The National Music and Drama Theatre named after Makhtumkuli in Ashgabat hosted a commemorative event dedicated to the renowned Turkmen poet Gurbannazar Ezizov, who would have turned 85 this year. Although his life ended tragically fifty years ago, when he was still young and full of creative promise, his literary legacy remains deeply influential.

Actors from the National Music and Drama Theatre and the Main Academic Drama Theatre presented theatrical sketches inspired by moments from the poet’s life.

Among the speakers was Hero of Turkmenistan Gozeł Shagulyyeva, who shared how Ezizov’s work significantly shaped her artistic path.

Family archive photographs were projected during the event. When images of the poet’s daughters appeared on the screen, the audience heard the song “Gyzlaryma,” performed by People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Atageldi Garyagdyyev. Many attendees noted that the poem captures emotions familiar to any father of daughters.

The evening also featured musical performances based on Ezizov’s poems, including “Uzak ýaýlada enäniň hümdisi,” “Dostlaryma,” and “Topragym,” sung by People’s Artists Lyale Begnazarova and Atajan Berdyev, as well as Merited Artist Batyr Charyyev.

The poet’s daughter, Yazgul Ezizova, shared heartfelt memories of her father. A warm round of applause greeted two young great-grandchildren of Ezizov as they stepped onto the stage holding flower bouquets.