A literary and cultural event, along with a poetry competition, was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The gathering, dedicated to the annual commemoration of the great classical Persian poet Saadi Shirazi, was organized jointly by the university and the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan.

The Day’s program began with a tour of a thematic exhibition. The display harmoniously combined the rich creative legacy of Saadi Shirazi with the symbolism of the current year, held under the motto: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.”

The ceremonial event was opened by the Rector of Magtymguly Turkmen State University, Orazgeldi Ovezsakhedov; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani; and the Embassy’s Cultural Counselor, Abdolreza Abbasi. In their welcoming remarks, they emphasized the inseparable connection between Turkmen and Persian literature, rooted in centuries-old traditions of good-neighborliness and shared spiritual values.

In his speech, Rector O. Ovezsakhedov highlighted the importance of studying the Persian language as a means of strengthening humanitarian dialogue between the two brotherly nations. Particular attention was given to the enduring values that have been carried through the centuries.

“The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov are consistently and constructively strengthening the bonds of peace and friendship in the region, whose origins stretch back thousands of years. As the head of state notes in his book “Magtymguly – The Sage of the World,” the philosophical and literary works of Saadi Shirazi formed one of the foundations upon which the worldview of the great Magtymguly Fragi was shaped,” O. Ovezsakhedov stated.

The central event of the celebration was a poetry competition featuring Persian language enthusiasts from the country’s leading higher education institutions, including Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, and the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy.

Participants demonstrated not only exceptional recitation skills by memorizing and performing six poems by Saadi Shirazi, but also a profound understanding of their philosophical depth.

According to the results of the competition, first and second places were awarded to Nurana Amanmyradova and Nurana Garrybayeva, both students of the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy. Third place went to Selbi Orazova, a second-year student at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages.

The winners received collections of Saadi Shirazi’s works translated into Turkmen, along with commemorative gifts.

The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by performances from creative ensembles. The folklore group “Bagtyyarlyk Owazlary” of Magtymguly Turkmen State University and students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages presented vocal and choreographic performances in both Turkmen and Persian. These performances provided a vibrant and memorable conclusion to an event that once again affirmed the enduring cultural kinship between the two nations.