Novruz Bayram was celebrated at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Traditionally, every year the peoples of the East celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new life cycle – Novruz. Today, on March 27, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno also joined the celebration of this "warm" holiday by holding the IX Open Festival "Novruz Bayram".

The celebration started in the morning. An interactive platform "Oriental Bazaar" was held on the first floor of the main building. The foreign students prepared for everyone the wisdom of the East, national treats, as well as the presentation "Novruz of different years", in which they told the history of the festival.

Then the Kaleidoscope of Creativity exhibition was waiting for the participants. After bright welcoming creative performances, Iryna Kiturka, Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, addressed all those present.

– This is the ninth time we have held this holiday, and we are very happy and thank you for bringing your family traditions to our country. And we honestly say that we really want you to take a piece of Belarus in your heart when you leave. And thanks to you, a piece of your countries will forever remain with us and at our university," Iryna Kiturka noted.

After the welcoming words, the Kupala residents immediately plunged into the atmosphere of the holiday. The participants had the opportunity to taste the national dishes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan – traditional pilaf with meat, dolma, baklava, samsa, manti, chak-chak, pastries, as well as traditional Chinese noodles, shanezhki and pancakes with honey.

Then the students from Turkmenistan demonstrated their national dance "Bilezik" to all those present.

A colorful part of the fair was an exhibition of costumes of Turkmenistan and a presentation of the country's wedding tradition. Through bright fabrics and traditional embroidery, international students immersed the participants of the celebration even more into their culture and introduced them to the main rituals and rituals of traditional marriage, and even vividly demonstrated them.

After tasting delicious foreign treats and exploring the culture, a dance flash mob awaited the guests of the holiday. At the Universum gallery, everyone could indulge in the incendiary rhythms of music and dance Turkmen and Uzbek dances.

The culmination of the celebration was a large-scale concert. Addressing the participants of the holiday again, Iryna Kiturka emphasized that Novruz truly united the hearts of Kupala residents.

– I am so glad and so proud that there are many international students at our university, and your culture enriches us. Your opportunity to study in our country, and our opportunity to touch your traditions, your holiday, is such a mutual enrichment that money cannot buy. It can only be when it's all from the heart," Iryna Kiturka noted.

Iryna Kiturka also wished everyone a pleasant concert and made sure once again that students at Kupala University identify, unleash and realize their potential. The concert filled everyone present with unforgettable emotions. National dances, songs and incendiary modern performances inflamed the hearts of the audience, filling them with the spirit of festive unity.

Novruz Bayram at YKSUG has once again become a celebration of unity not only of the peoples of the East, but also of all representatives of other countries studying at the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, showing that friendship of peoples knows no borders at our Alma mater.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly visited Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On March 26, a delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly arrived at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The purpose of the visit was to meet with the university's management and international students.

The visit of the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly began with a warm and cordial welcome. Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Iryna Kiturka welcomed the members of the delegation, and students from Turkmenistan created a special national flavor and a homely atmosphere. According to the tradition of their homeland, Kupala residents greeted the honored guests with a national dish – chorek. Charged with positive energy, the participants of the visit went to the hall for an open dialogue.

Iryna Kiturka, Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, addressed the participants of the meeting with a welcoming speech.

– Today we have the great honor to receive at our university the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, headed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly. We are grateful to you, dear Mr. Ambassador, for your attention to our university, for caring for students, and for your assistance in establishing and strengthening cooperation with institutions of higher education in Turkmenistan! – Iryna Kiturka emphasized. – Today's visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly, is not the first. This is the fifth visit to our university, and our solemn event today is dedicated to an important topic – familiarization with the motto of Turkmenistan in 2026 – "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses" and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's state independence.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly addressed the participants of the meeting.

– I have been maintaining friendly relations with your educational institution for a long time. We will divide our meeting today into two stages. We will introduce you to the events held in Turkmenistan, and the second stage will be a friendly conversation with our citizens studying at the university. If anyone has any questions or difficulties, we will look for ways to resolve them with the leadership of the educational institution," Shakuliyev Nazarkuly said.

In his address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly touched upon the historical and cultural aspects of cooperation between our countries. Special attention was paid in the speech to the common history of the peoples of the USSR, in which brotherhood and mutual assistance were tempered. Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly noted that in 2026 Turkmenistan celebrates a landmark date – the 35th anniversary of its independence, the path of which was marked by the desire for peace and progress. Ambassador Shakuliyev Nazarkuly stressed that a neutral policy allows the country to be a reliable partner and peacemaker, and also expressed the hope that the younger generation of both countries will respect the rich cultural heritage of the post-Soviet countries, preserving and enhancing the traditions of friendship that have bound our peoples for many years.

During the meeting, a book was presented, which was given by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, "Turkmenistan's neutrality is a bright path of peace and trust". The book is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality.

"Last year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status, and our esteemed President gave us a gift – a book," Shakuliyev Nazarkuly shared. – For the Turkmen people, neutrality is a natural continuation of our history, culture, spirituality, and national character. The main condition for the strength and prosperity of the previously existing Turkmen states, as well as the basis for the prosperity and well-being of the entire nation, was the Turkmen mentality. Broad openness to the world, willingness to cooperate, natural peacefulness, tolerance and respect for other people's opinions – all these features, formed over several millennia, form the essence of the national mentality of the Turkmen.

After Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly speech, Rector Iryna Kiturka noted the similarity in the mentality of the Belarusian and Turkmen peoples.

The First Secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus Achylov Myratkhan spoke about the strategy of Turkmenistan's motto in 2026 – "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses."

– The policy of open doors and broad international cooperation, successfully implemented under the leadership of respected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, under the motto of 2026 "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the birthplace of purposeful winged horses," is vividly reflected in the multifaceted events conducted by the Ministry and departments of the country. The ongoing political consultations, business negotiations in a unilateral and multilateral format, and international forums attest to the growing authority of the Motherland on the world stage," Achylov Myratkhan emphasized. – The symbolism of the current motto is determined not only by the historical commitment of the people to their roots, but also by the objective realities of our time. The name of the year is a direct projection of the high rates that were set in 2025 as part of the implementation of government programs.

At the meeting, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly once again reminded the Kupala residents about the rules of residence in the country, as well as the need to comply with them. In addition, everyone was able to ask questions. The students were interested in organizing trips to their homeland during the holidays, the possibility of participating in an inclusive study abroad program, money transfers, and many others.

The meeting ended with a performance by students from Turkmenistan with creative performances. In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly read his own poetic work, which is dedicated to his Homeland, Turkmenistan.

Further, the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly, conducted a sightseeing tour of the university and the city of Grodno.

Elizaveta Uzlova and Anastasia Sakovich, teachers of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology, have started implementing a Joint educational program in China

On March 16, Elizaveta Uzlova, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, and Anastasia Sakovich, Associate Professor of the Department of Systems Biology, began teaching courses as part of the experimental Joint educational program "Biology 4+0" at the Qilu Pedagogical University of the People's Republic of China.

The program will last almost three weeks, during which Anastasia Sakovich and Elizaveta Uzlova will conduct both lectures and laboratory classes in the disciplines of "Research Methods in Botany" and "Inorganic Chemistry".

Anastasia Sakovich, Associate Professor of the Department of Systems Biology, shared her emotions about the experimental joint educational program in China.

– The first day of classes went very well. I would especially like to note that Chinese students are very active – they are interested in learning. The training here is modern and technological: there are always assistants in our classes, and lectures are recorded because assistants will teach classes for us. I managed to surprise my colleagues: when we were talking about biodiversity, I showed them how to identify plants on campus. For people who usually use digital applications, this was a real surprise and a good confirmation of our knowledge and skills," Anastasia Sakovich emphasized.

Also, as part of the tour of the Qilu Pedagogical University campus, teachers of the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took a tour not only of the educational laboratories, but also of the historical gallery. In addition, the Vice Governor of Shandong Province visited Qilu Pedagogical University.

For reference: courses within the framework of the experimental joint educational program "Biology 4+0" at the Qilu Pedagogical University of the People's Republic of China involve the preparation of bachelors in a joint educational program in the specialty "Biology" 4+0". The term of education is 4 years. During the training, teachers of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will spend at least 30% of academic subjects and study hours; provide teaching of basic and professional disciplines in accordance with the requirements of the "four requirements of one third" of the Ministry of Education of China. They will organize and conduct the final certification of students, including the state exam and the defense of the thesis project work.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno hosted a series of meetings with Oksana Isaenkova, Doctor of Law, Professor from Russia

On March 2-6, the Head of the Department of Civil Procedure of the Saratov State Law Academy, Doctor of Law, Professor Oksana Isaenkova visited Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The program of the meeting included training sessions and scientific and methodological events.

During her visit, Oksana Isaenkova gave lectures on "Civil Procedure" and "Economic Process" for 2nd and 3rd year students of the specialties "International Law", "Jurisprudence" and "Economic Law". In her classes, she touched upon the issues of evidence and proof, spoke about the remedies for claims, international civil procedure and its principles, as well as participants in civil proceedings. Oksana Isaenkova, a professor from Russia, also conducted classes for international students and undergraduates.

Oksana Isaenkova also met with the teaching staff of the Faculty of Law. For them, she held consultations on the organization of the educational process using information and communication technologies.

Oksana Isaenkova also held a consultation on conducting dissertation research and using their results in the educational process. Her extensive experience in scientific leadership of graduate students, doctoral students and applicants and her long-term work as the head of the dissertation Defense Council at the Saratov State Law Academy allowed graduate students and doctoral students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno to gain valuable knowledge and advice that will help them write scientific papers.

Oksana Isaenkova’s visit became a significant event in the cooperation between the two universities. The meeting not only allowed students and teachers of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno to gain new experience, but also further strengthened friendly relations between the universities.

For reference: The meeting with Oksana Isaenkova took place within the framework of the Visiting Professor program and the cooperation agreement between Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and the Saratov State Law Academy. For 11 years, a joint international scientific and practical conference of young scientists, graduate students, undergraduates and undergraduates has been held on the platform of the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Scientists from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Saratov State Law Academy also have joint publications.