On December 18, 2024, a delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova, participated in celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. The events took place at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.
The events were organized by the Government of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the General Directorate of ICESCO and the General Secretariat of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).
In the first half of the day, Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with ICESCO Director General Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik. The parties discussed opportunities for enhancing cooperation and emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering friendly relations between countries and peoples.
The official celebrations in honor of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy then commenced. Participants first had the opportunity to explore an exhibition of decorative and applied arts of the Turkmen people.
This was followed by the opening of a scientific and practical conference entitled "Joint Efforts for a Comprehensive Study of the Life and Works of Magtymguly Pyragy," which brought together Turkmen and international scholars.
In his opening speech, ICESCO Director General Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik highlighted the universal significance of Magtymguly Pyragy’s humanistic work, particularly for the Islamic world. He emphasized that Magtymguly created a unique bridge connecting countries and peoples. Expressing gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan and the leadership of TURKSOY for initiating such an important event at the ICESCO venue, Dr. Al-Malik reiterated ICESCO's commitment to further developing cooperation.
TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev also delivered remarks, thanking the leadership of Turkmenistan and ICESCO for supporting the initiative to celebrate Magtymguly Pyragy's 300th anniversary in the Kingdom of Morocco. Mr. Raev noted that such events serve as a catalyst for bringing nations closer together through shared values and emphasized TURKSOY’s ongoing efforts to promote the national identity of the Turkmen people through diverse projects.
In her speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova expressed gratitude to ICESCO and TURKSOY for organizing the event at a high level. She stressed that honoring Magtymguly Pyragy globally reaffirms his significance for all humanity.
Other speakers included Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO; Kakajan Janbekov, Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts named after Magtymguly at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan; Seljan Saglyk Sahin, Associate Professor and Doctor of the Faculty of Modern Dialects of Turkic Languages at Ankara University; and Anar Karimov, Head of the Department of Partnerships and Cooperation at ICESCO.
The speakers underscored the importance of the event in promoting the legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy and his works at ICESCO, the second-largest organization in the field of science, education, and culture. They also drew parallels with the works of Moroccan scholar Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battuta, who visited Ancient Kunya-Urgench in the 14th century and admired the rich culture of the Turkmen people.
Special attention was given to the educational and moral significance of Magtymguly Pyragy’s works, which for 300 years have served as a guide advocating humanity, compassion, and peace.
The conference concluded with a gala concert featuring cultural and artistic performances from the Turkic world.
