In October 2024, Turkmenistan became the center of attention of the international community by holding a forumdedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet, thinker and philosopher Makhtumkuli Fraghi. This event goes far beyond the usual anniversary, turning into a platform for discussing global issues and demonstrating the country's diplomatic potential.
This analytical article explores the multifaceted significance of this event. We will consider how Makhtumkuli's legacy influences Turkmenistan's contemporary politics, analyze the international recognition of the country's cultural contribution and its initiatives on the UN platform. Special attention will be paid to the concept of neutrality as a cornerstone of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and its role as a mediator in international dialog.
In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, Turkmenistan offers its unique approach to solving global problems. The Ashgabat Forum may become not just an anniversary event, but an important step in the development of multilateral diplomacy in Central Asia.
We will analyze how Turkmenistan is using this event to strengthen its position in the international arena, develop strategic partnerships and promote its initiatives in sustainable development, security and cultural exchange.
Formation of modern identity of Turkmenistan on the basis of philosophical heritage of Makhtumkuli
Makhtumkuli Fraghi, whose 300th birthday will be celebrated in 2024, is a key figure in the formation of Turkmenistan's national identity and cultural consciousness. His influence on modern Turkmen politics and society can hardly be overestimated.
Makhtumkuli's works reflect deep universal values such as love for the homeland, humanism and aspiration for national unity. These ideas, expressed by the poet in the 18th century, today form the basis of the state ideology of Turkmenistan. National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov have repeatedly emphasized the role of Makhtumkuli in shaping the modern Turkmen society.
The philosophical and socio-political ideas of Makhtumkuli, who called for the establishment of an independent Turkmen state, have been embodied in modern Turkmenistan. His vision of a united nation living in peace and harmony has become a reality in the 21st century. This is confirmed by the fact that the year 2024 in Turkmenistan passes under the slogan "Makhtumkuli Fraghi's treasure trove of intelligence".
It is important to note that Makhtumkuli's legacy is not limited only to the literary sphere. His works are a valuable historical source describing political and economic events of the 18th century in Central Asia. This makes his work significant not only for culture but also for historical science.
In modern Turkmenistan, Makhtumkuli's ideas are reflected in the state policy. The principles of peace, humanism and national unity that he promoted have become the basis of the country's foreign policy strategy. Turkmenistan's neutrality can be considered as a modern embodiment of Makhtumkuli's ideas on peaceful coexistence of peoples.
The state actively supports the study and popularization of the poet's heritage. In May 2024, a majestic monument in honor of Makhtumkuli was opened in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. In addition, a jubilee award was established in honor of Makhtumkuli. medal "To the 300th anniversary of Makhtumkuli Fraghi" to award citizens who have contributed to the study and preservation of his heritage.
Recognition by UNESCO of the global significance of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage
International recognition of Turkmenistan's cultural contribution reached a new level on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Makhtumkuli Fraghi. This event became a catalyst for a number of significant decisions in the international arena emphasizing the importance of Turkmen cultural heritage for the world community.
A key achievement was inclusion The 300th anniversary of Makhtumkuli Fraghi was inscribed on the UNESCO list of anniversaries for 2024-2025. The decision was made on November 21, 2023 at the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris. This recognition not only emphasizes the significance of Makhtumkuli for the world literature, but also demonstrates the role of Turkmenistan in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation at the international level.
Another important step was inclusion On May 24, 2023, Makhtumkuli Fraghi's manuscript collection was added to UNESCO's Memory of the World International Register. This collection, consisting of more than 80 divans (collections of poems), includes manuscripts from the 18th to 19th centuries, preserved both in Turkmenistan and in other countries. UNESCO recognized these poems as a rare example of the written heritage not only of the Turkmen people, but also of the entire Turkic-speaking world.
International recognition is not limited to UNESCO decisions. Various countries organize events dedicated to Makhtumkuli's anniversary. For example, in Moscow in April 2024 took place an international scientific conference dedicated to Makhtumkuli's contribution to world literature. It was attended by scholars, diplomats and cultural representatives from different countries.
It is important to note that the recognition of Makhtumkuli goes beyond literary heritage. His works are seen as a source of philosophical thought and ideas relevant to the modern world. This emphasizes the universality of his work and its significance for global cultural dialogue.
