On 22 June 2024, a special videoconference meeting titled “Historical and cultural values uniting peoples” was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great thinker and poet Magtymguly Fragi.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the parliaments of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Iran, as well as the Director of the Regional Office of the Specialized Agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Almaty, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).
The meeting aimed to celebrate Magtymguly Fragi’s immense contribution to world literature at a parliamentary level. Discussions focused on supporting cultural policies, promoting awareness, and carefully preserving the literary heritage of such masters of the word. The event also emphasized the importance of educating younger generations in the spirit of Fragi’s work and fostering friendly relations between neighboring countries. Expanding interparliamentary cooperation was another key theme.
Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, highlighted Turkmenistan’s efforts in preserving and promoting the legacy of Magtymguly Fragi.
She praised credited the leadership of the National leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their programs focused on reviving and studying Turkmenistan’s glorious history, educating younger generations in cultural and spiritual values, honoring traditions passed down by ancestors and influential figures.
Rustemova emphasized several key achievements such as inclusion of Magtymguly Fragi’s manuscript collection in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program, recognition of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi’s birth as a UNESCO-celebrated event (2024-2025), designation of 2024 as “The Year of Magtymguly Fragi” by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).
Amir Pirich, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, delivered an informative speech highlighting the importance of historical monuments and national values. He underlined their prominent place on the UNESCO Representative List and commended Turkmenistan’s active collaboration with UNESCO. Pirich emphasized the significance of Turkmenistan’s efforts in preserving universal cultural and spiritual values. He praised their work in ensuring these values are passed on to future generations.
Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber, emphasized the flourishing cultural and humanitarian relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. He noted the significant progress in interparliamentary relations and expressed gratitude to both leaders for facilitating this meeting during the international celebration of Magtymguly Fragi’s 300th birthday.
Odiljon Iminov, Chairman of the Uzbek Senate Committee on Science, Education, and Health, took pride in the translation of Magtymguly Fragi’s poems into Uzbek. He spoke of the widespread appreciation for Magtymguly’s work in Uzbekistan, with his poems recited, songs based on them performed at celebrations, and official events dedicated to his life and work. Iminov even recited some of Fragi’s famous lines, emphasizing the poet’s philosophical views and profound thoughts.
Bakhtiyar Gamza oglu Aliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Science and Education Committee, noted that Magtymguly’s poems, promoting friendship, brotherhood, and moral values, have been translated into many languages. He added that Azerbaijan actively organizes conferences and publishes research dedicated to Magtymguly’s cultural legacy.
Zhusip Nurtore Baytelesovich, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Senate Committee on Socio-Cultural Development and Science, emphasized the translation of Magtymguly’s work into Kazakh and its popularity among the Kazakh people.
Tajikistan’s representatives emphasized the importance of Magtymguly Fragi’s message of peace, harmony, and unity in his poetry. Chairman of the Committee for Coordination of the Activities of the Majlisi with the Majlisi Namoyandagon, the executive branch, public associations, mass media and Interparliamentary Relations of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli Farkhod Rahimi, stressed the relevance of these themes in today’s world. He noted various events planned in Tajikistan to celebrate the 300th anniversary, including the construction of a Magtymguly Fragi-named school in Dusti district. This highlights the strengthening cultural ties between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Nasiba Sodiki, Chairman of the Science, Education, and Culture Committee, further emphasized the power of historical and cultural values in uniting people. She hailed Turkmenistan’s state-level efforts in promoting cultural heritage, particularly Magtymguly Fragi’s work. She even recited some of his poems, showcasing their enduring impact.
Bahar Seyidova, Chairperson of Turkmenistan’s Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Policy, emphasized the flourishing cultural, humanitarian, and interparliamentary relations among participating nations. She highlighted the extensive celebration of Magtymguly Fragi’s 300th anniversary, both domestically and internationally. This virtual meeting served as a prime example of this international collaboration. Seyidova noted with pride the recent adoption of two new laws: “On the establishment of the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “Magtymguly Pyragyny 300 yyllygyna” and “On the Cultural Heritage of Magtymguly Fragi.” These laws, inspired by the guidance of former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, further solidify Turkmenistan’s association with the esteemed poet and thinker.
Mirgul Temirbayeva, a member of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted the active nature of relations between Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic in economic, cultural and humanitarian areas, and that solemn events are being held in Kyrgyzstan in honor of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi, and emphasized the special importance of holding various cultural and humanitarian activities in the development of friendly and fraternal relations between peoples.
In a video message, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev stressed that the announcement of 2024 as the Year of Magtymguly Fragi is a sign of respect and reverence for the classic poet of Turkmen and world literature, who glorified the principles of peace, friendship, and goodwill in his works. The announcement of Annau as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” will open up new directions for this Annau to showcase its rich historical and cultural heritage and tourist opportunities.
Participants agreed on the importance of such gatherings for strengthening cultural ties, fostering friendship and fraternity between nations, and expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation.///nCa, 24 June 2024 (based on the press release by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan)