Oriented on making people closer

The beginning of the academic year in Ashgabat was marked by a real book event - a new bookshop opened in the city, not far from the capital's Yoga Centre (on the site of the old zoo). Even before the official launch, its doors were opened to all: everyone could come in and see what it looks like inside.

Its space is organized in a modern format: cozy corners with soft armchairs and tables inviting people to sit and browse books, while in another part there is a mini coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee creates an inviting atmosphere.

The book assortment is aimed primarily at children: on the shelves and tables you can find fairy tales, funny poems, stories, rebuses and puzzles. For older visitors there is poetry by Magtymguly and works by other authors.

The grand opening had a festive flair: a red carpet was rolled out in front of the shop, flanked by golden stanchions with velvet ropes—just like at the Oscars. However, the guests didn't adhere to a dress code; many arrived in T-shirts and shorts, having photo shoots right on the red carpet. Everyone appreciated the organizers' efforts, and the celebratory ceremony was far from prim and proper.

Part of the opening ceremony took place outside. After a solemn speech by Hemra Shirov, a famous children's author, a young reciter Ayhan Orazdurdyev, performed a poem titled “How Meret prepared for school”. It tells the story of a boy who, on his way to class, put toys and food in his briefcase, but forgot his textbooks and notebooks.

Ayhan impressed not only the audience, but also the journalists, who immediately took him for interviews and filming. After that, a puppet theater appeared on the “stage”, delighting the audience with funny marionettes, dances and riddles.

The musical part of the event was also at its best. Pianist Tylla Shirova performed pieces from Ayna Shirova's children's album, and accordionist Nizam Kasimi presented the premiere of the piece “Musicians on Stage,” written for an upcoming animated film. Despite the fact that this composition is orchestral, Maestro Nizam presented listeners with his own arrangement of this piece for accordion. Moreover, he played the piece three times as an encore, receiving well-deserved applause.

To conclude the evening, there was a contest for young bookworms, with the winners receiving delicious pizza and stationery. The children showed remarkable erudition, and one of them won 35 pens, which looked like Wolverine's claws in his hands.

The evening ended on a high note: the puppeteers were happy with their "field" work, the musicians with their successful performance, and the organizers with the large number of visitors and exciting material for television. But the happiest of all were the children – they now have a new favorite bookstore!

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Photo: orient.tm