When did the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan start?
About Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan Holiday
Today marks the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan, a solemn occasion to remember and pay respects to the victims of the Kawakoz massacre and those affected by the tragic events leading to its aftermath. This somber day has been officially observed since 1992 and is known as Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the National Mourning of the Turkmenistan People.
For the Turkmenistan people, this day takes on a special significance. It is a day to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during the traumatic events of the fratricidal massacre, and to remember the suffering of those affected. It is an opportunity to reflect on the mistakes of the past, and to remember the importance of a peaceful, tolerant society.
Obedient to the traditions of the ancient Turkmens, families visit graveyards and commemorate their deceased family members. The Turkmenistan people are also encouraged to participate in public acts of mourning, including offerings of prayers and meditations, readings from scriptures, and a national remembrance ceremony in the evening. The significance of the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning is clear; it is a reminder to keep beliefs and values of peace, togetherness, unity, and mutual respect.
Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan
History and Origin
The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is an officially recognized holiday that began in 2006 and is held annually on the 4th of December. It was established to remember and commemorate the victims of the devastating 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake is the deadliest in the history of Turkmenistan and was the result of large tectonic shifts in the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border region. This earthquake caused immense destruction to the city of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and many thousands of lives were lost in the aftermath. The Day of Commemoration and Mourning is meant to remember those who perished in the earthquake and its aftermath.
The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning is a day of public mourning and admiration for those who lost their lives in the disaster, and it marks the day of the earthquake in 1948. Every year on this day, a solemn ceremony is held at the memorial complex honoring those who lost their lives. It is surrounded by vitality and love of Turkmenistan, and mourners gather around the graves of the lost souls in honor of the victims of the earthquake. Thousands of people, members of both the public and government, come together to remember those who were killed and to show respect to those who survived the disaster.
The memorial complex was built in 2009 and consists of two memorials: one in the main square of Ashgabat, and the other in the city’s Monument to Glory and Honor, which is a much newer monument that pays tribute to those who perished in the earthquake.
Significance and Meaning
The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is not only a memorial for the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, but it is also a day for people to remember and be reminded of the importance of protecting and preserving the history of Turkmenistan. The holiday becomes a bonding tradition that promotes national unity, which is especially important considering the historical divisions between the Turkmen and Uzbek people. By commemorating this disaster, the holiday keeps alive the memory of those who were lost in the tragedy, and provides an opportunity for people to express their shared solidarity and gratitude.
The Day of Commemoration and Mourning also serves to remind people of the fragility and unpredictability of life and that life’s most precious moments should be cherished. Its significance is also reflective of the Turkmen people’s compassion and resilience in the face of a major catastrophe. It is a reminder to people of the strength that comes from coming together in times of adversity.
Traditions and Celebrations
On the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan, celebrations are held to remember and honor the victims of the 1948 earthquake. On this day, people come together at the Ashgabat memorial complex and lay wreaths of flowers and candles in the victims’ honor. At the beginning of the day, a prayer for the souls of those who died is held by survivors and their families. It consists of a reciting of verses from the Quran and then singing traditional songs that reflect the collective pain and loss.
During the day, the memorial complex is decorated with various symbols of national unity and mourning such as national flags. Prayers and tricks for those in their memories are said by close family members and other participants at the ceremonies. People from all over the world come to attend the memorial service, creating an atmosphere of shared grief and solidarity. At the end of the ceremony, those in attendance can place the flowers and candles on the graves of the victims of the earthquake.
Geographical Spread
The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is celebrated most prominently in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, as well as the other major cities of the country, including Dashoguz, Mary, and Turkmenabat. Celebrations also occasionally take place in the smaller towns and villages of the country. There are also small-scale celebrations in other countries with Turkmen populations like Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Although the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning is observed in all cities and towns in Turkmenistan, celebrations vary in different regions. In Dashoguz and Asuka, the festivities are more solemn and somber, while in Ashgabat the festivities are more festive and light-hearted. In Turkmenabat, a large public gathering takes place at the Monument to Glory and Honor to remember the victims of the earthquake and honor those who survived the disaster.
Modern Day Observations
The observations of the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan have changed over the years as society evolves and the significance of the day is more widely recognized. In recent years, the ceremonies have been less focused on the mourning aspect and more on preserving the memory and legacy of those who lost their lives in the 1948 earthquake.
Young people have become more involved in commemorating the day, organizing their own remembrance ceremonies and participating in the annual memorial service. In addition, the use of social media has brought attention to the holiday, allowing for more people to connect and share their grief and memories of the tragedy.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is celebrated on the anniversary of the day the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake occurred – the 4th of December.
• The 1948 earthquake was the deadliest in Turkmenistan’s history and killed more than 100 thousand people.
• The memorial complex was built in 2009 and commemorates the victims of the earthquake and honors those who survived the disaster.
• The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning is more than a day of memorial for the victims of the earthquake, but also an opportunity for the nation to come together in solidarity and thankfulness.
• The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning has become more widely celebrated in recent years, particularly among the young people.
• Social media has played a role in raising awareness for the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning, allowing more people to connect to share their thoughts and memories of the tragedy.
Holiday Wishes
• May we never forget the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake.
• May we remember the power of compassion and resilience in the face of tragedy.
• May we always appreciate the value of life and cherish our time with one another.
• May we strive to preserve and promote peace and unity around the world.
• May the spirit of the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning continue to live in our hearts.
Holiday Messages
• “May our hearts be filled with love and our minds be filled with peace.”
• “Let us honor the lives of those lost in the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake and remember to cherish our time together each and every day.”
• “Today we remember the power of compassion and resilience in the face of tragedy.”
• “May we always strive to promote peace and unity around the world.”
• “Let us come together on the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning to reflect on the fragility of life.”
Holiday Quotes
• “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside us while we live.”
― Norman Cousins
• “The strength of a nation resides in the hearts and in the will of its people.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
• “It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.”
― Moliere
• “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
― Dalai Lama
• “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
― Abraham Lincoln
Other Popular Holiday Info
Although the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is considered a national holiday, it is still not widely celebrated or practiced outside of Turkmenistan. However, its recognition has been growing in recent years, as more and more people have become aware of its significance in the culture and the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake.
The holiday is gaining traction in other countries with Turkmen populations as well, particularly in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Ashgabat, in particular, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international travelers interested in learning more about the Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan and the impact the earthquake had on the city and the survivors.
Visitors to Ashgabat can expect to witness a number of events, such as march-pasts, religious and memorial services, speeches and talks, and participation in a candle light vigil. Tourists can also visit the memorial complex and the Museum of the Earthquake to learn more about the history behind this tragic event.
The Day of Commemoration and National Mourning is a day of remembrance and reflection for Turkmenistan as a nation, and a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of love. It serves to cultivate a shared sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, strength that will carry the people of Turkmenistan into a brighter future.
Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan Also Called
The Day of National Mourning and Remembrance (Türkmeniň Milli Keşbiniň Güni). This day is observed annually on December 28 in Turkmenistan as a day of national mourning and remembrance for those who perished during the Soviet-era purge of the Turkmen people in the late 1930s. On this day, the people of Turkmenistan pay tribute to those who lost their lives during that tragic event.Countries where "Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 2003, Day of Commemoration and National Mourning in Turkmenistan is celebrated on October 6 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!