Turkmen Independence Day Parade

The President of Turkmenistan arrives on Independence Square at 10:00AM to the tune of the Presidential Fanfare. The president watches proceedings from the first-floor balcony of the Ceremony Field and Protocol Building, while diplomats and officials watch from below. The Minister of Defense first reports to the president on the status of the parade before heading to his white Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé inspection vehicle{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/node/8592|title=White Horse of Victory | Turkmenistan.ru|accessdate=29 May 2023}} while the parade commander (usually the Deputy Defense Minister or the Chief of the General Staff) gives the order to begin the review of the Ashgabat Garrison. The PC then gives his report on the parade's status to the minister before they both conduct a pass-in-review of the troops. While this happens, the troops sound a three-fold hurray until the minister finishes his/her inspection. After this is done, the national anthem of Turkmenistan is played by the massed bands of the Military Band Service of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and a combined choir. While this happens, a flag raising ceremony is also held on the square. The troops will then take an oath of allegiance to Turkmenistan, the Turkmen people, and the president.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/turkmenistan-marks-25-years-post-ussr-pomp-192617709.html|title=Turkmenistan marks 25 years post-USSR with pomp|agency=AFP|date=27 October 2016}}

The parade commander, following the pledge taking, then gives the command to commence the parade proper as the markers take their places. Once the parade is ordered to begin, the Color Guard of the Independent Honor Guard Battalion of the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan starts to march down the square, followed by the Corps of Drums of the Berdimuhamed Annayev 1st Specialized Military School{{Cite web|last=goşun|first=Milli|title=Deprekçiler batalýony – dabaraly harby ýörişiň bezegi|url=https://milligosun.gov.tm/habar/deprekciler-batalyony-dabaraly-harby-yorisin-bezegi-qbh6a9Kgu0|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Milli goşun|language=tk}} and the Military Institute of the Ministry of Defense, following by the units and formations of the Turkmen Ground Forces, Air Force, Naval Forces (Naval Institute and Marine Battalion{{Cite web|title=News|url=https://ashgabatairport.gov.tm/en/news-details/60|access-date=2020-12-28|website=ashgabatairport.gov.tm}}), Internal Troops, State Border Service, and the Ministry for National Security. While marching, the servicemen chant the phrase "the people, the homeland, and the great Supreme Commander-in-Chief!"{{Cite web|last=ntv.ru|title=Туркмения осваивается в новой эпохе|url=https://www.ntv.ru/novosti/119550/?fb|access-date=2020-12-21|website=НТВ|language=ru}} After this is done, vehicles are then paraded across the square with military aviation flying overhead. At the conclusion of the parade, a drill team from the Independent Honor Guard Battalion of the Ministry of Defence and the massed bands and corps of drums of the military band service perform an exhibition drill.{{Cite web | url=http://turkmenistan.gov.tm/_eng/?id=2872 | title=President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attends the celebrations in honour of the 22nd anniversary of independence | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814054742/http://turkmenistan.gov.tm/_eng/?id=2872 | archive-date=2017-08-14}} The military parade is followed by the mass procession of representatives of the five Regions of Turkmenistan (Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary), the capital of Ashgabat, as well as workers in various branches of Turkmenistan's economy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/17804.html|title=Turkmenistan celebrates Independence Day {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}}

Parades have been held annually since 1997:

