On Tuesday, October 28, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan, together with the Ashgabat City Administration, held a large-scale event, "Evening of Turkmen-Uzbek Friendship," The celebration, dedicated to the centuries-old brotherhood of the two peoples, took place in Tashkent Park, a vibrant symbol of the unbreakable ties and sister-city ties between the two capitals.

Heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, editors-in-chief of state and private media outlets, artists, and numerous residents of the capital were invited to the event. In accordance with Turkmen and Uzbek traditions, guests were greeted at the ceremonial arch with bread and salt, pishme, and sweets by girls in national costumes.

The little ones were immediately given free rein on the playgrounds and attractions of the park, which sparkled with multi-colored illuminated lights and was filled with the joyful squeals of children.

Older visitors had plenty to admire as they strolled along the paths lined with a gallery featuring works by students from the Byashim Nurali Ashgabat Art School, which gradually transitioned into a vernissage by the Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, which displayed holiday-themed paintings.

Another popular attraction was an exhibition of medicinal teas made from Turkmen herbs, where exhibitors invited guests to tastings and eagerly offered advice and assistance in selecting herbal infusions.

The main intrigue unfolded in the culinary corner, where spectators gathered to watch the preparation of Uzbek pilaf in a huge cauldron, as well as the Turkmen wheat porridge yarma and chikderma, a national lamb dish. Next to the cauldrons, over which chefs worked amid clouds of steam and smoke, churek was browning in a tamdyr, and somsa was being baked… Everything promised a real celebration with a noble feast.

Meanwhile, invited guests, awaiting the musical performance, took their seats in the "auditorium," which was set up outdoors in front of an elegant stage with large monitors displaying the national flags of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Mayor of Ashgabat, Rahim Gandymov, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ravshanbek Alimov, delivered welcoming speeches to the assembled guests.

Khyakim Gandymov emphasized the symbolism of the venue: "This celebration in Tashkent Park symbolizes the deep friendship between the two capitals of fraternal states, which share common historical and cultural traditions. Strengthening good-neighborly ties with Central Asia is a key focus of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's policy. Thanks to the mutual trust of the leaders of our countries, multi-layered Turkmen-Uzbek relations are strengthening and expanding, and cultural cooperation, as evidenced by the recently successful Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan, is reaching a qualitatively new level."

Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov also noted that this evening is a living embodiment of sincere friendship and centuries-old ties. "Today, these strong ties are receiving new, strategic development thanks to the political will and far-sighted policies of our leaders." The opening of Tashkent Park in Ashgabat and Ashgabat Park in Tashkent, which created a unique portal of friendship between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, unaffected by the influence of time and space, was inscribed in golden letters in the annals of bilateral relations.

Holding such evenings contributes to the further strengthening of cultural ties, bringing the hearts of our peoples closer together, and preserving our priceless spiritual heritage. May Uzbek-Turkmen friendship continue to serve as a solid foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region!"

Then the stage was given over to Turkmen and Uzbek artists. The concert program included folk and modern Turkmen and Uzbek songs, and the dance groups "Serpay," "Nyazli," and "Ashgabat" helped create a festive mood.

Melodic songs about love, friendship, and the Motherland, expressive choreography combining refined, fluid movements with an expressive, dynamic rhythm, fused the closely related motifs of Uzbek and Turkmen traditions into a single design.

After the concert, the distinguished guests were invited to a teahouse in Tashkent Park, where they were treated to national dishes from both countries. Tables were set up outdoors for all park visitors, and there was enough Uzbek pilaf for everyone—more than a ton of it was prepared!

To create this culinary heavyweight in strict accordance with the traditional recipe—and it's worth noting that Uzbek pilaf is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List—we brought in Rustam Ilyamov, an oshpaz (professional chef) from a neighboring country who has been preparing pilaf for special occasions for 25 years.

He was assisted by Turkmen chefs Azat Imamedov and Geldymyrat Atayev, who share 20 years of experience working with their Uzbek colleague on joint celebrations. This is another reflection of our good neighborliness, as for our peoples, a shared meal is an act of profound trust, respect, and brotherhood.

The guests were delighted with the treat and shared their impressions, while the children, having refreshed themselves, continued their joyful romp on the playgrounds and interacted with cartoon characters and labubu, large "living" dolls. Animators in funny inflatable costumes managed to entertain all the little ones, making even the adults smile.

The evening was a great success. It became not just an event, but a living humanitarian bridge that connected the hearts of two fraternal nations, or, as Uzbek Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov put it, a "portal of friendship."

ORIENT