A cultural and educational festival titled “Journey to Europe,” dedicated to the celebration of Europe Day, was held at the Arkach shopping and entertainment center in the Turkmen capital. Bringing together the traditions of European countries and the hospitality of Turkmen land, the event attracted residents and visitors of the capital, particularly a large number of young people.
The festival was organized by the Delegation of the European Union, along with the diplomatic missions of Germany, France, Italy, and Romania in Turkmenistan. Diplomats, as well as managers of EU-funded international projects and programs operating in the country, took part in the celebration.
The official opening was conducted by Beata Peksa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan. Addressing the audience, she highlighted the profound symbolism of the occasion and emphasized the steady development of cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan.
In her speech, the Ambassador drew a beautiful parallel between Europe’s diversity and the most treasured achievement of Turkmen applied arts.
“This festival serves as a platform for the integration of European and Turkmen cultures. Just as a Turkmen carpet is woven from countless strong threads, Europe is home to many different languages, cultural traditions, and national customs. I sincerely hope that this symbolic ‘Journey to Europe’ will bring the Turkmen and European peoples closer together, linking them with strong bonds, much like the knots of a Turkmen carpet,” said the European diplomat.
The exhibition area became the central attraction of the festival. Displays featuring ongoing European Union programs and initiatives in Turkmenistan were presented there.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn firsthand about projects being implemented in the country, receive informational brochures and souvenirs, and test their knowledge through themed quizzes and interactive competitions.
A particularly engaging part of the program was the interactive quest also called “Journey to Europe,” which transformed the Arkach shopping and entertainment center into a stylized map of the continent.
Twenty-seven themed stations, corresponding to the 27 member states of the European Union, were set up throughout the complex. Each station represented a particular country. To proceed to the next destination, participants had to answer a question about that country’s geography, history, or culture. Organizers provided players with special “passports,” where a visa-style stamp was added for every correct answer.
The project generated great enthusiasm among young people, allowing participants to embark on an exciting virtual journey across EU countries without ever leaving Ashgabat.
Throughout the day, the sounds of European and Turkmen music blended harmoniously across the festival grounds. Traditional and contemporary melodies created a unique and welcoming atmosphere, serving as the best possible reminder that the language of art and friendship needs no translation.
