Magtymguly Poetry Day in Turkmenistan Date in the current year: June 27, 2024

Magtymguly Pyragy was a Turkmen philosophical poet and spiritual leader who made significant efforts to secure autonomy and independence for his people in the 18th century. He is credited with introducing the elements of realistic style into Turkmen poetry and popularizing Turkic languages (as opposed to Persian). Magtymguly is widely regarded as the founder of Turkmen poetry and literary language.

For a long time, Magtymguly’s legacy was celebrated on May 18. This day was observed as a public holiday named Revival, Unity and Magtymguly Poetry Day that also commemorated the adoption of the Constitution of Turkmenistan. In 2017, the Assembly of Turkmenistan replaced it with Constitution and Flag Day, and Magtymguly Poetry Day was moved to June 27 to coincide with the Day of Workers of Culture and Art.

Although Magtymguly Poetry Day is no longer a public holiday, it is still marked with numerous cultural events such as poetry readings, lectures, exhibitions, and more.