Inaugural opening of the event program Dashoguz – the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth

According to the web-site of the CIS Humanitarian Action Trust Fund, the city of Dashoguz, founded around 400 years ago on one of the sides of the Karakum Desert, used to lie on the Silk Road. The city's landscapes have kept unique historical monuments many of which are included in the UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Modern infrastructure combined with respect for the historical heritage were the drivers of Dashoguz's candidacy to become the Cultural Capital of the CIS.

The launch of the event program will be rich in art and photo expos presented by the artists from across the CIS and a range of concert performances in the Ruhyeet Palace.

The intergovernmental program Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth was adopted by the CIS Council of Heads of State in 2012 to further enhance cooperation among the CIS countries and boost cross-cultural dialogue as a foundation of trust and mutual understanding.

This annual Program is focused on the consolidation of creative capacities of the Commonwealth in non-capital cities across the CIS, awarding the Cultural Capital status to such cities and thus promoting a bright and rich series of cultural and outreach events.