• 1993 - It celebrated the 2nd anniversary of independence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/28039|title=День независимости в Туркменистане|date=1992-10-28|access-date=2017-12-25}} It was the first military parade to be held since the fall of the USSR. The parade took place on Makhtumkuli Avenue in Ashgabat and was commanded by Minister of Defence, Colonel General Dangatar Kopekov as well as Annamurat Soltanov.{{Cite web|url=http://ashgabad.net/stati/videoreportazhi/turkmenistan/parad-v-chest-2-oi-godovschiny-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana-v-1993-godu-video.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020638/http://ashgabad.net/stati/videoreportazhi/turkmenistan/parad-v-chest-2-oi-godovschiny-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana-v-1993-godu-video.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=26 December 2017|title=Парад в честь 2-ой годовщины Независимости Туркменистана в 1993 году (видео) — Ashgabad.net - новости Туркменистана|website=ashgabad.net|access-date=2017-12-18}} Ismail Khan was one of the dignitaries in attendance.
• 1997 - It celebrated the 6th anniversary of independence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jeremynichollarchive.com/image/I0000.DXNTwRbTLE|title=Turkmenistan President Dies | Jeremy Nicholl Photography|website=www.jeremynichollarchive.com|accessdate=29 May 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.net-film.ru/film-35330/|title = Сюжеты Военный парад в Ашхабаде и виды города. (1994 - 1997)}}
• 2001 - It celebrated the 10th anniversary of independence. It was the last event to be held out of the 10-day celebrations to be held earlier that week.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/1622397.stm|title=Eyewitness: Celebration amid chaos|date=26 October 2001}} A similar parade was also held on Day of Neutrality that December.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1347112.html|title = Turkmen Report: December 16, 2001}}
• 2003 - It celebrated the 12th anniversary of independence.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/node/2631|title=TURKMENISTAN MARKS 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}} The troops marched in new uniforms for the first time.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/node/2579|title=INDEPENDENCE DAY MILITARY PARADE PARTICIPANTS TO BE DRESSED IN NEW UNIFORM {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}}
• 2007 - It celebrated the 16th anniversary of independence. It was the first one for the newly elected president of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1079039.html|title=Turkmenistan Marks First Independence Day Without 'Turkmenbashi'|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=2017-09-16|last1=Pannier |first1=Bruce }} The parade featured a column of officers selected for their merit and a motor rifle battalion that excelled at the Galkan-2007 tactical exercise.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/node/6327|title=Military parade and festive demonstration dedicated to Turkmenistan's Independence Day held in Ashgabat {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}} It was also the first parade of cadets of the Military Academy of Turkmenistan.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/node/6163|title=Regular Security Council meeting held in Ashgabat | Turkmenistan.ru|accessdate=29 May 2023}}
• 2010 - It celebrated the 19th anniversary of independence. It also paid homage to the 65th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, with a rider in military uniform riding on the Akhal-Teke horse that descended from the horse used by Marshal Georgy Zhukov during a parade in 1945 being the first to appear on the square. The horse had led the Honor Guard Battalion on Red Square during the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade earlier that May. A civil defense contingent marched on the square for the first time.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/14298.html|title = Akhal-Teke stallion opened parade in honor of Independence Day of Turkmenistan | Turkmenistan.ru}}
• 2011 - It celebrated the 20th anniversary of independence.{{Citation|last=tm channel|title=парад в Ашхабаде 27 октября 2011.mp4|date=2011-10-28|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nqZaxHCSFuw|accessdate=2017-07-24}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/15546.html|title=Turkmenistan demonstrates fighting strength in Independence Day parade {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}} A separate parade was also held at Köpetdag Stadium on top of Independence Square. During the parade, President Berdimuhamedow was given the honorific title of Arkadag ("The Protector") for the first time.{{cite web | url=http://enews.fergananews.com/news.php?id=2003 | title=Fergana.site }} They were both commanded by Colonel Kairam Bairamov.{{fact|date=November 2024}}
• 2015 - It celebrated the 24th anniversary of independence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.btcic.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1665:president-gurbanguly-berdimuhamedov-attends-the-celebrations-in-honor-of-the-24th-anniversary-of-independence-of-turkmenistan&catid=1634&lang=en&Itemid=1200|title=President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Attends the Celebrations in Honor of the 24th Anniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan|website=www.btcic.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-08-14}} The parade was inspected by Defense Minister Yaylym Berdiyev.{{Citation|last=Хроника Туркменистана|title=Парад в Ашхабаде в честь 24й годовщины независимости|date=2015-10-28|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ptmqMqDWtSI|accessdate=2017-07-24}}
