A solemn ceremony was held at the Türkmeniň ak öýi building, located in the Nowruz ýaýlasy valley of the Ak bugday district in Ahal province, marking the announcement of Anau city as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 and launching the activities planned in accordance with the city's honorary status, as reported by the official media of Turkmenistan.
"The upcoming cultural events in celebration of Anau city being declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among the member countries of TURKSOY. The program is quite rich and includes the International Scientific Conference 'Ancient Anau Culture,' the media forum 'Turkmen Land - Center of Ancient Civilizations,' an exhibition of works by artists and craftsmen of Turkic peoples, and works by Turkic photographers. I am confident that all these events will contribute to the development of creative partnerships among representatives of our cultures and arts," noted President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in his welcome address to the ceremony participants.
The events held in the Nowruz ýaýlasy valley were attended by members of the country's government, representatives of the Mejlis, Halk Maslahaty, ministries and departments, public organizations, media, heads of diplomatic missions of foreign countries and international organizations.
Among the honorary guests were the leaders of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Organization of Turkic States, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the International Turkic Academy, the relevant ministries of member and observer states of TURKSOY, as well as creative and scientific delegations who arrived to participate in the upcoming International Scientific Conference on the Ancient Anau Culture, the media forum "Turkmen Land - Center of Ancient Civilizations," and the International Conference "Key Directions and Potential of Tourism Development in Turkmenistan."
An extensive multi-level exhibition of works by artists and craftsmen of Turkic peoples unfolded on the grounds in front of the Türkmeniň ak öýi building.
This was followed by a grand festive concert featuring artists from Turkmenistan and several Turkic-speaking countries and regions.
As part of the cultural program, guests visited the Seyit Jamal ad-Din Mosque, the city of Arkadag, and other landmarks of the Turkmen capital and Ahal province.
