The final stage of the «Çalsana, bagşy!» (Play, Bakhshi!) contest for young dutar players and bakhshis, held as part of the President of Turkmenistan's «Türkmeniň Altyn asyry» (Turkmen's Golden Age) competition, took place at the Mukam Palace of the State Cultural Centre. The event drew significant interest from cultural workers and capital residents. Attendees first toured an exhibition in the palace foyer featuring applied arts, traditional musical instruments, and photos of renowned musicians.

The opening ceremony featured a respectful listening of the Head of State’s Congratulatory Address. The President emphasized that the legacy of master musicians serves as a great school for the youth and urged talents aged 18 to 35 to create new works celebrating our prosperous era.

A total of 14 bakhshis and 14 dutar players, who won preliminary rounds across Ashgabat, Arkadag, and the provinces, showcased their skills. Participants passionately performed folk tunes and songs reflecting regional traditions, celebrating peace, the Motherland, and Akhalteke horses.

At the ceremony's conclusion, the 14 winning musicians were awarded special diplomas and gold chains, while all contestants received commemorative gifts on behalf of the President. Participants adopted an Address to the Head of State, expressing gratitude for his support of national culture and youth.

Winners of the «Çalsana, bagşy!» contest:

Ashgabat City:

Sheker Shohradovna Allagulyyeva — Dutar teacher, Children's Art School No. 2, Ashgabat Cultural Department;

Tachmammet Altymyradovich Purmammedov — 3rd-year student, Faculty of Telecommunications, Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan.

Arkadag City:

Yusup Gaygysyzovich Bayjykov — Teacher, Turkmen National Musical Instruments Department, Sahy Jepbarov Special Art School of Arkadag;

Didarmuhammet Vepayev — 3rd-year student, Turkmen National Musical Instruments Department, Sahy Jepbarov Special Art School of Arkadag.

Ahal Province:

Merjen Merdanovna Jumabayeva — 1st-year student, Faculty of Folk Music, Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory;

Yhlas Kakageldiyevich Samadov — 4th-year student, Faculty of Folk Music, Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory.

Balkan Province:

Guljemal Rejepmyradovna Chakanova — Bakhshi teacher, Children's Art School No. 2 of Balkanabat, Balkan Province Cultural Department;

Ovezgeldi Bayramgeldiyevich Gutlyyev — 4th-year student, Faculty of Folk Music, Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory.

Dashoguz Province:

Ayperi Begenjovna Artykova — Turkmen language and literature teacher, Secondary School No. 7, Gorogly District, Dashoguz Province;

Sahy Nepesovich Tachmedov — 4th-year student, Musical Art Department, Magtymguly Garlyyev Special Art School of Dashoguz.

Lebap Province:

Esen Bagtyyarovich Atamuradov — 4th-year student, Bakhshi Art Department, Lebap Special Art School;

Jeyhun Ataniyazovich Charyyev — Teacher, Children's Art School of Kerkichi town, Dovletli District, Lebap Province Cultural Department.

Mary Province:

Oguljennet Bazarmyradovna Hojakova — Bakhshi teacher, Children's Art School No. 3, Ashgabat Cultural Department;

Aynazli Maksatmyradovna Rahmanova — 5th-year student, Faculty of Folk Music, Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory.