On November 21, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Russia Esen Aidogdyev, together with his colleagues from the embassy, visited the Center for Oriental Literature of the Russian State Library in Moscow, where the art and book exhibition "Reflection" has been taking place since November 16. This event, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the outstanding poet, thinker and classic of Turkmen literature Magtymguly Fragi, was the culmination of the eponymous art competition of illustrations of Eastern poetry. The competition was part of the VIII Moscow International Arts Festival "Sounds of Dutar" named after Nury Khalmamedov and was held under the auspices of the Russian Academy of Arts and the UNESCO Department of Fine Arts and Architecture.

The exhibition, organized by the festival organizing committee in collaboration with the library staff, beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Magtymguly. Guests were offered an interesting tour, during which librarians revealed the secrets of rare editions of Magtymguly from the collections of the Russian State Library. Inspired by the work of this great poet, the winners of the art competition "Reflection" presented their works, sharing the meanings and concepts captured on canvas. Participants in the recitation competition "Universe of the Word" expressively interpreted Magtymguly's poems, immersing the audience in the world of his poetry. On this special day, art and poetry united, giving viewers moments of aesthetic pleasure and deep reflection, once again emphasizing the boundless power of Magtymguly's word.

This year, the 300th anniversary of the outstanding poet and philosopher of the East Magtymguly Fragi, whose anniversary was included in the list of memorable dates of UNESCO, is being celebrated on a grand scale all over the world. The organizing committee of the VIII Moscow International Arts Festival named after Nury Khalmamedov supported this wonderful event and prepared a rich program of concerts and events aimed at introducing Muscovites and guests of the Russian capital to the cultural heritage of the poet. Events with the participation of artists from Turkmenistan and Russia were held in Moscow: the concert "The Fount of Mind of Magtymguly Fragi" was held at the Museum and Exhibition Complex of the Russian Academy of Arts, and the concert "He Truly Became the Mouth of Turkmenistan" was held in the Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I. Tchaikovsky. On October 28, 2024, the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Magtymguly and His Role in World Culture" was held in the Pashkov House of the Russian State Library. Various competitions are also organized: the international literary competition of reciters “Universe of the Word”, the competition of illustrations of Eastern poetry “Reflection”, as well as the competition of composers “Musical works based on the poems of Magtymguly Fragi” and the project competition “Seeds of Wisdom: Lessons of Great Minds”.

The influence of Eastern culture on European philosophy, art and culture is difficult to overestimate. In Russia, interest in Eastern aesthetics began to develop in the 19th century, and it became especially noticeable at the beginning of the 20th century and during the heyday of Soviet culture. Nowadays, we are again seeing a wave of interest in this topic.

Both professional artists and amateurs took part in the illustration competition "Reflection". Several categories were offered, demonstrating different aspects of artistic expression. In the nomination "Artistic interpretation of the works of Magtymguly Fragi and other great Eastern poets", the winners were Olesya Matushchak (Grand Prix), Lyudmila Koledina, Maria Tsarikova and Zhanna Makarova, who received the titles of laureates of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree, respectively, and Anna Boriskina was awarded a diploma of the competition.

The winners in the category "Artistic Image of Magtymguly Fragi: History and Modernity" are Maria Zaitseva and Khamida Nabieva (1st degree), Zhanna Makarova (2nd degree). In the category "Artistic Interpretation of Works of Russian Poets about the East" the winners were Zifa Tulumbaeva and Sergey Novoseltsev (1st degree), Korol Velikolepny (2nd degree) and Daria Azolina (3rd degree). Tylla Shirova was noted as the 1st degree winner in the nomination "Not a Wizard Yet, I'm Just Learning". Based on the results of the competition, a musical and illustrative collection was published, a copy of which was given to the Russian State Library, with which the "Sounds of Dutar" festival has been actively cooperating for the second season.

In addition to the winners, the art exhibition at the Center for Oriental Literature also features works by members of the competition jury, including well-known masters of art. Among them are sculptor and People's Artist of Turkmenistan Klychmurad Yarmamedov, artist and designer Darius Asadullaev, and 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 have already initiated discussions on the possibility of extending it. Active negotiations are underway to extend the exhibition until the end of 2024, so that as many people as possible can get acquainted with the rich heritage of Magtymguly.

Admission to the exhibition is by library card during library opening hours.