Last week that marked the blessed holiday Kurban Bairam, symbolizing the triumph of high humanistic ideals, a truly historic event took place, which will be written with golden letters in the annals of the Independent Neutral Homeland, confidently going on the path of creation, prosperity and progress. Large-scale celebrations took place with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to celebrate the opening of the new city of Arkadag.

Numerous guests at the holiday called the “smart” city of Arkadag the “Shining Star of Asia”, “City of the Century”, which was created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people with a modern integrated infrastructure, the first of this kind both in our country and in the Central Asian region, with an infrastructure integrating digital, advanced information, communication and “green” technologies.

Events within the framework of the opening of the unique city, which was granted a special legal status on a legislative basis, the city of state significance, started on the square at the Akhan Monument, where the head of state cut a traditional ribbon, and multi-colored balloons flew into the sky.

Then, the State Flag of the Homeland was hoisted on the Main Square of the city to the sounds of the National Anthem of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan was also greeted by Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye Mehmet Fatih Kadzhir and Chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye Rifat Hisarciklioglu, who attended the celebrations.

On the occasion of this historic event, the guests presented the head of state with the keys to two new TOGG electric vehicles, which were donated by President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

As part of the celebrations, the opening ceremony of the “Arkadag” Monument was held, featuring the image of the National Leader of the Turkmen people astride an Akhalteke horse, symbolizing the determination of our country towards new great achievements.

In front of the tribune, set on the main square of Arkadag city, there were performances given by creative groups that prepared a colorful song and musical composition, as well as a parade of labor collectives of different sectors of the national economy.

The head of state also visited an apartment of the new settlers, the owner of which proudly told about advantages of the “smart” home technology, which provides maximum comfort for residents.

Along with this, the President of Turkmenistan was familiarized with the features of “Arkadagly ýaşlar” software. The software developed by students of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction allows all devices to receive commands from the “smart” home local network server and execute them automatically.

Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov examined the Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the equipment of which fully meets international standards and contributes to the restoration and improvement of children’s health.

Then, at a solemn meeting in the Rukhyet Palace, to the applause of those present, the heads of international organizations and representatives of well-known foreign companies presented more than 20 certificates and diplomas to Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan D. Orazov awarded to the new unique city for achievements in the field of urban planning, ecology and application of digital technologies.

On the Arkadag city opening occasion, a festive sadaqat was given at the “Märkaw” Hotel.

A number of bilateral documents were signed in the city khyakimlik. These included: Agreement on the establishment of twin city relations city relations between the cities of Arkadag and Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation); Agreement on the establishment of twin city relations between the cities of Arkadag and Telavi (Georgia).

The list of documents aimed at strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation with foreign partners was also supplemented by the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of twin city relations between the cities of Ashgabat and Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan).

In the evening, a festive concert of art figures took place in the Central Park of Arkadag city. The culmination of the celebration was a drone show that featured the sights of the “smart” city, a map of Turkmenistan, national ornaments, historical artifacts, as well as colorful fireworks in the evening sky.

On the opening day, the new city became the venue for a number of major international events, which were reflected in the first editions of the “Arkadag” Newspaper and in the broadcasts of the TV channel of the same name.

Thus, a meeting of the mayors of cities recognized as the cultural capitals of the Turkic world by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) took place.

The conference hall of the “Märkaw” Hotel in the new city hosted the International Investment Forum “Arkadag –the “Smart” City”, which brought together delegates from different countries, as well as representatives of leading international and regional organizations, reputable financial institutions, and major foreign companies. The topics discussed covered promising areas of mutually beneficial relations.

The participants in the International Scientific Conference “The City of Arkadag - the Embodiment of Digital and Smart Technologies” discussed the significance of this megaproject for Turkmenistan and the opportunities for developing productive cooperation for its further implementation.

The multi-type hospital of Arkadag city became the venue for the International Scientific Conference “Public Organization of Doctors of Turkmenistan”, which reviewed the achievements and priorities in the field of healthcare in Turkmenistan, and issues of strengthening international cooperation.

An international media forum was held on the opening of the first “smart” city in the country, which emphasized that the initiator of this gran project, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has a clear vision of the prospects for development of the state, and directs the creative potential of the citizens of Turkmenistan to the implementation of conceptually new ideas.

The International Conference “The City of Arkadag - the land of Akhalteke Horses”, held at the administrative building of the new city’s Agricultural Complex, was about the development of horse breeding, and the expansion of fruitful cooperation in this area.

A conference hall of the city library named after Dovletmammet Azadi hosted the International Conference “The City of Arkadag - the city of smart and green technologies”.

In addition, an international football coaching seminar was organized in the new city, as well as the first match at the stadium, in which the local “Arkadag” team met with “Akhal”, the reigning champion of Turkmenistan.

In the chronology of events of the past week, there was a working meeting held by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov via a digital system on June 26, which considered the issues related to development of the regions of the country, as well as the progress of agricultural campaigns.

Focusing on the importance of taking all measures for the organized completion of seasonal campaigns launched in the fields within the optimal time frame, the head of state gave specific instructions to ensure uninterrupted and well-coordinated work of the participating institutions.

Preparations for the grand opening of Arkadag city was the main topic at the joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, held on June 28.

During the meeting, the head of state signed the Decree on holding the regular Culture Week in 2024 in the city of Arkadag.

At the end of the joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, its participants were presented with a new book by the Hero-Arkadag “Ömrümiň manysynyň dowamaty” and a colorfully illustrated edition “Arkadag şäheri - geljegiň şäheri”.

On June 28, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Secretary General of the Union of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World Ilyas Demirdzhi, who arrived in Turkmenistan to attend the events to be held on the occasion of the Arkadag city opening.

