October 6 is one of the saddest dates in the history of Turkmenistan

October 6 is one of the saddest dates in the history of Turkmenistan, reminding of those who fell victim to the catastrophic Ashgabat earthquake of 1948, as well as of the heroes who fell on the field of the Geokdepi battle of 1880-1881.

Today, following national traditions, commemorative events are being held throughout the country. State flags are lowered, wreaths and bouquets of flowers are laid in the capital and its regions at memorials to the victims of the disaster and monuments to fallen soldiers, and memorial sadaqas are organized.

Thousands of Ashgabat residents come to the Halk hakydasy (People's Memory) memorial complex to lay wreaths at the foot of the monuments. The ceremony is traditionally attended by members of the Government, members of the national parliament, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, public organizations, elders and young people.

Many years have passed since those tragic events, but the memories of them still resonate painfully in the heart of the Turkmen people.

As a reminder, UNESCO recognized the Ashgabat earthquake as one of the most devastating disasters of the XX century.