Promotion of global initiatives by Turkmenistan through the UN platform
The philosophical heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraghi, who called for unity, peace and justice, is reflected in Turkmenistan's modern foreign policy initiatives on the UN platform. The ideas of the great poet on harmonious coexistence of peoples and states have been transformed in the 21st century into concrete proposals on strengthening international security and sustainable development.
At 78-th and 79-Turkmenistan has taken a number of significant initiatives in line with the humanistic ideals of Makhtumkuli. The key proposal became development of a Global Security Strategy based on the principles of the UN Charter. This strategy involves the use of preventive diplomacy, the potential of neutrality and the restoration of a culture of trusting dialog.
In the field of sustainable development, Turkmenistan proposed to organize, together with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, a Ministerial Dialogue on financing the Sustainable Development Goals. The country also initiated the elaboration of the UN General Assembly resolution "Stable, sustainable and reliable energy mobility and its key role in ensuring sustainable development".
Special attention is paid to the transportation sector. Turkmenistan came forward with the initiative to prepare a draft UN General Assembly resolution on "Strengthening connectivity across all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals". It was also proposed to hold a high-level meeting to promote cooperation on sustainable transport.
In the environmental sphere, Turkmenistan offers establish a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and develop a global strategy for zero greenhouse gas emissions growth by 2030. The country also favors the establishment of a "Caspian Environment Initiative".
The concept of "Dialogue - Guarantee of Peace" occupies central place in Turkmenistan's foreign policy initiatives. On December 6, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2023 as the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace. This initiative is aimed at overcoming the growing escalation and intolerance in international relations.
These initiatives demonstrate Turkmenistan's desire to play an active role in addressing global challenges, using its status as a neutral state to promote peace and sustainable development in the international arena.
Strengthening the international position of Turkmenistan on the basis of permanent neutrality
The concept of neutrality of Turkmenistan, although a modern political phenomenon, has deep roots in the national philosophy reflected in the works of Makhtumkuli Fraghi. The 18th century poet-thinker in his works often called for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between peoples, which can be considered as a forerunner of the modern policy of neutrality of the country.
Permanent status neutralityadopted by Turkmenistan back in 1995, plays a key role in shaping the country's foreign policy and its positioning in the international arena. This status, recognized by the UN General Assembly, allows Turkmenistan to act as an impartial mediator in regional and global issues.
Turkmenistan's neutrality is not a passive position but, on the contrary, serves as an active tool of diplomacy. The country uses its neutral status to promote peace initiatives and develop international cooperation. It is reflected in the Concept of Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028, signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on July 8, 2022.
Its neutral status allows Turkmenistan to actively participate in regional processes. The country advocates the establishment of the Central Asian Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation, which confirms its role as a stabilizing factor in the region. In addition, Turkmenistan proposes to consider the issue of legal formalization of this Zone.
It is important to note that Turkmenistan's neutrality does not impede the development of bilateral relations. On the contrary, it contributes to strengthening ties with various countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference.
In addition, its neutral status allows Turkmenistan to play an important role in addressing regional issues such as the situation in Afghanistan. The country continues to provide facilitation in achieving peace and harmony in a neighboring state, relying on its neutral status. This shows that neutrality is not only the basis of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, but also an effective tool for strengthening its international position, contributing to the promotion of peace, stability and cooperation both regionally and globally.
Turkmenistan becomes a key platform for international dialog
Over the years of independence, Turkmenistan has been actively strengthening its role as a center of international dialogue by organizing significant forums and conferences that attract more and more attention of the world community. As we mentioned above, a vivid example of this is the upcoming international forum "Interconnection of times and civilizations - the basis of peace and development", scheduled for October 11, 2024 in Ashgabat.
This forum, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Makhtumkuli Fraghi, goes beyond a cultural event and becomes a platform to discuss global issues. Expected participation of the presidents of more than 10 states, as well as heads of international organizations, including the SCO, the Economic Cooperation Organization, TURKSOY, the CIS, the Islamic Organization and UNESCO. The scale of the event is emphasized by the involvement of more than 800 journalists from around the world.
Turkmenistan also proposes to organize a number of other international events. These include the International Forum "Sustainable Energy for All" in 2025 and the International Conference on the Group of Friends of Neutrality in December 2024.
As part of its initiatives, Turkmenistan favors the creation of new international platforms. The country offers Establish the UN Regional Council on Water Management in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat, as well as the Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia.
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