Turkmenistan Unveils 80-Meter Bronze Statue of National Poet Magtymguly Pyragy

On May 18, 2024, Turkmenistan unveiled an 80-meter bronze statue of its most famous national poet, Magtymguly Pyragy, in a grand ceremony presided over by President Serdar Berdymukhamedov. The statue, located south of the capital Ashgabat, is one of the tallest in the world and stands as a tribute to the poet born 300 years ago.

The unveiling ceremony featured musical performances, literary-artistic compositions, and an exhibition of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and carpet products. The event culminated in a grand light show, celebrating the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.

Why this matters: This statue serves as a symbol of Turkmenistan's efforts to consolidate national identity and promote cultural heritage, which can have significant implications for the country's domestic and international relations. The grandiose project also highlights the government's priorities and values, which may be subject to scrutiny and criticism from the international community.

President Berdymukhamedov congratulated the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the statue in promoting Turkmen identity. The statue is part of a broader effort by the Turkmen government to consolidate national identity through monumental structures.

Sculptor Saragt Babayev, who designed the statue, stated, "I wanted to embody the greatness of a humanist and poet whose name figures among the eminent writers of the east." The statue is surrounded by 24 smaller bronze statues depicting foreign authors, including William Shakespeare, Honore de Balzac, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Turkmenistan, rich in oil and gas, has a history of erecting grand monuments to honor national heroes and the ruling family. Critics argue that these structures serve to promote an intense cult of personality, particularly under the Berdymukhamedov family.

The statue of Magtymguly Pyragy is not only a tribute to the poet but also a symbol of the country's efforts to root its identity in historical and cultural heritage. The monument's construction was initiated by former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who retains significant influence in the country.

Turkmenistan has a history of attempting to break Guinness World Records, including achievements in categories such as the largest seminar on organic melon cultivation and the largest cycling parade. The statue of Magtymguly Pyragy adds to the list of grandiose projects aimed at showcasing the nation's cultural and historical significance.

The statue stands at 80 meters tall, making it twice the height of Brazil's Christ the Redeemer and just 13 meters shy of the Statue of Liberty. The world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity in India, stands at 182 meters.

The ceremony concluded with President Berdymukhamedov and other participants laying flowers at the monument, honoring the legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy. The statue serves as a testament to Turkmenistan's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting national pride.

Key Takeaways

• Turkmenistan unveils 80-meter bronze statue of national poet Magtymguly Pyragy.
• The statue is one of the tallest in the world, symbolizing national identity and cultural heritage.
• President Berdymukhamedov emphasized the statue's significance in promoting Turkmen identity.
• The monument is part of a broader effort to consolidate national identity through monumental structures.
• The statue stands 80 meters tall, making it twice the height of Brazil's Christ the Redeemer.