The book by writer Mukhammetnur Gurbangulyev titled "Salgym göçýär" begins with a joyous event — the opening of a new gas field. This novel, published in 1986 by the "Turkmenistan" publishing house, vividly depicts the exploration and drilling operations of geologists and oil and gas workers under challenging conditions, as well as their daily struggles. The simplicity of the narrative, the artistic presentation, and the authenticity of the characters' dialogues have sparked interest in a deeper study of the writer's works.

The plot of the novel begins with a nighttime phone call:

— A powerful gas fountain has been discovered at Yyldyzly. When will you invite us to the celebration?

— Yyldyzly... has struck gas, Jemal-edje!

— Is this Aman's well?

The main character of the story is Aman Aymanov, the only son of Jemal-edje. After graduating from high school, Aman decides, "This year, I will work as a driver and choose a profession. The work of geologists is interesting. They uncover the secrets of the earth's depths, formed billions of years ago." His choice of the geology profession and his subsequent selfless work, which brings joy to all his fellow villagers, are vividly described in the novel, bringing to life the joyful moments of discovering new gas fields.

After reading this simple, folk-style work, I thought the writer might be a geologist himself. Suddenly, I remembered the words of the People's Composer Meret Annamyradov: "I read Mukhammetnur Gurbangulyev’s work 'Altyn owlak' ('The Golden Lamb'). The depiction of natural beauty in his works is remarkably powerful. While reading, it feels like you can smell the scent of wildflowers."

Soon, I had the opportunity to speak with the writer’s daughter, Jeren Gurbangulyeva, a master of pedagogy, an honored cultural figure of Turkmenistan, and a composer.

**"My father, Mukhammetnur Gurbangulyev, was born on May 10, 1932, in Mary province. In 1954, he graduated from the Lunacharsky State Institute of Theatrical Arts in Moscow with a degree in acting. My mother, Sofia Gurbangulyeva, studied alongside such famous artists as Setdar Garadjaev, Oraz Khajimuratov, Ovulyaguly Kulyyev, Khurma Khajimuratova, Bibi Chiretanova, and others.

In 1962, my father went to Moscow again and graduated from the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), earning a degree in directing. His works primarily focus on the lives of oil and gas workers. He wrote plays and essays such as 'The Dawn of Joy,' 'The Drillers,' and many others.

My father often visited geologists and used to say, 'Studying the work of geologists is extremely interesting.' He was like one of them, and many oil and gas workers were frequent guests at our home.

This is why his works about the lives of gas workers are especially numerous. I vividly remember his plays 'The Drillers' and 'The Dawn of Joy' being performed on stage.

Primarily, my father worked in drama. His plays 'A Song Born in the Mountains' and 'Gray Heads,' dedicated to writer Shaly Kekilov, were staged at the National Academic Drama Theater, while 'Holy Love' was performed at the Youth Theater named after Aman Gulmammedov. The plays 'Thirst' and 'The Orphan,' which recount the events of the Battle of Geokdepe, were staged at the Mary Regional Theater, while 'Save Me, Mother' and 'Who Are You?' were performed at the Lebap Regional Theater.

My father also appeared in films: he played the role of Sapar in the film 'The Cunning of Ashyr-aga' and the role of Shykhymharpa in the film 'Makhtumkuli' directed by the great filmmaker Alty Garlyyev. These films are still shown on television.

My father's relatives live in Tejen, so he often traveled there. He loved talking with relatives and villagers, studying ancient Turkmen words, folk art, and national traditions. He read many works of classical poets and writers — Makhtumkuli, Kemine, Mollanepes, Seidi, Zelili, Myatadji, as well as works by foreign authors.

I am the only child in the family. My mother, Sofia Gurbangulyeva, dedicated her life to culture. My father's brother, Myrat Gurbangulyev, worked for many years as a cinematographer at a film studio,"* Jeren Gurbangulyeva shared.

All of them served in the field of culture. But perhaps because my father wrote so much about the lives of gas workers, or because of the vivid impressions of his works, I cannot imagine Mukhammetnur-aga outside of this theme.

Akgul Saparova,
Newspaper "Nebit-Gaz"

Source: Turkmenmetbugat