World Poetry Day: A Celebration of the Art of Words
Poetry is the expression of the purest emotions through words reflecting the wisdom and beauty of the human soul. In order to honor masters of the written word who have left an indelible mark on the treasury of world culture, and to emphasize the role of poetry in human life, World Poetry Day is celebrated every year on March 21.
The decision to celebrate this international day was adopted at the 30th General Conference of UNESCO, held in Paris in 1999. This initiative is aimed at preserving the linguistic diversity of peoples around the world and strengthening cultural ties through poetry. According to UNESCO's official documents, one of the main reasons for establishing this celebration was to sustain the literary heritage passed down verbally from generation to generation and to revive the classical image of poetry. In addition, this date is intended to promote emerging talents, increase interest in poetry sections within publishing, and foster the development of poetry in harmony with other art forms such as theatre and music. This day was first celebrated ceremonially on March 21, 2000.
Today, in dozens of countries around the world, various literary evenings, poetry readings, competitions, and academic conferences are organized to mark this occasion. From UNESCO's headquarters in Paris to major libraries across the globe, the day is widely celebrated as a «Festival of the Art of Words». Mass media outlets prepare special programs dedicated to the lives and works of renowned poets.
In our country, poetry is a pillar of national values and spiritual unity. In Turkmenistan, the coincidence of World Poetry Day with the spring season and the celebration of the International Novruz holiday carries special symbolic significance. This is because spring is the season of inspiration, renewal, and creativity.
Gulnazik AGAYEVA,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of International Journalism
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.