A colourful and memorable concert by the distinguished Turkmen masters of the arts became the highlight of the opening of a new chapter in the humanitarian partnership between the two countries – the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. On that evening, the numerous guests of Moscow’s “Russkaya Pesnya” theatre took part in the official opening ceremony of this large-scale cultural event, which is regularly held on a reciprocal basis in the two friendly countries.
Guests attending this vibrant celebration of intercultural exchange were welcomed by displays and showcases in the theatre foyer, featuring national jewellery, museum treasures and works of decorative, applied and fine arts. Drawn from the collections of the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan, the exhibits offered insights into the history and artistic heritage of the Turkmen people. Particularly strong interest among visitors was generated by the exquisitely embroidered traditional women’s garments, jewellery pieces and examples of Turkmen carpet craftsmanship.
In the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the magnificent concert hall, the celebration of Turkmen culture brought together an array of distinguished guests, including senior officials of Russian cultural institutions, foreign diplomats accredited in Moscow, representatives of the business communities of both countries, leaders of public associations, prominent figures of science and culture, representatives of the mass media and Turkmen diasporas from across the regions of the Russian Federation.
The speakers at the opening ceremony were unanimous in their view that such events fully reflect the long standing traditions of Turkmen Russian humanitarian cooperation and serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. Many participants noted that the traditional ties of good neighbourliness between the Turkmen and Russian peoples are finding their natural continuation in the contemporary history. Alongside the successful development of bilateral relations in the political, trade and economic spheres, the cultural dialogue has acquired renewed depth and substance, finding vivid expression in the intensive exchange of delegations of leading representatives of the arts from both countries.
The Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Russia represent just one vivid episode in the ongoing dialogue between the two countries. Turkmenistan and Russia continue signing agreements in the fields of trade and economic cooperation, while active partnerships in science and education are steadily expanding. Yet, perhaps owing to its vibrancy and emotional appeal, the cultural dialogue between the two nations serves as the most visible illustration of the continuity and dynamism of their cooperation across virtually all spheres of human activity.
During the vibrant musical performance that unfolded on the stage of Moscow’s “Russkaya Pesnya” theatre, Turkmenistan’s leading artists introduced the audience to both folk traditions and contemporary classical and popular performing arts. National songs and dances were complemented by virtuoso performances of traditional melodies on authentic string and wind instruments, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
A significant portion of the audience consisted of Turkmen students studying at Moscow universities. Many greeted the performances of their fellow countrymen with genuine enthusiasm and emotion, experiencing a deep sense of pride in their native culture and its rich historical roots. The packed auditorium erupted in applause after each performance in the uplifting concert programme.
The programme of the Days of Culture also included a series of meetings between the heads of relevant institutions of the two countries. In addition, the gracious hosts prepared an extensive sightseeing programme for the Turkmen delegation, offering them an opportunity to visit some of the most renowned landmarks of the Russian capital.
The delegation comprising the leadership and students of the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory received a warm welcome at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. Representatives of Turkmenistan’s visual arts community held discussions with the leadership of the State Tretyakov Gallery on the joint organization of exhibitions and cultural events. Meanwhile, representatives of the Russian and Turkmen expert communities held a round-table discussion at the M.I. Rudomino All-Russia State Library for Foreign Literature.
The concluding gala concert by the distinguished Turkmen masters of the arts on the stage of the popular Et Cetera Theatre was the final chord of the Turkmen delegation’s brief yet exceptionally eventful stay in Moscow. All participants in this vibrant and memorable event were unanimous in their view that such meetings fully reflect the long standing traditions of Turkmen Russian humanitarian cooperation and serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding.
A reciprocal cultural event held in Ashgabat during the same period provided a vivid illustration of this. In the Turkmen capital, a ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony took place at the monument to Alexander Pushkin to mark the birthday of the great Russian poet and International Russian Language Day, traditionally observed on 6 June. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan, cultural figures, residents of Ashgabat, as well as teachers and students at secondary schools.
The festive programme also featured a vibrant musical and literary performance by students of the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen Russian Secondary School. Senior students recited the poet’s immortal verses, performed a classic Russian romance and presented an elegant ballroom waltz.
The event finished with the flower laying ceremony at the foot of the monument to the poet, whose works have for generations served as a steadfast bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between peoples.