Leaders attending the CIS summit visit the National Centre RUSSIA cultural space at festival in Turkmenistan
During their working visit to Turkmenistan, the heads of
official delegations participating in the meeting of the Council of Heads of
State of the Commonwealth of Independent States visited the Avaza National
Tourist Zone on 8 October, where they explored the cultural programme presented
by the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the Festival of National Cuisines.
The leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were introduced to the concept of the cultural
space and the programme presented at the festival. The stand's design draws on
motifs from traditional Russian dress, headdresses and accessories, as well as
macramé. The interwoven threads serve as a symbol of unity: numerous cultures
and traditions come together to form a complete image of
Russia.
The Kupina Ensemble from the Moscow Region performed for the honoured guests as part of the National Centre RUSSIA musical programme. For nearly half a century, the ensemble has been reviving the tradition of playing the gusli and exploring new possibilities offered by this ancient instrument.
"Here at the festival, we are performing not only Russian music but also Turkmen folk works out of great respect for the people of Turkmenistan," emphasised the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The CIS heads of state also saw Russian craftswomen representing traditional arts and crafts at work. The delegation representatives watched handmade masterpieces being created, including Mikhailov and Kukarka lace, Khokhloma painting, Orenburg down shawls and ornamented reindeer suede items.
The National Centre RUSSIA cultural programme is part of the large-scale Festival of National Cuisines of the CIS Member States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is being held from 7 to 9 October 2026 ahead of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS.
Event photobank
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