On the first Sunday of December Turkmenistan celebrates Day of Neighborliness that goes back to the ancestral national tradition “Gonsy okara”. Since ancient times, Turkmens have regarded Gonsy okara not just as a good tradition but a peculiar measure of human relations that is expressed in sincere friendship, hospitality, understanding and support.
Extending a helping hand, sharing bread and salt with those who live nearby are one of the characteristic features of the Turkmen people mentality. In the new historical era, these traditions have found a new meaning and content embodied in the policy of positive neutrality, openness and international cooperation. Being committed to this policy, Turkmenistan is developing relations of friendship and fruitful partnership not only with neighboring countries, but also all the other nations of the world.
“Altyn Asyr” park in Ashgabat was the venue of main celebrations on the occasion of Day of Neighborliness that brought together hundreds of residents and guests of the Turkmen capital. And of course, by tradition, every family offers a generous meal for friends and neighbors which is a centuries-old symbol of hospitality and openness of the Turkmen soul.