• 2016 - It celebrated the silver jubilee of independence.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/18160.html|title=25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence celebrated in Ashgabat with military parade and festive procession {{!}} Turkmenistan.ru|website=www.turkmenistan.ru|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}}{{Cite web|url=http://tdh.gov.tm/news/en/articles.aspx&article3072&cat26|title=President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov took part in celebrations in honour of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan Independence {{!}} TDH|website=tdh.gov.tm|access-date=2017-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.infoabad.com/novosti-turkmenistana/v-ashhabade-v-chest-dnja-nezavisimosti-proshli-voenyi-parad-i-torzhestvenoe-shestvie.html|title=В Ашхабаде в честь Дня независимости Туркменистана прошли военный парад и торжественное шествие - Новости Туркменистана|website=www.infoabad.com|access-date=2017-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://georgia.tmembassy.gov.tm/en/news/2360|title=President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the events on occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan|website=georgia.tmembassy.gov.tm|access-date=2017-08-23}} The President of Turkmenistan and Defense Minister Berdiyev both inspected the parade in white Mercedes while the troops chanted "Glory to Independent Turkmenistan!" as they both passed by. The parade also was commanded by the deputy defense minister, Colonel Shadurdi Durdiev.{{Cite web|url=http://tdh.gov.tm/news/articles.aspx&article3001&cat15|title=Приняв рапорт секретаря Государственного совета безопасности Туркменистана, министра обороны генерала-полковника Я.Бердиева, Президент Туркменистана, Верховный Главнокомандующий Вооруженными Силами страны генерал армии Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов совершил объезд войск, приветствуя парадные расчеты. Военнослужащие, в свою очередь, приветствуют Верховного Главнокомандующего.|accessdate=29 May 2023}} The parade demonstrated Chinese-made surface-to-air missile systems, and new unmanned air vehicles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/turkmenistan-shows-new-weapons/|title=Turkmenistan shows new weapons | Shephard|website=www.shephardmedia.com|accessdate=29 May 2023}}
• 2017 - It celebrated the 26th anniversary of independence.{{Cite web|url=https://turkmenportal.com/blog/12342/turkmenistan-prodemonstriroval-boevuyu-moshch-vooruzhennyh-sil|title=Туркменистан продемонстрировал боевую мощь Вооружённых Сил {{!}} Культура и общество|last=turkmenportal|website=turkmenportal.com|language=ru|access-date=2017-10-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://arzuw.news/7818/v-den-nezavisimosti-v-turkmenistane-sostoitsya-voennyy-parad.html|title=В День Независимости в Туркменистане состоится военный парад|website=arzuw.news|language=ru|access-date=2017-10-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://tdh.gov.tm/news/articles.aspx&article9824&cat15|title=Президент Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов принял участие в торжествах в честь 26-й годовщины независимости {{!}} TDH|website=tdh.gov.tm|access-date=2017-10-30}} The newest infantry fighting vehicles, such as self-propelled artillery towed guns, surface-to-air missiles and reactive artillery complexes BM-21 Grad and Orbiter 3B vehicles were participants in the parade for the first time.{{Cite web|url=https://turkmenportal.com/blog/12339/v-turkmenistane-sostoyalsya-voennyi-parad-v-chest-dnya-nezavisimosti|title=В Туркменистане состоялся военный парад в честь Дня независимости {{!}} Культура и общество|last=turkmenportal|website=turkmenportal.com|language=ru|access-date=2017-10-28}} The parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ayazov.{{Cite web|url=https://sng.today/ashkhabad/7896-v-turkmenistane-sostoyalsya-voennyy-parad-v-chest-27-letiya-nezavisimosti-foto.html|title = В Туркменистане состоялся военный парад в честь 27-летия независимости (ФОТО)}}
• 2018 - It celebrated the 27th anniversary of independence. It was the first parade held since independence day was moved to 27 September.{{Cite web|url=https://turkmenportal.com/blog/15924/v-chest-dnya-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana--voennosluzhashchim-i-sotrudnikam-silovyh-struktur-vrucheny-nagrady-i-prisvoeny-zvaniya-i-klassnye|title = В честь Дня независимости Туркменистана военнослужащим и сотрудникам силовых структур вручены награды и присвоены звания и классные чины | Политика| date=30 June 2023 }} It marked the introduction of "Halk, Watan, Serkerdebashi" (People, Motherland, Commander-in-Chief) slogan during the parade festivities, reminiscent of the former "People, Homeland, Turkmenbashi" slogan.{{cite web | url=https://www.azathabar.com/a/29512964.html | title=Türkmenistan sentýabra geçirilen Garaşsyzlyk baýramynda "Halk, Watan, Serkerdebaşy" şygaryny dolanyşyga girizdi }}
• 2019 - It celebrated the 28th anniversary of independence. It was the first parade in which female siblings (Captains Shirin and Aknabat Velikurbanov) took part in the parade as part of the same contingent.{{Cite web|url=https://milligosun.gov.tm/habar/yhlasly-zenan-harby-gullukcylarymyz-dabaraly-harby-yorisde-JBoBBTDNzt|title = Yhlasly zenan harby gullukçylarymyz dabaraly harby ýörişde}} The contingent in question was led by Major Nabat Nurgeldyeva, who was in her 16th parade. Dowamly, a horse that was born in 2017 and presented to President Berdimuhamedow, was shown at the parade for the first time.{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/business/economy/3124850.html|title = Turkmenistan holds military parade in honor of Independence Day (PHOTO)|date = 27 September 2019}}
