Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chinar Rustemova announced some plans for Turkmenistan to nominate new nominations to the UNESCO lists, speaking at the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after D. Azadi.

Currently, Turkmenistan is intensively working on the inclusion of monuments of Turkmen writing in the UNESCO "Memory of the World" register, Rustemova said. For the first time, the relevance of the inclusion of the manuscripts of the poet Magtymguly Pyragy in this document was indicated.

Earlier it was reported that the inclusion in this register may also concern the works of Ashik Aydyn Pir, Ibrahim Edhem, Nalach Baba, Ismamyt Ata and other historical figures whose mausoleums are located in the Dashoguz region.

Further, the Secretary of State spoke about the ongoing work since 2021 to include three Turkmen nature reserves — Repetek, Bereketli, Karakum, and Kaplankyr — in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. In this context, it was noted that work in this direction gives tangible results that will soon make themselves felt.

Then Rustemova shared information concerning the inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Akhal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions of horse decoration. It was emphasized that this unique nomination, which has no analogues in the world, will soon be included in the List. At the same time, the initiative will not echo the European nominations in this area.

A special place in Rustemova's speech was given to the celebration of the anniversary of the great poet Magtymguly Pyragy, whose 300th anniversary will be widely celebrated in 2024. The diplomat said that Ashgabat is carefully preparing for this date, including taking steps on the world stage through cultural diplomacy: for example, the commission is working on including the anniversary of the classic of Turkmen literature in the UNESCO list of Significant Dates for 2024-2025. The organization's approval of the relevant initiative will contribute to the wide popularization of Turkmen culture and art throughout the world.

Rustemova reported on the measures taken jointly with Uzbekistan to add the Koytendag mountain ecosystem to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Notable results in this direction have been identified, and the organization's response is expected in the near future. The commission has positive forecasts on this issue.

As for historical monuments, here we are talking about research work in the Merv complex. It is expected that in the very near future 6 new historical zones of this ancient settlement will also be included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. The Amul fortress is also waiting for its turn, whose historical value also guarantees its entry into the List.

Speaking to the students of the country's language university, Rustemova did not ignore the importance of the activities of UNESCO clubs in educational institutions of Turkmenistan. In this context, the diplomat pointed out that of all the previously created clubs, the most active is the one that was founded in D. Azady TNIWL — "Languages of the World".

"At the moment, of all the UNESCO clubs previously created in the country's universities, Languages of the World is the most active and implementing plans in the accountable sphere," the head of the National Commission stressed.

In addition, she announced negotiations with the leadership of the institute on the possibility of opening a UNESCO chair at the university. Rustemova said that the start of the primary discussions has already been given. She added that in the future, the National commission intends to continue work on expanding the network of UNESCO chairs in domestic universities.

The speech of Chinar Rustemova was mainly devoted to the successful inclusion of three nominations of the country in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO – "The art of Turkmen embroidery", "Sericulture and traditions of silk production in weaving" and "Traditions of retelling jokes of Khoja Nasreddin".

Touching upon the unique traditions of Turkmen embroidery, its uniqueness and sophistication, Chinar Rustemova said that the national commission will strongly encourage and support the creation of circles and sections on national embroidery — "keshde" in the country. This measure is aimed at preserving the glorious tradition of Turkmen needlewomen and complies with the obligations imposed on Turkmenistan within the framework of UNESCO.

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