Public Holidays in Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, the New Year is celebrated with vibrant festivities, extending from December 31 to January 1. While the traditional New Year was observed on March 21, the arrival of January 1st has gained prominence since the Soviet era. Preparations for this occasion are extensive and begin well before the date, with city squares, particularly in Ashgabat, adorned with dazzling decorations that light up the streets with festive cheer.

As New Year’s approaches, Turkmen cities come alive with seasonal events and carnivals. These events feature a variety of holiday-themed activities and offer an array of gifts, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The country is known for its lively festivals during this season, where locals and visitors alike enjoy performances and entertainment.

A unique aspect of Turkmen New Year celebrations is the tradition of exchanging practical gifts. This practice involves thoughtful discussions among family and friends about the best presents to give, ensuring that each gift is both meaningful and useful.

On December 31, public spaces such as plazas and parks across Turkmenistan host an array of festivities. The streets become bustling with singers, dancers, and performers who showcase their talents, adding to the festive atmosphere for people of all ages. Despite the vibrant celebrations in public areas, New Year’s Eve is typically spent in the comfort of home. Most restaurants close by 11 pm, so families gather together to welcome the New Year in a more intimate setting. This blend of public celebration and private family time highlights the warmth and communal spirit of the Turkmen New Year.

International Women’s Day in Turkmenistan, celebrated on March 8, is a significant occasion rooted in the country’s Soviet past. Although it was initially removed from the calendar after Turkmenistan gained independence, it was reinstated as a public holiday in 2008. This reinstatement underscored the importance of honoring women and recognizing their vital contributions to society.

On this special day, all women across Turkmenistan receive congratulations from their families and friends. The government further honors them with a monetary gift of approximately 60 manat (equivalent to about 10-11 USD). This gesture ensures that every woman is acknowledged and celebrated, reinforcing the nation’s appreciation for their role in upholding traditional family values.

The day is marked by a series of grand events. In the nation’s capital, Ashgabat, the central palace hosts a prestigious ceremony where the President personally awards Turkmen women who have made significant strides in various fields, including science, culture, medicine, and education. Additionally, the city comes alive with concerts, exhibitions, and fairs held in its plazas, cultural centers, museums, and libraries.

International Women’s Day also provides a unique opportunity for women to take a break from their daily responsibilities. They are often pampered and celebrated by the men in their lives, allowing them to enjoy a well-deserved respite while being showered with attention and appreciation.

Oraza Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred Islamic month of fasting. This holiday is deeply rooted in Turkmen tradition and holds a special place in the nation’s heart, symbolizing virtues such as spirituality, generosity, and nobility. The significance of Oraza Bayram in Turkmenistan is particularly profound, given the country’s history of adversity and resilience.

Preparations for Oraza Bayram start well before the holiday itself, with meticulous care and reverence. On the day of the celebration, families gather around elaborately set tables, or sachaks, laden with a variety of traditional dishes. The festivities begin with a prayer of gratitude, thanking Allah for the blessings received during Ramadan and expressing heartfelt wishes for the well-being and prosperity of everyone.

Throughout Ramadan, Turkmenistan places a strong emphasis on religious observance and traditional practices. This includes reciting prayers for the nation’s prosperity and engaging in sadaqa-agzachar, a practice of donating food and other necessities to those in need. These acts of charity and spiritual reflection foster a sense of unity and purpose among the people, reinforcing their collective pride and optimism for the future.

Oraza Bayram is not only a time for celebration but also a period that strengthens communal bonds and affirms the values that are central to Turkmen culture and Islamic faith.

Turkmenistan celebrates Constitution and State Flag Day on May 18, a tradition that began in 2018. Prior to this, these significant events were observed on separate dates. However, in October 2017, the government made the decision to merge these two observances into one unified national holiday.

The Constitution of Turkmenistan was enacted on May 18, 1992, during the 14th session of the Supreme Council. This foundational document established the legal framework for the newly independent nation and outlines the principles of national legislation as well as international human and civil rights. Each year, the occasion is marked by a solemn flower-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Constitution in Ashgabat, honoring the importance of this pivotal document.

