Turkmenistan honors poet Magtymguly Fragi in Seoul

Turkmenistan Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev delivers remarks at an event honoring Magtymguly Fragi, a prominent poet and philosopher of the East, on his 300th anniversary at Yongsan Art Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Tuesday. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald).

The Turkmenistan Embassy in Seoul honored Magtymguly Fragi, a prominent Turkmen poet and philosopher, celebrating the 300th anniversary of his birth on May 14.

Hosting a conference and exhibition, the embassy showcased Fragi‘s profound impact on Turkmen cultural heritage.

Delivering remarks at the event, Turkmenistan Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev heralded the poet and philosopher as a beacon of Turkmen literary tradition and philosophy, who shaped cultural discourse.

Turkmenistan has declared 2024 the year of “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi.

“Turkmenistan has also proposed that the 300th anniversary of Fragi‘s birth be added to UNESCO’s list of significant dates for joint celebration in 2024-2025, according to Durdyyev. The inclusion was announced during the 42nd session of UNESCO‘s General Conference on Nov. 21, 2023.

A painting featuring Magtymguly Fragi, a prominent Turkmen poet and philosopher, is on display by Embassy of Turkmenistan to mark the 300th anniversary of his birth, at Yongsan Art Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Tuesday. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald)

“Magtymguly Fragi is considered a poet who lived not only in books but also in hearts,” said Durdyyev, reiterating the recognition of Fragi‘s beliefs, rooted in peace, humanism and justice across diverse cultures around the world.

The writings of Fragi, who lived between 1724 and 1807, depict dreams of statehood, independence and unity, and seek to inspire a profound love for one‘s homeland.

His writings aim to instill high moral values in future generations, encouraging them to become educated, skilled professionals dedicated to performing good deeds for the country, its people and humanity.

“His words are valuable for every person living in this world,“ stressed the ambassador, clarifying that Fragi‘s philosophy conveys hopefulness and confidence.

Turkmenistan Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev delivers remarks at an event honoring Magtymguly Fragi, a prominent Turkmen poet and philosopher, on the 300th anniversary of his birth, at Yongsan Art Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Tuesday. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald).

“He is a poet who decorates every word with meaning and takes a place in hearts,” added Durdyyev.

On display in the exhibition on Fragi‘s life and work were paintings, publications, traditional Turkmen clothing, handicrafts and books authored by Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s “Anau – Culture from the Depths of Millennia,” which offers insights into Turkmen cultural heritage, was also included.

A painting featuring Magtymguly Fragi, a prominent Turkmen poet and philosopher, is on display by the Embassy of Turkmenistan at an event marking the 300th anniversary of his birth, at Yongsan Art Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Tuesday. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald).

The attendees of the conference echoed Durdyyev, acknowledging Fragi‘s enduring relevance and his promotion of universal values such as peace, patriotism and friendship.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, academia and NGOs, as well as foreign residents living in Korea, representatives of Korean companies and the media. It concluded with a tasting of traditional Turkmen cuisine.

By Sanjay Kumar(sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com)