Language/Turkmen/Culture/Turkmen-Holidays
In this lesson, we will learn about the main holidays celebrated in Turkmenistan, including Independence Day and Nowruz. These holidays are an important part of Turkmen culture, and understanding how they are celebrated will help you better understand and appreciate the rich history and traditions of the Turkmen people.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Greetings and Etiquette & Famous Landmarks.
Introduction to Turkmen Holidays
Turkmenistan has a diverse cultural heritage, with a mix of influences from Turkic, Iranian, and Islamic traditions. This rich background is reflected in the various holidays celebrated in the country. Some holidays have their roots in ancient traditions, while others are related to important historical events or religious observances. In this lesson, we will explore the most important holidays in Turkmenistan, their origins, and how they are celebrated today.
Independence Day
Independence Day, or "Garaşsyzlyk Bayramy," is the most important national holiday in Turkmenistan. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on October 27, 1991. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride by Turkmen people all over the country.
Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day is marked by various festivities and events, including:
- Military parades showcasing the strength of Turkmenistan's armed forces
- Cultural performances featuring traditional Turkmen music, dance, and costumes
- Speeches by government officials, celebrating the country's achievements and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence
In the capital city of Ashgabat, the main celebration takes place in Independence Park, which houses the towering Independence Monument. This impressive structure, shaped like a traditional Turkmen tent, represents the country's unity and strength.
Families gather to enjoy the day off, attending parades and other events, feasting on traditional foods, and spending time together in celebration of their nation's independence.
Nowruz
Nowruz, also known as Navruz or the Persian New Year, is a festive celebration of the spring equinox. It is an ancient holiday with roots in Zoroastrianism, a pre-Islamic religious tradition of the region. Although Nowruz is celebrated in several Central Asian countries, as well as Iran and parts of the Caucasus, each country has its unique customs and traditions.
In Turkmenistan, Nowruz is celebrated on March 21st and is a public holiday. Turkmen people welcome the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature with various customs, rituals, and festivities.
Nowruz Traditions and Celebrations
Some of the customs and activities associated with Nowruz in Turkmenistan include:
- Spring cleaning: Families thoroughly clean their homes in preparation for the new year, symbolizing a fresh start.
- Semeni: A dish made from sprouted wheat or barley symbolizing fertility and prosperity. It is placed on a traditional Nowruz table setup called "dastarkhan."
- Ak Jigitler Bayramy: A traditional horse racing competition held during Nowruz, showcasing the skill and speed of Turkmen horsemen and their renowned Akhal-Teke horses.
- Kök Bayraq: A centuries-old ceremony in which a green banner, symbolizing peace and prosperity, is carried through a crowd by a respected elder.
- Charshanbesuri: A popular pre-Nowruz custom that involves lighting bonfires and jumping over them, symbolizing the purification and renewal of the soul.
Families and friends gather during Nowruz to share traditional Turkmen dishes, exchange gifts, and enjoy various festivities. Music, dancing, and communal games are an integral part of the celebrations.
Other Notable Turkmen Holidays
In addition to Independence Day and Nowruz, there are several other public holidays in Turkmenistan that hold cultural or religious significance.
- National Flag Day: Celebrated on February 19th, this holiday commemorates the adoption of the current Turkmen flag in 1997.
- International Women's Day: Observed on March 8th, this global event is celebrated in Turkmenistan as a day to acknowledge the accomplishments of women and promote gender equality.
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: These Islamic holidays, marking the holy month of fasting and its culmination with a festive breaking of the fast, are observed by the Muslim majority in Turkmenistan.
- Victory Day: Observed on May 9th, Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II and honors those who lost their lives in the conflict.
As you learn more Turkmen and immerse yourself in the language and culture, you will undoubtedly come across many other customs, traditions, and holidays that are unique to this fascinating country.
Vocabulary
| Turkmen | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Garaşsyzlyk Bayramy | gah-rah-shyz-lyk by-rah-my | Independence Day |
| Nowruz | noh-rooz | Nowruz, Persian New Year |
| dastarkhan | dah-star-khan | Traditional Nowruz table setup |
| Semeni | seh-me-nee | Sprouted wheat or barley dish |
| Ak Jigitler Bayramy | ahk ji-git-ler by-rah-my | Traditional horse racing competition |
| Kök Bayraq | kuhk by-rahk | Green banner ceremony |
| Charshanbesuri | chahr-shan-beh-soo-ri | Pre-Nowruz bonfire tradition |
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have explored the diverse and vibrant celebrations of Turkmen holidays such as Independence Day and Nowruz. By understanding the customs and traditions of these holidays, we gain valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. We hope you continue to enjoy your journey of learning Turkmen, immersing yourself in the language, and experiencing the unique traditions of this fascinating country.
Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Regions of Turkmenistan & Famous Turkmen Writers.
Videos
Turkmenistan: The Berdymukhamedov Holiday Special - YouTube
Traditional Turkmen wedding in Ashgabat (with full explanation ...
Turkmenistan celebrates "The Day of the Horse" - YouTube
Turkmenistan leader reveals golden monument to favourite dog ...
Other Lessons
- Greetings and Etiquette
- Famous Landmarks
- Traditional Art Forms
- Turkmenistan Timeline
- Famous Turkmen Writers
- Regions of Turkmenistan
Sources
- Public holidays in Turkmenistan - Wikipedia
- DAY OF TURKMEN WORKERS OF CULTURE AND ART - June 27 ...
- Public Holidays in Turkmenistan in 2023 and 2024