International Conference of Ministers of Culture dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi

From May 17 to 18, 2024, an International Conference at the level of ministers of culture of foreign countries, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and thinker of the East Magtymguly Fragi was held in the conference hall of the capital's hotel «Ýyldyz».

Participation in the two-day Forum was attended by leaders and representatives of authoritative international organizations, including the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Deputy Chairman of the Chinese National Committee of the People’s Political Consultative Conference Shen Yueyue, as well as delegations from a number of countries near and far abroad, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Iran, Qatar, China, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, Japan and etc. Among the invited guests are members of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member states of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), whose 10th meeting was held in Ashgabat the day before.

Before the start of the plenary session, numerous Forum participants were able to familiarize themselves with the exhibition organized in the foyer of the building.

As noted in the speeches of the guests, the greatness of each nation is largely determined by outstanding, multifaceted personalities.

The international recognition of the poetic and philosophical heritage of Magtymguly Fragi as an important component of the cultural treasury of all humanity was evidenced by the inclusion in May 2023 of a collection of his manuscripts in the International Register of the Memory of the World Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi was also included in the in the UNESCO List of Memorable Dates for the period 2024-2025, which became convincing evidence of the international significance of the work of the outstanding Turkmen classical poet. In addition, in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the titan of wisdom and artistic genius Magtymguly Fragi, whose poems have always been an appeal to friendship, goodwill, unity, peaceful coexistence and humanism, the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) declared this year «The Year of the Great Poet and thinker of the Turkic world – Magtymguly Fragi».

Taking this opportunity, participants expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Arkadag for the high organizational level of the celebrations in honor of the 300th anniversary of the outstanding poet and thinker of the East, as well as large-scale work to expand international cooperation, strengthening traditional ties of friendship and brotherhood between peoples, popularizing national heritage, common cultural, spiritual and moral values.

On the second day, the Forum continued its work within four thematic sections dedicated to the life and work of Magtymguly Fragi, his philosophical views, the role of the great poet in world literature and culture, as well as work to popularize his multifaceted heritage throughout the world.