Shorouk Express
A Turkmen cultural event took place on 21 January in Brussels at the Muse Gallery, showcasing the exhibition ‘Treasures from Turkmenistan Unveiled’. The event featured unique antiques, jewelry, tapestries, and textiles. This exhibition was co-organized with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels as part of the winter 2025 edition of the prestigious Civilisations au Sablon festival, writes Derya Soysal.
During the event, the Turkmen Ambassador to Brussels, Sapar Palvanov, delivered a speech promoting peace and explaining his country’s stance on permanent neutrality.
Ambassadors from Japan (Mr. Mikami Masahiro), Kazakhstan (Mr. Margulan B. Baimukhan), Kyrgyzstan (Mr. Aidit Erkin), Uzbekistan (Mr. Gayrat Fazilov), and Tajikistan (Mr. Huseinzoda Muzaffar Mahmurod) honored the event with their presence.
Ambassador Palvanov emphasized the importance of culture as a tool for promoting peace. He highlighted that Turkmenistan has declared 2025 as the Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative also recognized by the United Nations, which designated 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at Turkmenistan’s proposal. Ambassador Palvanov stated that culture has the power to transcend borders, unite civilizations, and foster intercultural dialogue. He also noted that art plays a crucial role in strengthening international cooperation.
The ambassador explained how deeply ingrained culture is in Turkmen life and shared this excerpt from his speech:
“For Turkmenistan, neutrality means cooperation. Our country does not divide the world into friends and foes; instead, we seek to collaborate with all countries while respecting their unique characteristics. Neutrality allows the Turkmen government to build bridges between different cultures. Without these cultural bridges, achieving lasting peace and genuine trust among states is impossible.
Why discuss neutrality, peace, and trust at a cultural event? Because culture, like neutrality, is a peaceful and neutral sphere. It fosters cooperation, dialogue, and understanding. Neutrality, much like culture, knows no boundaries: it is about working with all nations for the sake of peace. Turkmenistan does not divide the world into friends and adversaries; we aim to establish partnerships with all countries, as every relationship contributes to the greater good of humanity.
Our cultural traditions reflect this philosophy. For instance, in Turkmenistan, carpet weaving has always been a communal activity. In ancient times, every street had one or two looms where women and girls would gather to weave carpets together. This tradition was not born out of necessity but as a way to promote unity and friendship.
Similarly, the ‘tamdyr,’ a clay oven used for baking bread, symbolized shared responsibilities and cooperation. Families on the same street would take turns baking bread for everyone, ensuring the community had freshly baked bread every day. These traditions demonstrate how culture strengthens bonds, creates connections, and fosters harmony within communities.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Palvanov announced that Turkmenistan will continue its efforts to promote peace and trust among nations while celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality in 2025. He concluded his speech with these words:
“Culture is a true bridge between peoples. Without strong cultural bridges, it is difficult to imagine a world of peace, friendship, and unity. Through this exhibition and many other events to come, we aim to open the doors of Turkmen culture to the world.
Today, we are here to make a small contribution to building a cultural bridge between our peoples. Every step we take to understand one another through culture is a step toward peace and trust.”
The exhibition featured:
• amulets from the 1940s,
• embroidered neckpieces for women’s dresses (1920–1960),
• women’s bracelets from the 20th century,
• traditional bags used for storing household items,
• Turkmen carpets, and many other treasures showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition will run from 22-26 January.
Photos by Derya Soysal
