On October 6, Turkmenistan celebrates a mournful date – the Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Ashgabat earthquake of 1948, as well as the heroes who fell on the battlefields of all wars. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the funeral ceremony of laying flowers at the monuments of the "Halk Hakydasy" Memorial Complex.

Commemoration of the brave defenders of the Motherland and victims of natural disasters is one of the traditions of the Turkmen people, rooted in the depths of thousands of years and designed to convey to the present generation the heroic path of their ancestors. The steadfastness of the Turkmen spirit made it possible to overcome the hardships and losses of those harsh years.

In the early morning, our compatriots came to the Memorial complex "Halk hakydasy", located in the southwestern part of the capital and is a symbol of deep reverence for national heroes.

The car of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov drives up to the square in front of the Memorial Complex.

The Head of state walks along the alley, along which the valiant soldiers of the Guard of Honor are lined up.

The National Anthem of Turkmenistan is playing. It is replaced by the sad melody "Keçpelek", which has become a piercing musical expression of the people's grief for the fallen defenders of the Fatherland and the victims who innocently passed away.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov lays a wreath at the majestic monument "Ruhy tagzym", paying tribute to those who died during the 1948 earthquake.

The ruthless elements cut short the lives of our compatriots, leaving the pain of irreparable losses.

On that terrible night, Berdimuhamed Annayev, the great–grandfather of the head of state, who showed heroism on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, a respected man and teacher who devoted his life to educating young people, also died.

Those who survived that tragic night, which destroyed the Turkmen capital in an instant, showed a high example of determination, perseverance and courage.

In mourning silence, a human stream is moving towards the majestic monument.

In recent years, Ashgabat has become one of the most beautiful cities in the world – a place of happy and prosperous life.

Initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the urban development program is being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Modern residential buildings, medical centers equipped with innovative technologies, schools and kindergartens, sports complexes, cultural and household facilities are being built and put into operation in the capital, which is one of the evidences of the rapid development of the country. The ongoing reforms are aimed at the progress and prosperity of Turkmenistan, the growth of the welfare and standard of living of the people.

During the ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid beautiful wreaths of autumn flowers at the foot of the monuments "Milletiň ogullary" and "Baky şöhrat", erected in honor of the Turkmen soldiers who fell in the fight against fascism, and heroes of all wars who died in battles for the freedom of their native Homeland, for the happiness of future generations. The Eternal Flame burns as an imperishable symbol of the inextinguishable national memory of the valiant sons of the Turkmen land.

Thousands of our compatriots on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 demonstrated unparalleled courage and boundless love for the Motherland. Among them is the great–grandfather of the head of state, Berdimuhamed Annayev, whose life path today serves as a model of true patriotism and devotion to duty for Turkmen youth.

The courage and fearlessness of our national heroes who defended the Fatherland and gave their lives for the freedom of the country and the people is a great school for the young generations of independent neutral Turkmenistan.

Then wreaths and bouquets were laid by the Chairman of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan and international organizations.

They were joined by leaders and representatives of political parties and public organizations, ministries and departments, venerable elders, students, residents of the capital.

Turkmenistan establishes friendly relations with the peoples and States of the world. The initiatives put forward by our country from the high rostrum of the United Nations General Assembly testify to the inviolability of the peaceful path of a neutral Homeland.

In this regard, it should be noted that at the 63rd plenary session of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2025 was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The adoption of the Resolution is a clear indication of the recognition by the international community of our country's efforts to ensure global peace and strengthen trust between States.

At the regular meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that in the International Year of Peace and Trust, also marked by the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of our independent state, the global task is to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding on the planet. As the Hero Arkadag emphasized, neutrality is a doctrine that illuminates our initiatives at the global level, calling on peoples for peace and cooperation, friendship and brotherhood, unity, and promoting humanism. This doctrine gives energy to achieve new frontiers to our people, who are creating and building in the name of the great future of their native Homeland.

Noting that on Memorial Day, our compatriots, following the tradition of their ancestors, give sadaqah and offer prayers for the repose of the souls of those who are no longer there, the heroes and victims of the Ashgabat earthquake who fell on the battlefields, the head of state wished that the Almighty would accept the sadaqah given on this day and the prayers read.

At the end of the ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly said goodbye to the participants and left the venue.

Memorial ceremonies were held today in the capital, in the city of Arkadag and in all velayats of the country.

The current memorial ceremony at the Halk hakydasy Memorial Complex has become another vivid symbol of the continuity of the humane principles of our ancestors.