Ashgabat, September 27 | ORIENT. Today, the entire country celebrated this significant date – Turkmenistan's Independence Day. Early in the morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid flowers at the Independence Monument and reviewed the parade dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the country's independence.

The celebrations were attended by representatives of the country's top leadership: members of the national parliament, members of the government, heads of ministries and agencies, representatives of the military and law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. Also present were honorary elders, young people, and numerous guests of the capital.

Military parade

The festive events opened with a military parade, demonstrating the country's powerful defensive potential, the high patriotic spirit, professionalism, and excellent training of Turkmen military personnel.

According to the Military Doctrine, based on the legal status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan is conducting targeted work to strengthen the defense capability of the National Army, equip military and law enforcement agencies with the latest equipment, create favorable conditions for service and living conditions for military personnel, and continuously improve their professionalism.

The parade was opened by a group of standard-bearers carrying the national flag and battle flags of all branches of the armed forces. They were followed by female service members, officers with outstanding combat training, pilots, tank crews, artillerymen, and marines. The performance of mounted units added a special solemnity to the procession.

Military equipment demonstration

Parade participants showcased modern military equipment adopted by law enforcement agencies in recent years. Mechanized columns and combat drones marched across the square, while military helicopters and aircraft patrolled the sky.

A battalion of tank crews, highly skilled in operating powerful, latest-generation tanks, marched across the square. They were followed by artillery and anti-aircraft battalions, as well as marines.

Next, soldiers from special forces battalions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, and the State Border Service entered the square.

Live on a giant monitor installed in the State Tribune Square, participants watched the flotilla procession, which was simultaneously taking place in the waters of a port on the Caspian Sea.

Pilots of military helicopters and aircraft from the Air Force of Turkmenistan demonstrated aerobatics.

Light fighters designed to destroy enemy vehicles in mountainous and desert areas, as well as conduct aerial reconnaissance and surveillance along the border, also took part in the review. They were followed by powerful Su-25 and MiG-29 combat aircraft of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan.

Among the modern aircraft on display were M-346 combat aircraft, capable of flying in all weather conditions, at various altitudes, and over any terrain. Equipped with everything necessary to fulfill the Air Force's missions, they are designed to protect airspace, conduct reconnaissance, and support ground forces.

A modern tactical military transport aircraft, the C-27J Spartan, accompanied by Su-25 combat aircraft, completed the air parade.

The review of military equipment, which has entered service with all security agencies in recent years, demonstrated the high level of defense capability and combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.

Overall, all the powerful modern ground, sea, and air equipment on display at the parade is further evidence of the state's ongoing commitment and unrelenting attention to strengthening the defense capability of independent, neutral Turkmenistan, modernizing the national Armed Forces, and further improving the activities of military and law enforcement agencies.

Cultural context

The parade's highlight was the procession of mounted units representing the country's military and law enforcement agencies. The festivities continued with a colorful performance. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented with a graceful Akhal-Teke horse, Zaman, a representative of the legendary Gelshikli Akhal-Teke bloodline.

This was followed by a spectacular performance by Turkmen riders from the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, well-known not only in the country but also abroad, as evidenced by gold medals and other special prizes from international festivals and competitions.

Economic achievements

Particular attention was paid to showcasing successes in the development of various economic sectors:

Industry and Economy: employees of the oil and gas industry, the financial sector, and agriculture demonstrating successes in modernizing and developing production capacities.

Energy: achievements in oil and gas production and processing—the foundation of the national economy—as well as the rapidly developing electric power industry.

Light Industry: samples of high-quality textiles and handmade carpets.

Trade and Entrepreneurship: successes in developing the domestic market and foreign economic activity.

Transport and Communications: modern trucks demonstrating the effectiveness of logistics solutions and making a significant contribution to the further development of Turkmenistan's economic potential.

Procession of representatives of regions, ministries, and departments

The festive procession marking the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence was continued by representatives of the Khalk Maslakhaty, the national parliament, ministries and departments, and public organizations.

A festively decorated float representing the administration of the city of Arkadag, which has received the special legal status of a city of national significance by law, enters the square.

Representatives of the Turkmen capital, all regions of the country, and ministries and departments participated in the parade, demonstrating achievements in various fields:

• Sports and Education: winners of national and international competitions, masters of sports, and educators who make an invaluable contribution to the development of the nation's intellectual potential.

• Healthcare and Social Services: medical workers and representatives of social services ensuring the health and well-being of citizens.

• Agriculture: Through the efforts of field and farm workers, Turkmenistan has achieved food security and abundance.

• Culture and Arts: creative groups, cultural figures, and artists preserving and developing the rich national heritage of the Turkmen people.

The final chord of the celebration on the square in front of the State Tribune was a colorful vocal and choreographic composition performed by groups from five regions of the country.

Conclusion of the celebration

The celebrations concluded with a grand concert on the square in front of the Älem Cultural and Entertainment Center, featuring renowned artists, folklore groups, and dance troupes. The evening concluded with a magnificent fireworks display, illuminating the sky over Ashgabat with thousands of multicolored lights.

This parade was a vivid testimony to the strength and unity of the Turkmen people, their readiness to defend the independence and sovereignty of their country.

It also demonstrated the successes in developing the state, strengthening its defense capability, and improving the well-being of its citizens, which are the result of the scientifically sound policies of the country's leadership and the dedicated work of the entire Turkmen people.