On November 21, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Russia Esen Aidogdiev visited the Center for Oriental Literature of the Russian State Library with colleagues, where the “Reflection” art and book exhibition  has been held since November 16.

This event on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the outstanding Turkmen classical poet and philosopher of the East, Makhtumkuli Fraghi, became the culmination of the art competition of illustrations of poetry of the East "Reflection". The competition was a part of the VIII Moscow International Art Festival "Sounds of Dutar" named after Nuri Halmamedov, held under the auspices of the Russian Academy of Arts and the UNESCO’s Department of Fine Arts and Architecture, that highlights the importance of the anniversary of Makhtumkuli, included in the UNESCO’s list of memorable events. 

The exhibition, organized by the festival's organizing committee in cooperation with the Russian State Library, demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraghi. It presents rare editions of Makhtumkuli Fraghi from the funds of the Russian State Library, including books published in Astrakhan in 1912 and Ashgabat in 1926. An interesting excursion were presented to the guests, during which the librarians revealed the secrets of rare editions of Makhtumkuli Fraghi from the funds of the Russian State Library. Inspired by the work of this great poet, the laureates of the “Reflection” art competition presented their works, sharing the meanings and concepts captured on canvas. The participants of the readers' competition "Word’s Universe" comprehensively interpreted Makhtumkuli's poems, immersing the audience in the world of his poetry.

On this special day, fine art and poetry united, giving the audience moments of aesthetic pleasure and deep consideration that highlights the boundless power of Makhtumkuli Fraghi's word. The art exhibition at the Center of Oriental Literature presents both the works of the winners and the members of the jury of the competition, including famous masters of art. Among them are the People's Artist of Turkmenistan, sculptor Klichmurad Yarmamedov, artist and designer Dariy Asadullaev, also a member of the International Federation of Artists Vladimir Igaev.

The art and book exhibition will be open until December 16, but the staff of the Center for Oriental Literature are actively negotiating an extension of the exhibition until the end of 2024, so that as many people as possible can get acquainted with the rich creative heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraghi.