Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan
Since independence, cultural interaction has always played a significant role in establishing interstate relations between the countries of Central Asia. In this regard, the use of positive historical experience of interaction between cultures and peoples acquires a new practical significance. The centuries-old values and traditions of humanism will help preserve and enhance the positive foundation of the modern civilizational process and embrace all aspects of cultural diversity. As of today, 13 documents have been signed between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in the field of culture, including intergovernmental, interdepartmental and interregional agreements.
Cultural cooperation between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan received a special impetus in 2024 in connection with the year of the “Fount of Reason of Magtymguly Fragi” declared in Turkmenistan in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and thinker. Tajikistan, expressing its full support for this initiative, was among the active participants in large-scale cultural events and events held in Turkmenistan. International conferences and round tables were organized in Tajikistan itself, and scientific articles devoted to Magtymguly’s work were published.
Tajik and Turkmen peoples share common trends in culture, art and worldview, and literary works are imbued with the spirit of humanism, creativity and peacefulness, which are reflected in the works of the great poets of the two peoples. Of course, the works and philosophical thoughts of Magtymguly Fragi occupy a special place as a literary treasure. He made a significant contribution to the literary history of Turkmenistan and the region as a whole. The works of the Turkmen poet and thinker remain sources of inspiration and admiration and are an important part of the cultural heritage of the region.
It is well known that at a young age Fragi got acquainted with the rich Tajik-Persian literature, which was kept in the library of his father, the poet Dovletmammet Azadi. As follows from the poet’s works, he drew his inspiration from the creative legacy of such world-famous Tajik-Persian thinkers as Firdowsi, Rudaki, Omar Khayyam, Saadi Shirazi, Jaloliddin Balkhi, Hafiz Shirazi.
Fragi’s works, in turn, inspire modern Tajik writers, many of whom translated and published collections of his works in Tajik.
The Tajik and Turkmen peoples, based on the historically established principles of creativity, humanism and peacefulness, have always maintained good-neighborly and fraternal relations. In his speech at the International Forum on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi on the theme “Interrelation of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development” on October 11, 2024, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, dear Emomali Rahmon noted that the work of Magtymguly Fragi is also inextricably linked with the great heritage of Tajik-Persian literature.
Speaking about cultural cooperation between the two countries, the President of Tajikistan stressed that in 2024 various events were held in Tajikistan in honor of the great Turkmen thinker Magtymguly Fragi. So, in September of this year, the Magtymguly Fragi secondary school was officially opened in the Dusti district of the Khatlon region of Tajikistan. In Turkmenistan, a monument to the prominent Tajik poet Sayyido Nasafi was installed in the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in Ashgabat. “These events are a clear symbol of friendship and creative relations between the fraternal peoples of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan,” said President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
The implementation of a socially significant project – the opening of a secondary school named after Magtymguly Fragi in the Dusti district of the Khatlon region of Tajikistan – has become another evidence of the strong friendship between the fraternal peoples of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. I would also like to emphasize the installation of the sculpture of the Tajik-Persian poet and thinker Sayyido Nasafi in the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in Ashgabat, as an iconic symbol of the inviolability of friendship and cooperation between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
It is worth noting that all of the above points are reflected in the book by the President of Turkmenistan, respected Serdar Berdimuhamedov, “Magtymguly – the Thinker of the World.”
The official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, respected Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Tajikistan on 4-5 April made a special contribution to the development and further consolidation of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan last year. As a result of the visit, the contractual and legal framework of relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan was expanded with five new documents on cooperation.
During the visit, the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Rahmon, met with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, respected Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the personal conversation, the parties confirmed the strong bonds of fraternal and good-neighborly relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and exchanged views on the state of bilateral and multilateral relations and outlined promising areas of cooperation.
Cultural cooperation took center stage during the meeting, with both sides emphasizing its importance to bilateral relations. A successful example of this collaboration was the recent Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan, held from April 3-5, 2024, as part of the official visit of Turkmenistan’s National Leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The event showcased a diverse range of cultural exchange, including a joint concert by Turkmen and Tajik artists at the Sadriddin Aini State Opera and Ballet Theater, an exhibition of Turkmen paintings and folk crafts at the National Museum of Tajikistan, and a meeting of academics from both countries at the National Academy of Sciences. The Days of Culture also featured the presentation of books by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov: “Youth is the backbone of the Motherland” and “Anau is a culture from the depths of millennia.” The highlight of the event was the “Evening of Friendship” gala concert, attended by the leaders of both nations.
These events reflect the wise and far-sighted policy of the leadership of both states and create the basis for the subsequent expansion of partnership between the Central Asian countries, taking into account the existing conditions in the region for good-neighborly and mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of our peoples’ lives.
Based on the strong political will of our leaders, an excellent foundation has been created for cooperation, the foundation of which, of course, is peace, trust and cooperation.
Taking into account all of the above, first of all, I would like to express my congratulations to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, respected Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan, respected Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the successful holding of events within the framework of the year “Fount of Reason Magtymguly Fragi”, and also wish successful implementation of plans for 2025 within the framework of Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust. ///originally published by Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, 12 February 2025