EUReflect had the pleasure of attending the cultural soirée “Independence Treasures: A Celebration of Turkmen Heritage”, hosted by H.E. Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov and Mrs. Yelena Kharitonova, Founder of the Central-Asian European Creative Alliance. This cultural soirée took place just one day before Turkmenistan’s Independence Day, making it a vibrant celebration of national pride and artistic expression.

On the eve of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day, the evening beautifully showcased Turkmen arts, crafts, fashion, music, and cuisine — a true celebration of cultural heritage.

There was a fashion show by Göwher Gouvernet-Pirkulyyewa, a fashion designer from Turkmenistan who studied fashion in Paris and costume design in St. Petersburg.

In 2022, she launched a brand in Ashgabat that reflects her nomadic culture and her emphasis on freedom and transmission. In 2024, her collections were presented with Oriental Fashion Show, in conjunction with Haute Couture Week in Paris, Tangier Fashion Week, Ana Arabia in Riyadh and the opening of a Dessange flagship in Ashgabat. In January 2025, she presented her new collection at Paris Fashion Week at the Shangri-La Paris according to digitalnewsfashion.com

Among the distinguished guests, we also saw the presence of

Central Asian ambassadors (from Uzbekistan, Gayrat Fazilov, Kyrgyzstan, Aidit Erkin, Tajikistan, Muzaffar Husseinzoda)
Ambassadors of Türkiye, Faruk Kaymakci, Iran, Suriname, Gilbêrt van Lierop.
Mr. Dietmar Krissler, Head of Division for Central Asia, European External Action Service;
Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union;
Ms Charlotte ADRIAEN, Head of Unit for Central Asia and Afghanistan in the Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the EU Commission;
Mr. Luc Devigne, Principal Adviser for Critical Raw Materials at the EEAS.
Mr. Andrea Rossi, Deputy Head of Division for Central Asia;
Gaia Danese, cultural advisor of EEAS;
Representatives of the Office of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

In conclusion, the event brought together ambassadors from Central Asia and beyond, alongside senior representatives of the European Union institutions, the Benelux Union, and the European External Action Service, as well as cultural advisors and media.

It was a memorable evening of friendship, culture, and diplomacy — highlighting the importance of Turkmen heritage while strengthening bridges between Central Asia and Europe.