An international scientific conference titled "Heritage of Eastern Turkmenistan in the System of Medieval Cultures" began in the town of Turkmenabat. It was organized by the National Institute of Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the administration of Lebap province.

The conference is attended by representatives of the international scientific community - historians, archaeologists, culture experts, linguists, literary scholars, musicologists and doctors from nearly three dozen countries. The forum works in five sections focusing topical issues related to the study of literary and spiritual values of Eastern Turkmenistan. The problem of preservation and restoration of architectural monuments will be in the center of discussions. The conference will also hear reports on trade and cultural ties of medieval Turkmens.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a welcome message to the conference participants. According to him, the east of Turkmenistan is rich in historical and cultural monuments that absorbed five thousand year history of the Turkmen people. Wishing the success to the conference participants, the president expressed confidence that through the conference "the world will once again learn about the rich heritage" of Turkmenistan.