Paris, 29 May 2023 (TDI): The 300th Anniversary of the Birth of the Poet Magtymguly Fragi Joins UNESCO’s List of Memorable Dates for Celebration
In a momentous decision, UNESCO’s Executive Board, during its 216th session held at the prestigious UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, approved proposals from Member States for significant anniversaries to be celebrated in 2024-2025.
Among the 46 approved anniversaries, Turkmenistan’s proposal, supported by Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the esteemed poet Magtymguly Fragi received unanimous approval.
This momentous list also includes several proposals that Turkmenistan put forth in collaboration with other countries, gaining widespread support.
The 950th anniversary of the Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk (Compendium of the Turkic dialects), a masterpiece penned by the celebrated lexicographer and philologist Mahmud al-Kashgari in 1074. This joint proposal involves Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with additional support from Hungary, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, and Tajikistan.
The 900th anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani, an illustrious architect whose contributions spanned the late 12th century. Azerbaijan proposed this anniversary with the support of Türkiye and Turkmenistan.
The momentous 1000th anniversary of the birth of Amir ʿOnṣor-al-Maʿāli Kaykāvus (Kaykāʾus) b. Eskandar b. Qābus b. Vošmgir. The Islamic Republic of Iran proposed this anniversary, backed by Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
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The centenary celebration of the active life of Parvin E’tesami, a revered poet who lived from 1907 to 1941. The Islamic Republic of Iran put forth this proposal, receiving support from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
It is worth noting that UNESCO included Turkmenistan’s Collection of manuscripts of Magtymguly Fragi in the International Memory of the World Register on May 24, 2023.
216th Session of UNESCO Executive Board Held at UNESCO Headquarters
In 2024, Turkmenistan will host elaborate festivities to honor the 300th anniversary of the birth of the esteemed philosopher and poet, Magtymguly. These celebrations will encompass grand cultural events and culminate in the unveiling of a majestic monument situated in the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag.
This monument will stand as a profound testament to the enduring reverence of contemporary generations for the remarkable creative legacy left by the visionary Turkmen poet and thinker.
The 216th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board Held at UNESCO Headquarters
The UNESCO Executive Board, as the principal decision-making body responsible for shaping the organization’s strategies and overseeing its activities, convened for its 216th session at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from May 10 to May 24, 2023. This significant gathering witnessed the participation of UNESCO Member States’ representatives, distinguished experts, and delegates, as well as the organization’s leadership.
During the two-week session, the attendees engaged in comprehensive discussions and made crucial decisions concerning UNESCO’s mandates and priorities within the domains of culture, education, and science. The collaborative efforts between the Member States and Turkmenistan led to the approval of several decisions that held immense importance for UNESCO’s pursuits and objectives.
The approved decisions that garnered support and co-authorship from Turkmenistan were, first, exploring the development prospects of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network on its 70th anniversary. Second, initiating the “Bicycle for All” campaign, promoting bicycles as a means of fostering sustainable and healthy lifestyles. Third, ensuring the follow-up of the Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action for Transforming Early Childhood Care and Education.
The 216th session of the UNESCO Executive Board thus concluded with significant achievements and a renewed commitment to advancing UNESCO’s mission on a global scale.
