Independence Day of Turkmenistan (27/09)

September 27 marks the most important of all official holidays in Turkmenistan — Independence Day (Turkm). Garaşsyzlyk baýramy).

On October 27, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Constitutional Law «On the independence and foundations of the state structure of Turkmenistan». This law proclaimed the independent democratic state of Turkmenistan within the borders of the territory of the Turkmen SSR. Since then, Independence Day has been celebrated in the country every year on October 27 and 28. Since 2018, by decision of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, its celebration was postponed to September 27.

After gaining independence, Turkmenistan began its development in extremely difficult economic and social conditions. Having been part of the USSR for decades, the economy of Turkmenistan had a raw material orientation and was based on the extensive development of natural resources. Extractive industries and primary processing industries of agricultural raw materials predominated mainly. At the same time, there was a significant dependence on the import of various goods, the production of which could well have been carried out and is currently being carried out in the republic.

Turkmenistan — is a multinational country. Representatives of over 50 nationalities live on its territory. Turkmens make up 85.6% of the country's population, Uzbeks — 5.8%, Russians — 5.1%, the remaining percent — are representatives of other peoples (Kazakhs, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Ukrainians, Tatars, Balochs, etc.). And Independence Day, according to the Republic, is a holiday of all peoples and nationalities.

All the main events of the holiday take place in Ashgabat, with fireworks, a military parade and awards to outstanding figures of the country. Folk festivals and concerts of amateur groups are held in other cities.

The second most important public holiday — Neutrality Day of Turkmenistan — is celebrated on December 12.

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