Today, November 6, a solemn literary and educational evening in honor of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Fragi was held at the State Academic Grand Theater named after Alisher Navoi in our capital.

Prominent government and public figures, representatives of the diplomatic corps, guests, writers and poets, cultural and art figures, students and pupils, the general public, and media representatives gathered at the event.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Chairman of the Writers' Union, Sirojiddin Said, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, Shodurdi Meredov, Uzbekistan's honored mentor of youth, renowned poet and translator Mirzo Kenjabek, and the Director of the Cinematography Agency, Shukhrat Rizayev, delivered speeches emphasizing the significance and relevance of Makhtumkuli's poetry.

"It is worth noting that Makhtumkuli also highly appreciated the works of the great Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi.

Today, dozens of streets and parks in Tashkent and the regions are named after Makhtumkuli. Memorial complexes dedicated to this great figure have been built in Tashkent and Khiva.

Special decrees by our President have been adopted to widely celebrate the 300th anniversary of Makhtumkuli Fragi’s birth.

To mark this date, literary evenings, competitions, scientific conferences, and seminars are held almost daily. Performances about the poet are staged in our theaters.

Additionally, Uzbek and Turkmen filmmakers have jointly produced a feature film titled 'Makhtumkuli Fragi.'

Next week, from November 13 to 15, the premiere of this film is planned to take place in Ashgabat as part of the 4th International Film Festival of Turkic States," said Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

Students of Uzbek and Turkmen nationalities recited samples of Makhtumkuli Fragi's poems praising friendship and brotherhood. A concert program consisting of songs based on Makhtumkuli's poems was presented. Artists from the Khorezm Musical Drama Theater performed a scene from the drama “Makhtumkuli.”

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Makhtumkuli Fragi, the pride of the Turkmen people. This prominent poet is beloved by people worldwide, including the Uzbek people. It is heartening that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signed a decree on February 19, 2024, “On the Wide Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Birth of the Great Turkmen Poet and Thinker Makhtumkuli Fragi.” At the event, attention was drawn to the implementation of this decree and its importance in our spiritual life.

A number of activities were carried out within the framework of this decree. The international organization TURKSOY declared 2024 the "Year of Makhtumkuli." New translations of Makhtumkuli's poems have emerged during the years of independence.

Doctor of Philology, Professor Bahodir Karim translated and published ghazals by Makhtumkuli's father, the poet Ozodi, into Uzbek. On May 19, 2017, a bust-relief of the great Turkmen poet Makhtumkuli was unveiled in Tashkent. The street where the bust is located was named after him. The author of the bust-relief is the young sculptor Jasvand Annazarov.

In 2022, nine volumes in the 100-volume anthology "Samples of Turkic Literature" were dedicated to Turkmen literature. These volumes included translations into Uzbek of works by Turkmen classical and contemporary authors, starting with Ozodi. The anthology opens with Ozodi's ghazals and includes works by such authors as Mullanafas, Makhtumkuli, Andalib, Zalili, Kamina, Oshiqiy, and from the 20th century, Khidir Deryaev, Berdi Kerbaboyev, Qayum Tangrikuliyev, Oraz Yagmur, and Otajan Togon.

On May 3, 2024, the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan held an international scientific-practical conference titled "Makhtumkuli Fragi – Common Heritage of Uzbek and Turkmen Peoples," dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and thinker.

The Writers' Union published Makhtumkuli Fragi's "Selected Works" and a collection of scientific articles dedicated to his life and creative activity. Additionally, under a state order, Uzbek and Turkmen filmmakers created a feature film dedicated to Makhtumkuli Fragi.

On October 11, 2024, an international forum titled "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Progress" was held in Turkmenistan to commemorate Makhtumkuli's 300th anniversary.

During the forum, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was awarded a medal dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Makhtumkuli Fragi. The head of our state presented the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, with a collection of Makhtumkuli’s selected works published in Uzbek.