Turkmenistan Observes Remembrance Day

On October 6, Turkmenistan observes Remembrance Day. On this day, the people of the country honour the memory of soldiers who died on the battlefields, as well as the victims of the natural disaster — the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. This date holds great significance in the spiritual life of the nation.

The Ashgabat earthquake went down in human history as one of the most devastating events of the 20th century. The disaster struck the city suddenly on the night of October 5–6. As a result, 176,000 of the 198,000 people living in the capital at the time lost their lives. According to expert estimates, up to 98 percent of residential buildings and administrative structures were destroyed. In a matter of moments, the beautiful and prosperous city and the surrounding settlements were devastated. Telephone communications, telegraph services, the railway and infrastructure were completely put out of operation. The city lost many of its sons and daughters and, in an instant, found itself cut off from the outside world.

The decades that have passed have not erased from people’s memories and hearts the names of their loved ones and relatives who fell victim to the earthquake. Memories of this tragedy still live in the hearts of compatriots. On the occasion of Remembrance Day, State flags are lowered to half-mast throughout the country, sadaqah is offered, and verses from the Quran and prayers are recited. In Ashgabat, a flower-laying ceremony is held at the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex.