The State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan houses a unique exhibit - a collection of poems by Magtymguly Fragi with a bullet mark, which saved the life of a soldier during the Great Patriotic War, writes the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper.

This small collection of poems by the great Turkmen poet was next to 18 years old junior lieutenant Seyitniyaz Atayev on the fronts of the war of 1941–1945. In one of the fierce battles, the book literally saved Atayev’s life - a bullet hit her, leaving a mark.

The collection became a talisman for Atayev. He went through the entire war with him, commanding a platoon, company and battalion, and went behind enemy lines. Atayev ended the war as the chief of intelligence of the regiment on the Elbe. After the war, he became a prominent public figure, writer and translator of works of world literature.

Atayev was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, Alexander Nevsky, Order of the Patriotic War, II degree, and the Red Star. He was awarded the honorary titles of Honored Cultural Worker and laureate of the State Prize named after Magtymguly.

Today Turkmenistan honors national traditions and customs, paying tribute to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Unique exhibits in museums are an invaluable source for studying the history of those years.