A commemorative ceremony was held in Ashgabat to mark the 88th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. The event took place on November 10 in Ataturk Park opposite the Turkish Embassy building and was organized by the Turkish diplomatic mission, Turkmenportal reports.

The ceremony was attended by Turkey's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Şener Cebeci, Azerbaijan's Ambassador, Gismat Gozalov, representatives of the Turkish community, as well as heads of Turkish companies operating in the country. Ashgabat's deputy mayor represented the Turkmen side.

The commemorative event began at exactly 09:05 with a minute of silence. The national anthems of Turkey and Turkmenistan were then played. A representative of the Turkish Embassy delivered a speech dedicated to Ataturk's life and historical role in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

The ceremony continued with the laying of a wreath at the monument. An honor guard of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan brought the wreath to the monument, after which Turkey's Ambassador, Şener Cebeci, paid tribute to the founder of the republic. Flowers and wreaths were then laid by representatives of the Turkish diaspora, business community and other participants in the gathering.

After the official part concluded, guests were invited to refreshments at the Turkish Embassy building.