The guest solemnly presented the head of state with the Medal “For Outstanding Services to the Turkic World”, mentioning his huge personal contribution to the formation of the unique shape of modern, dynamically developing Turkmenistan. Thanking for the high honor, the President of the country pointed out an opportunity to productively collaborate with the Union of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World, in particular, in studying the engineering achievements of the friendly peoples in improving urban construction.

On the same day, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Vafo Alibek Niyatbekzoda, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that special importance in the Turkmen-Tajik political dialogue is attached to close cooperation within reputable international and regional organizations, such as UN, OSCE, CIS and ECO.

Cooperation between the two countries covers various areas, including policy, economy, culture, education, transport, etc. Our goal is to strengthen mutual understanding and expand relations in all these areas for the benefit of our peoples, the head of state stressed.

On June 30, a telephone conversation took place between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The head of Turkmen state thanked the President of the Republic of Türkiye for the new TOGG electric vehicles made in Türkiye handed over to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and him.

The parties highly appreciated the development of the Turkmen-Turkish dialogue, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the comprehensive expansion of relations and filling them with new content, and also exchanged warm congratulations to the peoples of the two countries on the occasion of Kurban Bairam, the holy holiday for all Muslims.

On the first day of Kurban Bairam, the third meeting of the Council of Elders under the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.

The activities of local Council members to educate and support the younger generation, the state of affairs in cities and villages, preparations for significant occasions and the participation of the Halk Maslakhaty elders in the opening of the first construction phase of Arkadag city and other events were discussed.

The discussions also covered issues related to providing support to children in need of care, conditions created in orphanages and properly naming those according to national traditions, preparation for the pilgrimage of members of the Council of Elders to the holy city of Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On June 28, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Sultan Raev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to attend the celebrations on the occasion of commissioning the facilities of the first construction phase of Arkadag city and the International Scientific Conference “Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State and Magtymguly Pyragy”. An interested exchange of views took place on the prospects for cooperation, taking into account its solid potential in various fields.

Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also met with Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye Mehmet Fatih Kadzhir and Chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye Rifat Hisarciklioglu.

As was pointed out, due building industrial and infrastructure facilities within the second Arkadag city construction phase, wide opportunities are opening up for the participation of business people of the fraternal country in the fulfillment of the plans.

A high assessment of the environmental performance of the new city was given during the meeting of Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Secretary General of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye Rifat Hisarciklioglu.

The guest offered a number of proposals for the implementation of joint projects in the future and expressed the interest of the Turkish party in participating in the construction of facilities within the second phase in the city of Arkadag.

On the same day, the ceremony of awarding National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the highest award of the International Organization of Turkic Culture, the “Order of TURKSOY”, as well as the Medal “For Outstanding Services to the Turkic World” of the Union of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World..

As was specified, these awards are a sign of recognition of services performed by the Hero Arkadag in the development of Turkic culture and the preservation of the national heritage of the Turkmen people, his efforts to strengthen the solidity of the Turkic world, as well as large-scale activities aimed at maintaining peace and stability on the planet.

On June 29, a telephone conversation took place between National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj in the city of Mecca, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Uzbek leader cordially congratulated the Hero Arkadag on his birthday and on the opening of the first phase facilities of the “smart” city of Arkadag. The parties confirmed their commitment to further strengthening trade and economic relations, actively expanding cooperation in the energy, transport, communications and agricultural sectors, as well as interregional ties.

During a telephone conversation the National Leader of the Turkmen people was congratulated on his birthday and the opening of Arkadag city by Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. The Speaker of the Upper House of the Russian Parliament also conveyed greetings and congratulations from President Vladimir Putin.

The parties discussed issues of cooperation in the humanitarian fields and further expansion of inter-parliamentary relations.

On June 30, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, made a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca and participated in Friday prayers in Al-Haram, the main and largest mosque in the world. Our Haji Arkadag gave the Kurban Bairam sadaqat with the participation of Turkmen pilgrims, the delegation of our country, as well as and family members and official representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,.

As part of the visit, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with special representative of the Emir of the State of Qatar Hadi Bin Ali Al-Marri, and upon arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Hero Arkadag met with Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud, the Mayor of the city of Jeddah, and with President of the Islamic Development Bank Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani.

During the meetings, confidence was expressed in the further strengthening of productive interstate cooperation.

Other events of the past week included the International Scientific Conference “Period of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State and Magtymguly Pyragy” in Ashgabat.

The speakers emphasized the greatness of the talent of the poet-philosopher, who embodied the centuries-old wisdom of the Turkmen people, the beauty of their poetic language, and preached values close to every inhabitant of the planet with his creativity.

On the final day of the Culture Week, timed to coincide with the celebration of the Day of Culture and Art Workers of Turkmenistan, as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, flower-laying ceremonies were held in Ashgabat and other parts of the country at the monuments to the great classic and thinker of the East.

As part of the creative action, the final concert of art figures was held at the Mukams Palace of the State Cultural Center. Numerous spectators applauded the magnificent performances and folklore plays, which reflected the original traditions of the Turkmen people.

The Culture Week of the Turkic States, which took place those days, also came to an end.

On June 29, a meeting was held at the Mejlis with Matsushita Shinpei, the Chairman of the Secretariat of the Inter-Parliamentary Japanese-Turkmen Friendship Group. Issues of enhancing the exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking and wide use of the existing potential of inter-parliamentary relations were considered.

Thus, the events of the past week demonstrated that modern Turkmenistan is the country directed towards the future, where large-scale programs and projects are successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to promote further development of all areas of life, economic progress, and improvement of the people’s wellbeing.