Following the decision made during the 39th meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of TURKSOY member countries in Bursa, Anau, situated in Turkmenistan and recognized as the ancestral home of the Turks, was declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world for 2024. Additionally, 2024 was designated as the Year of Memory of the esteemed poet and philosopher Magtymguly Fragi, in honor of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
Anau, bestowed with the title of cultural capital by TURKSOY, welcomed dignitaries with a grand opening ceremony and a diverse array of events organized by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
This marks the second occasion Turkmenistan has proudly embraced the title of Cultural Capital, following Merv’s selection in 2015. Over the course of three days, cultural luminaries, artists, and scholars from across the Turkic world will convene for a series of events.
Kicking off the celebrations, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2024 opened on March 26 in the city of Ak Bugday, Ahal velayat, with more than 650 artists from nine countries delivering captivating performances of traditional dances, music, and songs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples.
As part of the festivities, an international conference will delve into the development of tourism and opportunities in Turkmenistan, exploring the country’s tourism potential and strategies for promoting its historical landmarks and natural wonders.
Furthermore, the TURKSOY Museum Association will convene to discuss the preservation of historical monuments across the Turkic world and address contemporary challenges faced by museums.
The celebration of Anau as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2024, coupled with the commemoration of Magtymguly Fragi’s 300th birth anniversary, will draw the participation of over 70 media representatives from 15 countries, focusing on the theme “Turkmen land – the center of ancient cultures.”
The series of events will culminate with an International Media Forum, providing participants with enriching experiences to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Turkmenistan through various excursions and visits.
