Magtymguly (alias Fragi) (c. 1730-1780s, exact date unknown) — is an outstanding Turkmen poet, classic of Turkmen literature and thinker. Over 10 thousand lines of his poems have been preserved, many works have been translated into Russian.
In the first years of independence, on May 18, the country celebrated the day of adoption of the Constitution of independent Turkmenistan — as a national holiday of revival and unity, and on May 19, it paid tribute to the classic of Turkmen literature, poet and philosopher Magtymguly Fragi. By decision of Saparmurat Niyazov, the two holidays were combined into one — Day of Revival, Unity and Poetry of Magtymguly. And for a long time it was celebrated on May 18 and was a state day off. But in 2017, this holiday, on the initiative of the country’s parliament, was postponed to June 27, when the Day of Cultural and Art Workers of Turkmenistan is celebrated (starting in 2009). Parliamentarians considered it appropriate to combine this professional holiday with a day dedicated to the creative heritage of a person who has made a huge contribution to the cultural development of the country.
And although Magtymguly Fragi Poetry Day has lost its status as an official public holiday, it is not on the scale of its celebration.
Every year, for this day, the country's Ministry of Culture and Television and Radio Broadcasting, as well as other departments and public organizations, prepare a rich program of festive events. Museums host exhibitions of famous Turkmen master painters, graphic artists and sculptors, — scientific conferences, literary meetings and creative competitions at universities, — literary and musical events in theaters and cinema and concert halls.
The solemn ceremony of laying flowers at the foot of the Independence Monument, the monument to Magtymguly and other classical poets became one of the obligatory rituals of this Day.
In addition to the fact that the holiday is widely celebrated in Turkmenistan itself, over the years various festive events have also been held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia. Traditionally, representatives of the public of the Russian capital, diplomats, journalists, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora in Moscow and Russian regions, and Turkmen students studying at Russian universities are invited to the celebrations.
Reading poetry and the sound of national Turkmen music, exchanging creative impressions and tasting exquisite dishes of Turkmen cuisine create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and help strengthen friendship between peoples.