These days, events dedicated to the Year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” are being held at a high level in the Balkan velayat. Another vibrant occasion in the series of cultural activities was a regional competition organized in the administrative center of the country’s western region, the city of Balkanabat, in the grand ceremonial hall “Bagt köşgi.”
The creative competition, titled “Bedew batly at-myradyň mekany–tans, folklor dessury–döwrüň mukamy,” was jointly organized by the Department of Culture of the Balkan Velayat and the Velayat Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan in response to the large-scale attention given by the President of the country to the development of the cultural sphere. The event, which brought together dance and folklore groups from all etraps and cities of the region, aimed to foster in young people a love for folk art.
During the rich and spectacular program, participants competed in their mastery of performing songs and dances, as well as folklore compositions glorifying the Year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” Each performance was met with prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the audience, highlighting the high level of preparation of the talents.
According to the decision of the judging panel, in the “Dance Art” category the grand prize was awarded to the “Misserian” ensemble from the Gyzylarbat etrap. Prize-winning places were taken by the “Ýaşlyk” ensemble from the city of Turkmenbashi, “Kenar” from the Turkmenbashi etrap, and “Deňiz” from the Esenguly etrap. Among the folklore groups, the highest award was granted to the “Şapak” ensemble from the city of Balkanabat, while the ensembles “Bereket ýaýlasy” from the Bereket etrap, “Köpetdag” from the Gyzylarbat etrap, and “Miras” from the city of Turkmenbashi took first, second, and third places respectively. The winners and prize recipients were solemnly presented with honorary diplomas and commemorative gifts.
