A craftsman shows the skills of making traditional clothing at a themed exhibition titled Turkmen Culture, Tradition, and Art held at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing on July 8, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center

 
The "Year of Culture of Turkmenistan" was unveiled in Beijing through a series of events held on Monday and Tuesday. Hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, these events included various activities such as an exhibition, creative meeting and evening gala performance.

A themed exhibition titled Turkmen Culture, Tradition, and Art was held at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday. 

The exhibition featured a dedicated section for the renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. It also showcased precious Turkmen jewelry, national clothing and handmade carpets. Additionally, diverse displays of videos and photographs highlighted the rich cultural heritage and vibrant ethnic characteristics of Turkmenistan. 

It attracted large number of visitors, with Turkmen artists providing live performances, knitting demonstrations, and detailed explanations, offering an immersive display of Turkmen culture.

Following the exhibition, the opening gala of the "Year of Culture of Turkmenistan" was held at the center on Tuesday evening, attracting over 800 attendees including diplomats and guests. The Turkmen dance troupe and other Turkmen artists presented various performances, including the traditional Turkmen folk song "The Beautiful Girl's Ring" and the Chinese folk song "Jasmine Flower." The opening gala concluded with the song and dance performance Turkmen-Chinese Friendship Lives Forever, earning thunderous applause from those watching. 

Visitors explore a themed exhibition titled Turkmen Culture, Tradition, and Art held at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing on July 8, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center

2024 also marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great literati, thinker, and national Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. On Monday afternoon, a creative meeting titled 300th Anniversary of the Birth of Magtymguly Pyragy was held at the Dong Fang Hotel in Beijing, where scholars and experts from China and Turkmenistan convened for discussions as well.

According to a joint statement issued by China and Turkmenistan in 2023, the two will set up cultural centers in each other's countries, while a Luban Workshop, a Chinese supported skill and vocational training project, will open in Turkmenistan. Culture year activities will be held in 2023 and 2024.