Bright colors of Turkmen culture blossomed in the Chinese city of Karamay at the 7th International Ethnic Dance Festival in Xinjiang. Here, in the Museum of Folk Art, a triumphant concert of the Turkmen folklore ensemble Dokmachilar took place, giving the city residents and tourists an unforgettable performance.
Karamay, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, became one of the key venues for this large-scale international cultural review. The festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the PRC, the Information Office of the State Council of the PRC and the People's Government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, will last until August 5, bringing together dozens of groups from different countries, emphasizing the importance of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
National Flavor on the Chinese Stage
The evening of July 22 began with a Turkmen welcoming song, which immediately ignited the enthusiasm of the audience. 12 graceful girls and 12 brave young men in national costumes performed dynamic dances to the accompaniment of national musical instruments.
Their performance was deeply imbued with themes of national literary classics, rich traditional culture and the proud spirit of equestrian sports. Each number - be it a song, dance or instrumental composition - vividly interpreted the deep friendship between China and Turkmenistan. The audience greeted the artists with thunderous applause, trying to capture every beautiful moment on their mobile phones.
China and Turkmenistan, being key links in the historical Silk Road, today continue this centuries-old exchange, not only of goods but also of cultural values, which is confirmed by events such as this festival.
The Audience’s Impressions and the “Friendship Song”
The concert was a sell-out, and locals did not hide their excitement. In interviews with reporters, they shared their impressions of the colorful costumes and exciting dances, which, according to them, “seemed to transport them to another country.” One of the spectators added: “The music has a strong rhythm that awakens the desire to dance together. This form of cultural exchange is very good.”
The performance of the final composition of the evening, “Friendship Song,” evoked a special response. The applause merged with the rhythm on stage, creating a wave of jubilation in honor of friendship and peace between the two countries.
A Turkmen student studying at the Karamay campus of the China University of Petroleum (Beijing) was among the spectators. He admitted: “I am incredibly proud of the performance of our national art group in China! Their performance reminded me of my hometown and made me feel the deep friendship between the peoples of our two countries. “I hope there will be more cultural exchange events like this in the future.”
Voice of the Ensemble: Jemal Saparova on the Power of Art
The head of the folklore ensemble, People's Artist and Hero of Turkmenistan Jemal Saparova also shared her impressions. She performed a patriotic song at the concert, which captivated all listeners with its high musical and poetic pathos. "We are deeply touched by the enthusiasm of the Karamay audience! The friendship between China and Turkmenistan has a long history, and today we once again confirmed these emotions through art," she noted.
The performance of the Turkmen ensemble "Dokmachilar" in Karamay became a real celebration of cultural unity, showing the beauty and originality of Turkmen art and strengthening friendly ties between peoples.
ORIENT
