On 20 December, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan continued its beloved holiday tradition by hosting the annual open-air Christmas Book Fair. For the third consecutive year, the event transformed the Delegation’s front yard into a vibrant hub of literature and culture, welcoming residents and guests of the capital to celebrate the festive season.
The fair showcased a diverse array of literature, with books available in several languages including Turkmen, Turkish, French, Russian, and English. This linguistic variety reflected the event’s mission to promote literacy and cultural exchange within the local community.
Leading Ashgabat bookstores participated in the event, providing visitors with a rich selection of titles ranging from contemporary fiction to academic works. Among the featured participants were: Gujurly Bookstore, Bilim Çeşmesi, Starbooks, Magic Books Store, and Readit.
Special attention was given to the youngest attendees. The fair featured a wide range of books for children, complemented by interactive activities designed to spark a love for reading. Children tested their literary knowledge in a dedicated quiz, wrote heartfelt letters to Santa Claus, and engaged in creative workshops involving clay modeling and coloring.
Promoting responsible consumption was a key theme of the day. The Book Swap Point saw record engagement this year, bolstered by generous donations from the Embassy of Germany and the French Institute in Turkmenistan. Guests were encouraged to exchange their pre-loved books for new discoveries, fostering an environmentally friendly attitude toward shared knowledge.
The atmosphere was completed by traditional European treats and the sounds of festive music, creating a warm, community-focused space. The Christmas Book Fair once again succeeded in bringing people together under the values of sustainability, education, and shared cultural heritage.
