Kyiv Hosts “Sounds of the Dutar” Marking Turkmenistan’s Independence Day

Kyiv has launched a cultural program honoring Turkmenistan’s Independence Day. On September 18, the Magtymguly Library hosted the “Sounds of the Dutar” art event dedicated to national instruments, the art of the bakhshi, and Turkmen musical heritage, the Turkmenistan Embassy in Ukraine reported.

Music school teachers and students from the Sviatoshynskyi district, local district officials, and members of the Turkmen youth community attended. A diplomat spoke about traditional instruments, the role of the bakhshi, and said that both the art of the bakhshi and the craft of making the dutar are inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The event’s highlight was a virtuosic performance by dutar player Serdar Derekov, representing the Turkmen diaspora. Ukrainian performers also took part, with a piano duet, a guitar trio and bandura playing. Guests watched video features, viewed a photo exhibition and visited the Magtymguly Museum, which showcased examples of Turkmen art.

The art meeting, which marked both International Music Day and Turkmenistan’s Independence Day, underscored the value of musical heritage and strengthened cultural dialogue between peoples.