An art exhibition marking the 35th anniversary of the country's independence has opened at the Fine Arts Exhibition Center of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.

Masters of the arts—including painters, sculptors, carpet artists, jewelers, ceramists, and designers—presented their works at the exhibition. The exhibits occupied both floors of the exhibition center, reports “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”.

At the opening ceremony, around 80 members of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan were honored for their active participation in international and state exhibitions.

Amidst thunderous applause, they were awarded commemorative prizes from the Ministry of Culture, the Democratic Party, the National Trade Union Center, the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, and the Administration of the Fine Arts Exhibition Center.

Bahar Pirgulyeva, a lecturer at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, received the Grand Prix for a woven carpet depicting an Ahal-Teke horse.

The numerous works by the artists presented here address a wide range of themes—the happy, constructive lives of the people of Turkmenistan, the beauty of nature and the people, history and traditions, love, family values, children, and other subjects.

The exhibition also featured displays of traditional women's handbags and jewelry, as well as a collection of dolls.