HIS MEMORY LIVES ON: A LITERARY AND MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO KURBANNAZAR EZIZOV

The assembly hall at the International University for the Humanities and Development has hosted an event commemorating outstanding Turkmen poet Kurbannazar Ezizov, who would have turned 80 this year.

It is no sheer coincidence that the capital’s leading higher education institution is the chosen venue for the cultural event. Aytach Orazova, the poet’s granddaughter, working there as an English teacher, suggested to the University’s rector that they organize a meeting for students with renowned writers, performing artists and scientists, who were Kurbannazar Ezizov’s friends or fellow professionals.

His memory should live on. This is why a trust-based dialogue between generations is so meaningful and important. Exceptionally valuable are the recollections of those who truly understand the depth of Kurbannazar Ezizov’s poetic vision and know very well the stories behind his works. The event offered the young people a unique opportunity to explore the creative universe of the lyric poet, humanist and patriot, and to recognize the tremendous influence of his literary legacy on Turkmen poetry.

Moments of Kurbannazar Ezizov’s life, a rich array of feelings, recollections, and encounters caught on film were a powerful, emotionally-charged prologue to the event…

People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Gulyalek Akmuradova was the hostess of the poetry and music event. Not only did she announce the attendees, but also brilliantly recited her much-loved poems by Kurbannazar Ezizov, paying homage to his immortal legacy.

Contemporaries of Ezizov - writers, artists, musicians, and scientists shared their recollections of the poet, whose life was short but wonderfully vivid. Like a sparkling comet, he streaked over the ordinary having turned into myriads of sparks of light and illuminated our spiritual lives by his talent…He left an indelible imprint on each of them, and their treasured memories served as a heart-piercing epilogue to the poet’s life…

The event also featured lyrical music. Famous singers and instrumentalists performed songs with lyrics by the poet and music by Nury Khalmamedov, Rejep Rejepov, and Danatar Khydyrov…

People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Lyale Begnazarova sang ‘A Lullaby’. These heartfelt lyrics Kurbannazar Ezizov devoted to his then-yet-unborn son, whose birth he eagerly awaited… Serdar was born after the poet’s death.

- There are two interesting facts, the singer told, that connect me to the Ezizovs. Firstly, it is my father’s dutar with the inscription gifted by Kurbannazar Ezizov. Secondly, Serdar Ezizov and I studied together at the Dovletmammed Azadi National Institute of World Languages.

Musician Serdar Khaidarov, a grand prize winner of the international competition sang “Yellow Leaves”, the song with lyrics by Annamukhammed Kurbanov, who dedicated them to Kurbannazar Ezizov. Falling yellow leaves are breathtakingly beautiful even when they bid farewell dancing to the ground – a parallel is drawn between the leaves and the poet’s untimely passing.

People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Atajan Berdyev performed several songs with lyrics by Kurbannazar Ezizov: ‘A Joyful Day’, ‘Mountains’, and others.

- My repertoire includes many songs with lyrics by Kurbannazar Ezizov, the famous singer said, and I sing them at every concert. I have noticed that male audience members are deeply touched by the song ‘To Daughters’ with its moving lyrics full of love and tenderness…

Speaking at the event, Yazgul Ezizova, the poet’s daughter, said: “There are poets who have earned the title of People’s Writer, and there are poets who have earned the love of many people. It is the love of Kurbannazar Ezizov’s poetry that does not allow us to speak about him in the past tense. My father lives on in the lines of his poetry pulsating with his emotions, full of his love and deep feelings, and his heart keeps beating”.

This idea, which was at the heart of the tribute event program, united the people of different generations, who revere the legacy and totally appreciate the wholehearted, elevated and life-affirming poems by Kurbannazar Ezizov.

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