Father Andrzej: In Turkmenistan, I have many friends from different faiths
Many guests from all over the world, as well as foreign diplomats working in Turkmenistan, arrived at the celebrations on the occasion of the commissioning of the new International Port to the city of Turkmenbashi. Among them, there is Father Andrzej Madej, Attaché for Culture of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Vatican. For over 20 years, he has been engaged in his mission in the country and during this time became a famous person among the Turkmen people.
“I have witnessed great events for 21 years; a new, beautiful Turkmenistan is born in full view of me,” says Father Andrzej. “Today, I became a participant of an important, historic event – the opening of a beautiful sea harbor on the Caspian coast”.
“Transport is a road to the world, and roads are meetings and an exchange of ideas. And God grant that this port, opening up new roads of peace, brings a lot of kindness to the Turkmen people so that the Caspian Sea unites Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people with all its neighbors. Let this sea brings only grace to people. So it will be, I hope!”
“The first impression that I received when I first arrived in Turkmenistan 21 years ago was the immense hospitality of the Turkmen people. On the second or third day of January 1997, we crossed the border in Turkmenabat, and we were cordially greeted as long-awaited friends. Everything has changed in the country in last twenty years, except this. In addition, Ashgabat has changed radically”.
“In full view of us, a completely new Turkmen capital has grown. It is a new and different enough, that sometimes, when I walk thinking about something along the streets, and then I look around, I involuntarily ask myself: “What is this city? Where am I?” Then I realize that Ashgabat has changed so much and quickly, about which its citizens say with love “Ak shaherim!” (“My white city!”).
“To build such a beautiful city in such a short time is impossible without God's blessing. I am in Turkmenistan on behalf of the Holy See, on behalf of the Vatican. Every day I ask the Lord God to bless the Turkmen people, today's and tomorrow's. And God grant, that Turkmenistan has an “ajayip geljegi” (“a wonderful future”), so that nothing stops it in development. All for the sake of people, for the happiness of people, and let everything be for the glory of the Lord God, who blesses all of us.”
“I am happy that I have many friends from different confessions in Turkmenistan. I am proud and congratulate that you managed to build a diverse country; there is a place for different cultures and religions. Moreover, this is the main feature and wealth of Turkmenistan.”
“I saw albums with photos of old Ashkhabad, where on "centuries' ago" pictures one can meet temples of different religions. This shows that your country has been open historically to all cultures.”
“I was in the old cemeteries in the cities of Serdar and of Kyzylarvat, and there are also no distinctions between nationalities and religions. I believe that on these historical roots of openness, the Turkmen people have been given a place for diversity and built their glorious history.”
“This remains matter of topical interest today as well. Openness, willingness to accept others and to connect peoples and beliefs – all this will bring wonderful fruits in cultural and spiritual revival plans, as well as in economic, political and in all other spheres.”
