Turkmenbashi hosted a solemn ceremony to recognize the creative figures who received honorary titles, the winners of the Türkmeniň Altyn asyry contest in literature, culture and art, young singers and talented children who received the President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov award. The annual ceremony takes place on the eve of Independence Day. This underlines the importance of this sphere and the contribution by creative figures to our country’s continued progress. Remarkably, this year it coincided with another landmark event in our country, the awards ceremony for the participants of the Amul – Hazar 2018 rally raid. The unprecedented race that was held under the sponsorship and with personal involvement of the head of state became more than just a breathtaking sporting event. Race car drivers and media representatives, who covered the rally raid, had an amazing opportunity to discover our country’s unique historical and cultural heritage and its current achievements. At the starting point in Turkmenabat and at every bivouac along the course, the guests were welcomed by creative groups, musicians and singers who presented the diversity of fine national traditions in culture. Today, Avaza will host a gala concert of local and foreign artists that will mark the completion of the Amul – Hazar 2018 international rally raid and other sporting events along the Great Silk Road. All these set a solemn tone to the function held at Turkmenbashi’s Ruhyyet Palace. The attendees listened, with great attention, to the Address by the President of Turkmenistan on the occasion of conferral of honorary titles and prestigious awards to the creative figures and winners of the Türkmeniň Altyn asyry contest. Then the Decree on conferral of honorary titles and the Resolution on awarding prizes to the winners of the nationwide Türkmeniň Altyn asyry contest was read. One by one, the leaders of creative groups, poets and novelists, singers and musicians, people of fine art and media representatives ascended the stage. The winners admitted that they viewed the award not only as a high privilege, but also as acknowledgement of the uniting role of the art in the life of the Turkmen society. The awards ceremony was followed by a celebration with participation of masters of art and young singers who won various national contests, and dance and folk groups. The program reflected all aspects of modern Turkmen art, the wide range of genres and performance schools, and continuity of traditions in creativity.