Oriented on making people closer

Ashgabat, 14 July | ORIENT. Ashgabat joined the global celebration of France’s National Day – Bastille Day. The ceremonial reception, hosted by the Embassy of the French Republic, was not only a tribute to tradition, but also a vivid reflection of the growing relationship between Turkmenistan and France. The event brought together a wide circle of guests: representatives of the diplomatic corps from various countries, Turkmen ministries and institutions, as well as prominent figures from the spheres of culture, the arts, and science – artists, filmmakers, journalists, folklorists, and more.

Official Focus: Dialogue and Cooperation Tracks

During the official part of the event, the French Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Mr Philippe Merlin, delivered a welcome address. He highlighted that 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust at Turkmenistan’s wise initiative, is fully supported by the French Republic, which stands for a fair international order grounded in the rule of law and the UN Charter.

The Ambassador drew attention to global challenges, particularly climate change, noting that although it is now too late to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050, only decisive action and international cooperation can change the course. He underlined that France, with its low greenhouse gas emissions, remains committed to its climate obligations.

Philippe Merlin recalled over thirty years of dynamic, respectful, and mutually beneficial cooperation between France and Turkmenistan. He elaborated on the outcomes of the official visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to France on 5 May 2025, calling it a launchpad for a new programme of bilateral development.

The Ambassador cited specific examples: contributions by THALES in telecommunications and cybersecurity; Airbus’s readiness to cooperate in Earth observation and air transport; and projects with Bouygues Türkmen, SUEZ, and CARPITech in sustainable urban development, water management, and methane emissions detection. He also mentioned the road map for educational cooperation.

On the same day, 14 July, the French Ambassador met with Turkmen teachers of French, including those from regional schools, where the number of institutions offering French has increased significantly in recent years. Currently, around 22,000 students in 25 educational institutions across the country are studying French – including 10 schools in the capital and 10 in the provinces. Moreover, a fourth university will soon begin offering French courses: the International University for the Humanities and Development will include it in its programme from September 2025.

The exchange of experience, methodology, and pedagogical practices is thus essential to ensure high-quality teaching and to deepen cultural and educational ties between the two countries. Such meetings underscore the shared ambition to develop long-term cooperation, laying a strong foundation for future generations fluent not only in a foreign language, but also in the culture behind it.

In conclusion, Ambassador Merlin expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for assisting French citizens in transiting from Iran during the recent Middle East crisis – a vivid example of Turkmenistan’s active neutrality in action.

He also warmly introduced Mr Romain Gouvernet, soon to complete his mission as Director of the French Institute, highlighting his contribution to cultural and educational collaboration.

Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education, Mr Jumamyrat Gurbanmyradov, delivered a reply on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan. He sincerely congratulated the French people on their National Day, emphasising France’s commitment to the noble values of ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’, its outstanding contribution to global culture, and its active role in international affairs. The minister described France as one of Turkmenistan’s longstanding partners since the early years of independence, noting that the May visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen People helped further strengthen the bonds of mutual respect.

He underscored the importance of cultural, educational, and humanitarian cooperation, consolidated through bilateral agreements, including the Road Map for Cooperation in Education for 2025–2026.

Mr Gurbanmyradov also referenced Turkmen cultural treasures held at the Louvre and the National Library of France, as well as the French translations of the ‘Gorogly’ epic and the works of Magtymguly Pyragy. He extended particular gratitude to Ambassador Philippe Merlin for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

Bastille Day: The Path to Freedom, Democracy, and France’s Civilisational Legacy

14 July marks the very heart of the French nation – the day in 1789 when the storming of the Bastille took place, toppling a symbol of absolutism and oppression. This event ignited the French Revolution, which, despite its sacrifices, gifted the world not only the motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, but also core ideas that shaped modern society and laid the foundation for democracy.

Although the Revolution was bloody, it was a catalyst for profound civilisational transformation. It inspired the global fight for human rights, established the principle of popular sovereignty, and laid the groundwork for democratic systems where power belongs to the people through their elected representatives. Since 1880, 14 July has been officially observed as France’s National Day, or Fête de la Fédération. Across the country, parades and popular festivities are held to symbolise national unity. The main military parade traditionally takes place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, attracting thousands of spectators.

France has travelled a long road in building its democratic system. The Fifth Republic, established by Charles de Gaulle in 1958, embodied a unique model that combines a strong presidential authority with a parliamentary system, ensuring stability and effective governance in the post-war period. This constitutional framework, which balances powers and safeguards civil rights, remains a hallmark of durable democracy.

Yet France’s “revolutions” began long before 1789 and continue to this day. The great Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century – Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu – laid the intellectual bedrock of freedom of thought and rationalism. Their ideas on justice, natural human rights, and the separation of powers became guiding lights for generations to come.

In art and literature, France has gifted the world countless treasures. Writers (Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Honoré de Balzac, Marcel Proust), painters (Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse), and philosophers (René Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus) revolutionised aesthetics and ethics with each line, brushstroke, and idea. They didn’t just create works – they transformed consciousness, sparked reflection, and expanded human understanding. Their contribution is an invisible yet powerful legacy that continues to shape global culture and thinking.

Fashion and Music – Haute Couture, French Hits, and Effortless Elegance

Following the official addresses, the evening was lit up by a celebration of the arts. Guests enjoyed an exclusive fashion show by Ms Govher Gouvernet. This was more than a runway – it was a profound aesthetic experience where Eastern opulence met Parisian sophistication.

Each outfit was not simply a garment but a precious musical instrument, akin to a fine violin that requires expert tuning before it can sing. The models were the performers, and the dresses – musical compositions. As with the crafting of a high-end instrument, where elements are not merely assembled but fine-tuned with precision, so too were the details of each design harmonised to “sound” beautiful.

The play of fabrics, elegant cuts, and masterful embroidery created a symphony of style and elegance, conveying subtle national hues through a modern lens.

Particularly enchanting were Govher’s signature jacket-fufaikas – unique creations where decorative ethnics met casual comfort. This harmonious blend, by the way, is one of the most recognisable hallmarks of her style – a natural, romantic, and slightly mysterious femininity, free of pomp despite its calculated detail.

This show was not only a designer showcase but also a vivid cultural bridge, demonstrating how creativity and craft can unite diverse worlds and traditions into a mesmerising whole.

In addition to the fashion, the evening featured a rich cultural programme. Screens displayed captivating videos of French archaeological and speleological missions in Turkmenistan, highlighting the depth and diversity of cooperation in exploring the country’s historical and natural heritage.

Live music created a special atmosphere: timeless French classics and modern hits transported guests to the streets of Paris, stirring both nostalgia and joy. Among the performers was Turkmen pop star Dovran Shammyev, who once again amazed the audience with his vocal artistry in the style of French impressionism.

Despite the high status of the event and many distinguished guests, the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and friendly, free of stiffness or formality. Diplomats and artists mingled freely, and the energetic DJ lit up the dance floor, turning the evening into a true celebration where people of different nationalities and professions could talk, dance, and enjoy the moment – strengthening cultural ties in an informal setting.

This celebration stood as a vivid testament to the fact that Franco-Turkmen relations are thriving not only on the official level but are also enriched by deep cultural exchange and genuine mutual understanding between the two peoples.

ORIENT

Photo: orient.tm