• 2020 - It celebrated the 29th anniversary of independence. President Berdimuhamedow was expected to receive the parade on the new grandstand, which was built by the French company Bouygues. It was scheduled to be completed in August, however in April construction work were suspended due to COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://turkmenportal.com/blog/30759/v-ashhabade-proshel-parad-vooruzhennyh-sil-turkmenistana|title=В Ашхабаде прошёл парад вооружённых сил Туркменистана | Общество|date=4 May 2023|website=Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане|accessdate=29 May 2023}} Because of the pandemic, the parade was the only event held on 27 September.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hronikatm.com/2020/09/independence-day-2/|title = Празднование Дня независимости ограничится парадом|date = 7 September 2020}} Some streets of Ashgabat were fully or partially closed in connection with the rehearsals of the military parade on 18 September.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hronikatm.com/2020/09/parade-roadblocks/|title = Из-за репетиции парада в Ашхабаде перекрыли ряд улиц|date = 18 September 2020}}{{Cite web|url=http://asiatv.kg/2020/09/21/%d0%b2-%d1%82%d1%83%d1%80%d0%ba%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b5-%d0%b3%d0%be%d1%82%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%8f%d1%82%d1%81%d1%8f-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%bc%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%b8%d1%82%d1%8c-%d0%b4/|title=В Туркменистане готовятся отметить День независимости парадом — АЗИЯ ТВ|date=21 September 2020|accessdate=29 May 2023}}
• 2021 - The parade of 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of national independence.{{Cite web|url=https://sng.today/ashkhabad/18612-berdymuhamedov-odobril-porjadok-provedenija-jubilejnogo-voennogo-parada-v-ashhabade.html|title = Бердымухамедов одобрил порядок проведения юбилейного военного парада в Ашхабаде}} In preparation for the jubilee, Berdimuhamedow in September 2020 ordered the start of preliminary parade designs, saying that the "jubilee military parade should reflect the achievements of our country and the patriotic spirit of the people".{{Cite web|url=https://turkmenportal.com/blog/28100/v-ashhabade-v-chest-prazdnovaniya-30letiya-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana-sostoitsya-voennyi-parad|title=В Ашхабаде в честь празднования 30-летия независимости Туркменистана состоится военный парад | Политика|date=4 May 2023|website=Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане|accessdate=29 May 2023}} As a result of these designs, the parade took place on a square in the southern outskirts of Ashgabat, with a grandstand being installed on the square eleven days prior. Unlike previous years, Berdimuhamedov received a report from the Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan, Lieutenant General Çarymyrat Amanow. Turkish-made Baykar Bayraktar TB2 drones were shown off for the first time at the parade.{{cite web | url=https://ria.ru/20210927/bespilotniki-1751996811.html | title=В Туркмении впервые показали турецкие ударные беспилотники Bayraktar TB2 - РИА Новости, 27.09.2021 }} A virtual procession of naval ships passing in the port in the Caspian Sea also took place.{{cite web | url=https://www.hronikatm.com/2021/09/30-independence-parade/ | title=Гурбангулы Бердымухамедов принял парад в честь юбилея Дня независимости | date=28 September 2021 }} After the military parade, the president was presented with a horse named Garashsyz (Independent) from members of the government.{{cite web | url=https://www.turkmenistan.ru/ru/articles/45852.html | title=В Ашхабаде состоялись военный парад и демонстрация экономических достижений в честь Дня независимости Туркменистана | Интернет-газета Turkmenistan.Ru }} The President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the Director General of KAMAZ Sergey Kogogin were in attendance.{{cite web | url=https://www.tatar-inform.ru/news/berdymuxamedov-vrucil-minnixanovu-orden-turkmenistana-garassyzlyk-5837710 | title=Бердымухамедов вручил Минниханову орден Туркменистана Garaşsyzlyk }}{{cite web | url=https://www.tatar-inform.ru/news/minnixanov-i-kogogin-stali-gostyami-parada-v-cest-30-letiya-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana-5837811 | title=Минниханов и Когогин стали гостями парада в честь 30-летия независимости Туркменистана }}
• 2022 - The 31st anniversary parade was the first under the newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow.{{Cite web |title=The head of the state took part in the events on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan |url=https://tdh.gov.tm/en/post/33059/head-state-took-part-events-occasion-31st-anniversary-independence-turkmenistan |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=tdh.gov.tm}}

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo.jpg| BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (200).jpg|Mounted Army Cavalary

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (215).jpg|Mass demonstrations

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (11).jpg|An inspection of troops

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (110).jpg|A soldier during the exhibition drill

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (24).jpg|Air force soldiers

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (309).jpg|An aviation float

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (117).jpg|Massed bands

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (5).jpg|The entire parade with the Ruhyýet Palace in the background

File:Independence Day Parade - Flickr - Kerri-Jo (32).jpg|Ground Forces

• Independence Day (Turkmenistan)
• Armed Forces of Turkmenistan

• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=473xmdqnsx4 Turkmenistan Military Parade, 27 October 2014]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CNn1zp5VvZw Türkmenistan'da 'Bağımsızlık Bayramı']
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIPsZ3nEa3c?t=474 Turkmenistan Military Parade, 27 September 2021 - Watan Habalary]

{{reflist|30em}}

Category:Military parades

Category:Military of Turkmenistan

Category:October observances

Category:Events in Turkmenistan