A large-scale event titled “Turkmen-Uzbek Friendship Evening” took place in the “Tashkent” Park of Culture and Recreation. The celebration was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan together with the Ashgabat City Administration, honoring the centuries-old brotherhood and friendship between the two nations.

A Celebration of Brotherhood

The event brought together diplomats, representatives of international organizations, media executives, artists, and numerous residents of the Turkmen capital. Guests were welcomed in keeping with ancient traditions — with bread and salt, pishme pastries, and sweets, while young women in national costumes added color and warmth to the occasion.

For children, the park turned into a wonderland of games and laughter, with playgrounds, rides, and costumed entertainers bringing joy to every corner.

Art, Culture, and the Aroma of Herbal Tea

Along the park’s walkways stretched a gallery of works by students of the Bashim Nurali Art School, continuing into an exhibition by the Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. The paintings celebrated friendship, unity, and peace.

Another popular corner featured an exhibition of Turkmen herbal teas, where visitors could sample aromatic infusions and learn about their healing properties.

The Highlight – Over a Ton of Uzbek Pilaf

The culinary highlight of the evening was the preparation of more than a ton of Uzbek pilaf in a giant cauldron — a true record and a symbol of hospitality.

The cooking was led by renowned Uzbek oshpaz (chef) Rustam Ilyamov, assisted by Turkmen chefs Azat Imamov and Geldimyrat Atayev, who have collaborated for over 20 years — a reflection of long-standing friendship and professional partnership.

Guests were also treated to traditional Turkmen dishes such as yarma (wheat porridge), chikderme, chorek (flatbread), and somsa.

Music and Words of Friendship

Before the concert began, Rahim Gandyimov, Mayor of Ashgabat, and Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, addressed the audience.

Mayor Gandyimov noted that holding the celebration in “Tashkent” Park symbolizes the close ties between the two capitals and reflects President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s policy of strengthening good-neighborly relations.

Ambassador Alimov stated:

“The ‘Tashkent’ Park in Ashgabat and the ‘Ashgabat’ Park in Tashkent are true bridges of friendship, unaffected by time or distance. May Turkmen-Uzbek friendship remain a solid foundation of peace and prosperity for our region!”

The stage then came alive with performances by Turkmen and Uzbek artists, including dance ensembles “Serpay”, “Nyazli”, and “Ashgabat”, who delighted the audience with folk and modern songs.

Unity and Warmth at the Friendship Table

The evening concluded at the park’s teahouse, where guests enjoyed national dishes from both countries. The giant cauldron of pilaf provided enough for everyone — over a ton in total!

The event became not just a celebration, but a living cultural bridge connecting the hearts of two brotherly peoples. As Ambassador Alimov remarked, the evening in “Tashkent” Park was truly a “portal of friendship.”