A bibliographic review and an exhibition dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the laureates of the Makhtumkuli International Award, Vadim Mikhailovich Masson and Viktor Ivanovich Sarianidi performed at the State Library of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. To revealing the role of these outstanding scientists in the study of historical and cultural monuments of Turkmenistan and the dissemination of information about them into the world, various editions were presented at the event organized by the Art Department of the Center.
Speakers noted that names of Mikhail Evgenievich Masson, his son’s Vadim Mikhailovich Masson and Viktor Ivanovich Sarianidi as scientists who dedicated lives to studying unique monuments of various eras and signs of great civilizations on the Turkmen land are well known not only in our country, but also among the world scientific community. The archaeological excavations under their guidance revealed to the world the secrets of ancient Merv, Anau, Nisa, Altyn-depe that attracts the interest of new generations of researchers.
Their works have left a bright, indelible mark on the science of history. To the 95th anniversary of these great scientists, an international scientific conference "Turkmenistan - a center of ancient civilizations," organized by the National Administration of Turkmenistan for the Protection, Study and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments, held at the “Ak bugdaý” National museum.
It was noted that the Turkmen state appreciated the contribution of Russian archaeologists to the study of the history of the Fatherland. In different years academicians Vadim Masson and Victor Sarianidi have been awarded the Makhtumkuli International Award and other state awards.
Their works were published in the country in mass editions, and their discoveries were included in school books of the history of the Ancient World. The names of academicians Vadim Masson and Viktor Sarianidi are mentioned in the writings of the National Leader of the Turkmen nation, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.