The national flag of Turkmenistan was officially adopted on February 19, 1992. It represents the nation’s spirit and sovereignty. Following the flower-laying ceremony on May 18, a ceremonial event takes place at the main square in Ashgabat, where the state flag is hoisted on a 133-meter-high flagpole—the tallest of its kind in the world.

To celebrate Constitution and State Flag Day, Turkmenistan hosts a variety of special events, including theatrical performances and concerts, held throughout the country. These festivities highlight the importance of the day and celebrate Turkmenistan’s national identity and pride.

Kurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a deeply rooted Islamic festival celebrated in Turkmenistan since 1994. This significant holiday stands as a profound symbol of friendship, solidarity, and communal values, aiming to nurture faith, moral integrity, and respect for social principles among the people.

During Kurban Bayram, homes across Turkmenistan are filled with the delightful scents of festive dishes, sweets, and baked goods. Families prepare these treats to share with relatives, neighbors, and friends, embodying the spirit of generosity and togetherness. The holiday is also marked by acts of charity and kindness, as individuals strive to do good deeds, support loved ones, and contribute to various charitable causes.

The essence of Eid al-Adha is rooted in the tradition of sacrifice, commemorating the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. As part of the celebration, some families perform the ritual sacrifice of a sheep, distributing the meat among friends, neighbors, and those in need. Additionally, thousands of Muslims make pilgrimages to local Islamic holy sites during Kurban Bayram in Turkmenistan. The government further supports this spiritual journey by sending numerous people annually on the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, fulfilling one of the essential rites of Islam.

Independence Day in Turkmenistan stands as the most prominent national celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history. On this day in 1991, Turkmenistan declared itself a sovereign state, severing its ties with the Turkmen SSR and establishing its independence.

The day is preceded by a prestigious awards ceremony where distinguished figures—ranging from military leaders and politicians to prominent public personalities and athletes—are honored for their contributions. The celebration on September 27 is characterized by a grand military parade held in Independence Square, Ashgabat, featuring impressive displays of national pride and military prowess.

Throughout the nation, the festivities extend beyond the parade. Cities and towns host a variety of free public events, including concerts, fairs, and cultural exhibitions, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The day typically culminates with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and symbolizing the joy and unity of the Turkmen people.

Every October 6, Turkmenistan observes Memorial Day to honor the countless lives lost in the devastating earthquake of 1948. This earthquake, deemed by UNESCO as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the nation.

The earthquake struck in the early hours of October 6, 1948, with a magnitude estimated between 9.0 and 10.0. Within seconds, the capital city of Ashgabat and its surroundings were engulfed in chaos as countless residents found themselves trapped beneath the wreckage of their homes. The disaster, occurring while people were asleep, significantly amplified the tragedy. Though exact figures are elusive, it is known that tens of thousands of lives were lost, and the once-thriving city was left in ruins.

On Memorial Day, the nation comes together in solemn remembrance. The day is marked by a somber atmosphere as national flags are flown at half-mast, and all entertainment activities are suspended. A significant wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Khalk Khakydasy (People’s Memorial) Complex in Ashgabat, where people gather to pay their respects and remember those who perished in the earthquake.

Neutrality Day is one of the most significant national holidays in Turkmenistan, ranked just after Independence Day. This important occasion commemorates December 12, 1995, when the UN General Assembly passed a unique resolution acknowledging Turkmenistan’s commitment to neutrality as a means of promoting regional stability and peace.

The concept of neutrality, as defined by international law, means a nation refrains from engaging in armed conflicts and avoids aligning itself with military alliances during peacetime. By adhering to this policy, Turkmenistan aims to mitigate interstate tensions and foster a peaceful environment, contributing to broader regional stability and political harmony.

The celebrations for Neutrality Day are marked with considerable enthusiasm and grandeur. The festivities include vibrant concerts and a variety of cultural events. A key highlight of the day is the formal wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat, attended by the President of Turkmenistan himself. This solemn event underscores the nation’s dedication to its neutrality and serves as a tribute to its commitment to global peace.