmenistan with participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
As part of the military parade, the mechanized columns of various types of troops fitted with modern equipment and weapons passed in front of the festively decorated stands. Military and law enforcement helicopters and aircrafts flew over the central square. The military parade finished with the performance by the model orchestra of the armed forces of Turkmenistan.
The military parade was followed by the festive procession of representatives of public associations, various state-owned and non-governmental organizations, as well as regions of Turkmenistan. Passing before the stands, theater and folklore groups presented theatrical performances on various topics of history of the Turkmen people.
In the evening, a musical concert marking Independence Day was held in the square in front of the cultural and entertainment center "lem" (Universe). Popular Turkmen artists, folklore and dance groups performed in the concert. The concert concluded with colorful fireworks in the sky of Ashgabat. The festive events in celebration of the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence were held in all regions of the country.
A series of festive events marking the 27th anniversary of the country's independence were no less important for the social life of Turkmenistan. For example, the children's music and song festival "Gems of Independence" was held in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The contest aimed to identify gifted children to support their talent and raise the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and love of national traditions and customs. The festival brought together more than one thousand three hundred gifted children from all over the country. Fifteen young performers and twenty three ensembles took part in the finals.
The young talents' performances in the final gala concert, their sincerity and openness impressed both adults and children spectators, who cheered the artists with the storm of applause. The winners of the festival were awarded valuable prizes and diplomas on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
An official award presentation ceremony for artists and winners of the contest "Trkmeni Altyn Asyry" (Golden Age of Turkmens) was held at the Ruhyet (Spirituality) Palace of the city of Turkmenbashi on the eve of Independence Day of Turkmenistan. The ceremony participants listened with great attention to the address by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the workers of culture on the occasion of awarding them honorary titles and awards.
The presidential decree was read out, and the award winners walked up on the stage one by one to receive awards. They included leaders of art groups, poets, prose writers, singers and musicians, representatives of visual arts and journalists. The award ceremony concluded with a festive concert.
The Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens (HAWT) held its XXI conference in Ashgabat on the eve of Turkmenistan's Independence Day. The forum was attended by the representatives of Turkmen diasporas living in foreign countries, as well as the delegates from all over Turkmenistan.
The conference heard a report on the work of the Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens. According to it, 27 HAWT offices operate in 14 countries accounting for over three hundred collective and hundreds of individual members, including some 400 members from foreign countries.
The conference stressed that consolidation of compatriots, worldwide popularization of the history, culture, traditions and customs of the Turkmen people remain the focus the HAWT work. The conference noted the Association's role in developing international cooperation and implementing Turkmenistan's peace-loving policy and progressive initiatives. As part of the conference, the HAWT activists were awarded the letters of commendation. The conference concluded with a festive concert.
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a welcome message to the participants of the XXI conference of the Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens. The head of state noted that Turkmen ancestors had to leave their native land for various reasons. Nevertheless, they always remembered their historical homeland, believing that Fatherland was the most valuable thing in life. The Turkmen leader expressed confidence that the forum, which was held on the eve of the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, would be of great importance in consolidating the world Turkmens and strengthening partnership relations in various fields.
Two new high-rise apartment houses with a total of 144 flats were commissioned in the Mir-7/3 housing estate in Ashgabat ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The opening ceremony of the new buildings with participation of representatives of the mayor's office, public associations, art groups and happy owners of flats turned into a festive celebration.
New tenants received keys to the flats with improved layout. The total area and layout of the kitchen and dining room, the hallway and utility rooms meet the requirements of comfort and coziness. The modern quality built-in furniture has been manufactured by Turkmenistan's manufacturers, while many other household appliances are of foreign origin.
The territory adjacent to the new buildings was landscaped. There are children and sports grounds, facilities for cultural activities and a shopping center in the walking distance.
New medical facilities were commissioned in Kaahka district of Akhal province of Turkmenistan in celebration of the 27th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Member of the Mejlis (parliament) of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who represents the interests of residents of Akhal province, participated in the festive event together with representatives of district and regional administrations, heads of the public health system and public associations. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the national program on transformation of social and living conditions in villages, towns, cities and district centers for the period up to 2020. Considerable financial resources have been invested in the implementation of this program.
A two-storeyed maternity hospital commissioned in the village of Dushak of Kaahka district boasts modern equipment by Japanese and European companies. Other new buildings include the House of Health in the village of Garakhan of Kaahka district. There is every condition in the House of Health for provision of qualified medical and diagnostic assistance and rehabilitation services. Rooms for family doctors, therapeutic, surgical, dental, immunology, obstetrics and medical rehabilitation departments are fitted with modern medical equipment.
At the opening ceremony, the best construction workers were presented with valuable gifts, and a new ambulance car was handed over to the new maternity hospital on behalf of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.