Ashgabat, March 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: This year marks the 115th anniversary of the esteemed bakhshi of Turkmenistan, Mustak Aymedov. In commemoration of his significant contributions to Turkmen musical art, a ceremonial event was held at the House of Culture in the city of Turkmenabat. The event commenced with a scientific and practical conference titled “The Path of the Master is an Example for Students,” as reported by the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan.
An exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Mustak Aymedov was displayed in the foyer, with the centerpiece being the dutar he once played. The exhibition highlighted his enduring legacy in Turkmen musical heritage, reflecting his profound influence on generations of musicians.
Mustak Aymedov, born in 1910 in the village of Burdalyk, Khodjambaz district, learned the art of singing and playing the dutar from notable masters such as Khochji bakhshi, Ovlyaguly bakhshi, and Jumaguly bakhshi. A participant in the Great Patriotic War, he was demobilized in 1951 and later settled in the village of Esenmengli, Khalach district, where he led a school amateur performance ensemble.
In 1960, he was entrusted with establishing a dutar ensemble at the House of Culture in Astanababa, Kerki etrap. His exceptional leadership brought the ensemble widespread recognition across Turkmenistan. Aymedov led the group until his passing, leaving an indelible mark on Turkmenistan’s cultural landscape.
By the mid-1960s, Mustak Aymedov’s reputation extended beyond Lebap, leading to invitations to perform on Turkmen radio and television. His recordings, including “Demir donly,” “Gyrat,” “Halal bolsun,” and “Gara saç,” are preserved in the golden fund of the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
Honored bakhshi of Turkmenistan Oren Atakov, who has extensively researched Aymedov’s life and work, shared valuable insights at the anniversary conference. He highlighted key aspects of Aymedov’s artistic journey, the mentorship he received, and the legacy upheld by his students.
People’s bakhshi of Turkmenistan, Gurbandurdy Ovezov, paid tribute to the master by performing songs in the Ersarin style, demonstrating the deep-rooted influence of Aymedov’s artistic expression. Additionally, Umit Mustakov, a teacher at Children’s Art School No. 2 in Turkmenabat and grandson of Mustak Aymedov, provided an analytical overview of his grandfather’s unique performance style.
The commemorative event concluded with a concert featuring songs from Mustak Aymedov’s repertoire, celebrating his enduring contribution to Turkmenistan’s rich musical heritage.
