On December 21, Turkmenistan marked the Day of Memory of the first president of the country. Prayers were offered in the mosques for the repose of the soul of Saparmurat Niyazov.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended a memorial ceremony held on this day in the village of Kipchak. A wreath of flowers was laid on behalf of the President at the marble slabs of the family mausoleum of Saparmurat Niyazov.

The memorial ceremony was also attended by leaders of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, members of the government, provincial governors, representatives of ministries and departments, large public organizations, as well as clergy and elders of Turkmenistan.

According to the Muslim and national traditions of the Turkmen people, a commemorative meal (Sadaka) was served.