On the eve of the 100th anniversary of Turkmen cinematography, we turn to the golden pages of its history.
What could be more spectacular than a Turkmen toy—a real wedding, when the entire extended family, friends, and neighbors celebrate together, rejoicing for the newlyweds. In 1944–1945, work began at the Ashgabat Film Studio on the concert film “The Magic Crystal”, whose aim was to present the richness of wedding rituals and the cultural heritage of the country on the big screen.
The directors of the film were Meret Atakhanov—the first director in the history of Turkmen cinema to make a full-length feature film—and Abram Naroditsky, the screenwriter and director. The artistic director was Stalin Prize laureate Yevgeny Ivanov-Barkov. Cinematographers were A. Mishurin and B. Muratovsky. The composer was K. Korchmarev. The production designer was V. Khmeleva.
As noted by Ore Dashgynov, film scholar, playwright, and head of the literary department of the Oguzhan Turkmenfilm Association, this film became a kind of cinematic puzzle. It reflects vivid representatives of the culture of that time—opera and theater artists, dance ensembles, and bakhshi musicians.
One cannot help but recall the unique scene featuring one of the greatest masters of national musical culture, Mylly Tachmyradov, performing music right at the wedding. These shots are the only documented performance of the renowned artist in a feature film. The film also captures episodes with the famous bakhshi Sakhy Jepbarov and the well-known musician and composer Purli Saryev.
Two outstanding opera singers, who were once called “singing nightingales,” also appeared in the film—24-year-old Maya Kuliyeva and 20-year-old Annagul Annakuliyeva. At that time, they were considered young talents just beginning their careers, and later both achieved great success, becoming People’s Artists of the USSR. Maya Kuliyeva was also awarded the title of Hero of Turkmenistan. The role of Tahir was performed by the famous opera singer and People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Yolaman Hummayev. The film preserves two incomplete songs that demonstrate his tenor and unique voice.
In addition, the film features such masters as Bazar Amanov, Gylych Berdiyev, Sary Garryev, Ogulgurban Durdyyeva, Gulluk Hojayev, and Gurban Rizaev.
Thus, the picture begins with a joyful event—a wedding. The bride arrives on a huge camel, decorated with fabrics and a bell around its neck. The young groom, played by director Meret Atakhanov himself, sings and greets his beloved. At this moment, noisy wedding rituals unfold, and the guests joyfully welcome the young couple.
The legendary hero of Turkmen folklore, the trickster Aldar Kose, played by the famous actor Alty Garlyyev, presents the newlyweds with a magical pearl. Suddenly, events from the past are reflected in the mirror of the magical pearl. The audience witnesses a dance scene depicting a story that happened long ago—between a shepherd and his beloved.
Suddenly, like thunder from a clear sky, the news breaks out: “War!” The wedding festivities are interrupted. The newly married jigit bids farewell to his beloved and, together with other Turkmen youths, goes to the front to defend the Motherland.
This film, created more than 80 years ago during the harsh years of war, became a true “magic mirror” reflecting its era as a unique historical document. It has taken its rightful place in the golden collection of Turkmen cinematographic heritage.
