President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participates in commemorative ceremony and opening of Saparmurat Niyazov Museum

Early morning, the vehicle of the Head of the State arrived in the square in front of the capital park 10 year of Independence where flowers-laying ceremony to the monument of Saparmurat Niyazov took place.

The Chairperson of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, leaders of military and law enforcement agencies, mass media, non-governmental organizations, Turkmenistan ambassadors to foreign countries, Hyakim of Ashgabat, the clergy, honoured elders, student youth and numerous Ashgabat citizens have gathered there.

The participants of the ceremony greeted the Head of the State. The President went up to majestic monument of S. A. Niyazov.

Primordial national traditions received deserving continuation in the modern epoch. Following humane principles on commemorating of the diseased, we pay the tribute to the memory of outstanding people who made deserving contribution to the development of the country and consolidation of the traditions of peaceful life of the nation.

The President of Turkmenistan laid beautiful flowers to the podium of the monument. After, all the participants of the ceremony laid their flowers as well.

Current event became the expression of deep respect of people to prominent son of Turkmen nation who made great input to the establishment of the independence, consolidation of sovereignty and recognition of neutrality of the country.

Today, the way started by Saparmurat Niyazov is heading toward higher objectives that are successfully resolved by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Owing to the fundamental transformations for further social and economic progress of the country and steadfast improvement of the wellbeing of the population implemented by the initiative of the Head of the State, Turkmenistan confidently follows the way of creation and prosperity. At modern stage, our country is among most dynamically developing states of the world.

The flowers on marble slabs at the footsteps of the monument is a symbol respect of the first President paid by Turkmenistan citizens.

After flowers-laying ceremony to the Monument, the Head of the State went to Kypchak.

Upon arrival, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov went to the mausoleum where, having laid the flowers, he paid tribute to the first Head of Turkmenistan.

After the President, the Chairperson of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, Leaders of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, non-governmental organizations, deputies of National Parliament, heads of Turkmenistan diplomatic missions accredited in foreign countries, hyakim of Ashgabat and numerous Ashgabat citizens laid their flower to the mausoleum.

Addressing the participants of the event, the Head of the State noted that the Memory Day of the First President S. A. Niyzaov is observed in the country on December 21. Commemorative prayers are made and sadakas (food donations) are given.

Saparmyrat Atayevich Niyazov made great contribution to the consolidation of the independence of the country. In transition period, the country under his leadership entered the way of peaceful and sustainable development. Leading the country for many years, Saparmurat Niyazov did great work for the improvement of international authority of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued.

As the result of his large-scale activity, the country gained the status of neutrality what supported the consolidation of the state independence, establishment of fruitful relations with all countries and improvement of the authority of homeland in the world arena.

Large work made by the First President S. A. Niyazov will stay forever in people’s memory, the Head of the State highlighted, having noted that national values have been gathered in the museum that is to be open on the same day. The exposition narrates about the work and life of the first President of the country. The materials will allow better imagination of his government activity, the Head of Turkmenistan said and expressed the gratitude to everyone for the participation in commemorative ceremony.

After, commemorative prayer was made under the dome of the mausoleum.

The Head of the State and members of the Government went down to the family tomb of the first President of the Turkmenistan and his relatives where memorial prayer was recited.

Having left the mausoleum, the Head of the State went to the museum of the first leader of the country S. A. Niyazov where President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov looked around the exposition and materials narrating about prominent government official.

At present time, the museum in different parts of the country has various materials speaking of rich history and outstanding characters of Turkmen nation. By right, these museums are considered to be the centres of spiritual life of the society, repository of unique heritage of the nation and large scientific centres. These temples play great role in study of historical past, protection of the heritage as well as support the improvement of cultural level of the population, enrichment of its spiritual life and expansion of the world outlook, education of growing generation in the spirit of love of the homeland. The museum that was opened on that day would allow to be more acquainted with the history of the period of the leadership of the first President and his activity.

Having noted great merits of Saparmurat Niyazov for the Motherland and nations, Turkmen leader highlighted the importance of the values of the museum. The exhibits represented in the museum are related to certain period of the history of modern Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, having focused the attention on the necessity of the study of the materials for future generations. The Head of the State also spoke about important role of the museums as scientific and practical centres in patriotic education of the youth.

Having completed the familiarization with the materials, the President went to the mosque.

Today, large-scale activity for study of the history, protection and popularization of material and spiritual heritage of the nations around the world is carried out in the country. Having highlighted deserving role of the elders in education of young generation in the spirit of honouring of primordial traditions and customs, nobility, high morale and patriotism, the President of Turkmenistan spoke of the importance to carry out the work in this direction according to the time demands.

After, the Mufti of Turkmenistan read out ayat-tovir (commemoration prayer)

At the end of the ceremony, the Head of the State expressed the gratitude to all for participation in commemorative ceremony and left the place of the event.

On the same day, sadaka to pay tribute to the memory of first Head of Turkmenistan S. A. Niyazov was given on behalf of the Head of the State in special premises of Turkmenbashy Mosque located in Kypchak estate. Commemorative prayer was made after it was finished.