Each year on this day thousands of autumn flowers are laid to the monumental sculptural composition of the Memorial to the Victims of the 1948 Ashgabat Earthquake, the Ene Myakhri Monument that embodies Turkmen women’s selflessness and maternal love, the Doganlar sculptural composition, the monument to the defenders of he Motherland and the memorial complex in Gypjak settlement near Ashgabat.

On the day of the nationwide mourning we bow our heads before the blessed memory of 176,000 compatriots, who perished during the terrible natural disaster that had turned the blooming city into a heap of ruins within a few minutes. Those who survived showed the outstanding self-control, courage, fortitude and endurance. Under the extreme conditions – in the complete darkness suffocating with the pungent dust, risking their lives as the earth tremors continued threatening with the new landslips those who had survived rushed to save their relatives, friends, neighbours buried under the ruins.
Though, the history of this tragedy has the bright pages demonstrating the astonishing spiritual generosity of many thousands of people, the city dwellers’ selflessness, bravery and heroism. The common misfortune united the people, gave them strength and raised their spirit increasing their determination to restore the native city.

Those who visited Ashgabat several years ago will not recognize it now. During the years of independence it has been revived for the third time. The new urban area development conception was elaborated. The architectural premiers became a token of our time. The beautiful white-marble palace ensembles and magnificent constructions are the ‘business’ cards of modern Ashgabat, the minarets of the mosques attach the city the oriental look, the remarkable architecture of the comfortable high-rise apartment houses enchant. The newly-constructed buildings are earthquake-proof.

Ashgabat is changing into one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities, the largest peacemaking and cultural centers, whose life is rich in the bright events, meetings, festivals, international forums.

Commemoration Day is the day of the Turkmen people’s unity and solidarity. On this day the people of Turkmenistan commemorate their relatives and friends, visit the cemeteries, offer prayers and arrange the funeral repasts. For the people live by their memory.