DASHOGUZ WAS AWARDED THE STATUS OF CULTURAL CAPITAL OF THE CIS-2016

Turkmenistan is chosen for the second time as the cultural capital of the Commonwealth and is able to attract the attention of the scientific and creative intelligentsia of the CIS to its ancient history and rich national culture, to demonstrate the latest achievements in the way of progressive development. In 2012, when Turkmenistan chaired the CIS, the city of Mary received the status of the cultural capital of the CIS, where various activities were organized with great success that contributed to the consolidation of the bonds of friendship of the fraternal peoples.

The decision to declare Dashoguz as the cultural capital of the CIS in 2016 was adopted by the Council of Heads of CIS member-states in October 2015. Delegation of this honorary status to the ancient Turkmen cities is recognition of the merits of independent neutral Turkmenistan in the strengthening of world peace, the development of humanitarian cooperation, preservation of priceless historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

On March 30, 2016 a solemn ceremony of starting events organized on the occasion of the declaration of Dashoguz city as the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States has been held at the Palace "Ruhiyet". The leaders and representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS member states, the sphere of culture, masters of arts and creative teams of the Commonwealth countries,  leaders and representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, public organizations, figures of culture and art, journalists, elders and youth gathered in the hall of the palace.

The audience listened with the attention to a welcome address of the President of Turkmenistan, sent to the participants of the celebration.

Then the floor was given to the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev who expressed his gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the development of constructive international cooperation, taking consistent steps to expand humanitarian cooperation in the CIS and in the world, carrying out major cultural forums in our country.

Under a storm of applause Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee - CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev officially handed over to the head of the city administration of Dashoguz the certificate of the Commonwealth of Independent States awarding the city cultural capital status in 2016.

The speakers emphasized the positive role of the progressive reforms held in Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that promote the study of the rich glorious events of the Turkmen history, preservation and promotion of their tangible and intangible heritage, promotion of research, bringing to them the leading experts from other countries.

At the end of the celebration there was a big festive concert, which was made by masters of Arts of Turkmenistan and a number of Commonwealth countries.

In the afternoon, the activities carried out within the framework of delegated cultural capital of the Commonwealth status to Dashoguz, continued in the Regional History Museum of Dashoguz velayat. Here, the exhibition which includes works of fine art, crafts and photography has been opened. In front of the Museum national yurts have been installed, which showcased the work of contemporary masters of Arts and crafts.

Celebrations which took place in Dashoguz became the beginning of a great cultural program, which the city plans to expand over the year of stay in the capital status. It is planned to hold conferences, meetings with artists, writers, as well as concerts of masters of Arts of the Commonwealth countries and other international events. Also theater performances, film screenings, and exhibitions of archaeological artifacts and works of art are planned.