The 25th Week of the Italian Language in the World opened on Monday in the capital of Turkmenistan. This annual event is held in dozens of countries and brings together universities, cultural centers, teachers, and students. This year’s theme is “Italophony: A Language Without Borders.”

The opening ceremonies and first events took place at the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Dovletmammed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The event was attended by the Trade Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Turkmenistan, Carmelo Leo; Professor of Italian and researcher of Turkic languages at the University of Cyprus, Francesco Giammoni; as well as lecturers of Italian from Turkmen universities.

The first day’s program included lectures, creative performances, and meetings. At the International University for the Humanities and Development, a thematic event was held featuring songs and poems in Turkmen and Italian. Graduates of the University of Perugia’s educational program shared their experiences of studying in Italy and spoke about the importance of the Italian language for professional development.

Throughout the week, lectures and themed sessions are scheduled at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, and the private educational center Gujurly Bilim Merkezi.

The closing event will be the inauguration ceremony of the CELI Certification Center at the Arkaç shopping and entertainment complex. The center is being established with the support of the University of Perugia — the developer of the international CELI Italian language examinations.

The Week of the Italian Language in Ashgabat is organized with the support of the Embassy of Italy and aims to promote educational and cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy.