Today, the final round of the "Çalsana, bagşy!" competition, held among dutarists and bakhshi musicians as part of the competition for the “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” Presidential Prize, took place at the Mukam Palace of the State Cultural Center.

The priority areas of the cultural strategy initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag, and currently being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, are the development of national culture, the preservation, study, transmission to future generations, and widespread popularization of our rich cultural heritage. The country places great importance on improving the unique musical art, the emergence and development of which are inextricably linked with the names of Turkmen bakhshi musicians. Currently, creative competitions are regularly held to identify talented young people who continue the ancient art of music. A striking example of this is the competition held to develop youth interest in national culture, uncover their creative abilities, pass them on to future generations, and glorify the art of performing folk music by bakhshis worldwide.

An exhibition of fine and applied arts, museum treasures, national musical instruments, and photographs of outstanding musicians was held in the foyer of the Mukam Palace.

Culture is the soul of a nation. The tangible and intangible assets created by the brilliant talent and wisdom of the Turkmen people over the centuries are recognized as a treasure trove of world culture. Today, creative figures who make a worthy contribution to the enrichment of national culture with their remarkable works are highly respected.

...Numerous cultural and artistic professionals, as well as residents of the capital, listened with deep attention to the congratulatory address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the final round of the “Çalsana, bagşy!” competition.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasized that the songs and melodies performed by our bakhshi musicians, who have made a huge contribution to the development of Turkmen bakhshi art, will forever remain in the people’s memory. The musical legacy of such masters as Chary Tachmammedov, Jepbar Hansahedov, Chary Gurbanov, Yagmyr Nurgeldiyev, Hommat Jelilov, Dortguly Durdyyev, Hojamyrat Orayev, Bally Matgeldiyev, Patyshaguly Girmanov, Gaigysyz Charyyev, Dovletgeldi Okdurov, Nuryagdy Bayramov, Allaberdi Atayev, Gurbandurdy Ovezov, and Parahat Shihimov has today become a model school for young dutarists and bakhshi musicians.

“With your talent, diligence, and love for art, you must create songs and melodies that glorify our beautiful era, our happy life, and perfect the Turkmen art of bakhshi,” Arkadagly Hero Serdar noted in his message.

The participation of performers aged 18 to 35 in the creative competition is further evidence that caring for youth is a key focus of state policy. Fourteen bakhshis and 14 dutarists from Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, as well as from the velayats who won the qualifying rounds, competed in the final round.

The dutarists’ performances reflected the glorious historical path of our people. The performance of national music, taking into account the regional characteristics of the country, made the competition even more engaging.

Today, Turkmen musical instruments are represented in various orchestras, and the dutar holds a special place among them. Music from around the world, including classical music, imparts a unique flavor when performed by dutarists. Young talents, together with their mentors, actively participate in competitions, state concerts, and festive celebrations. This is the best proof that the traditions of the legendary Turkmen bakhshi, who created an art that will last for centuries, are alive.

The second part of the competition featured folk songs. Inspired by the care and attention of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, the participants in the creative competition performed their pieces with exceptional skill. A prominent place in the concert program was given to performances magnifying the musical culture of our people, their peace-loving principles, and the Ahalteke horses, a symbol of the rapid development of our Homeland.

The awards ceremony was one of the competition’s striking moments. To thunderous applause from the audience, the names of the 14 winners – bakhshis and dutar players – were announced. They were awarded special diplomas and gold chains, while all participants in the “Çalsana, bagşy!” competition received commemorative gifts on behalf of the head of state.

The winners of the creative competition pledged their commitment to the further development of the national art of bakhshi and dutar performance.

Finally, the participants of the creative competition adopted an Address to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing their sincere gratitude for his comprehensive support of youth and noble work in developing national culture.