Magtymguly Fragi: A bridge between Korea and Central Asia
My personal connection with Central Asian countries —Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan — began in the early 1990s through my involvement in the international raw cotton trade. At the time, the Korean Kabul Spinning Company had established a joint venture, Kabul Uzbekistan, which played a pivotal role in revitalizing the region’s textile industry. I was engaged in sourcing cotton and promoting Central Asian cotton in global markets through my Paris-based principal cotton merchant.
In 1996, I had the privilege of visiting Uzbekistan at the invitation of the Korean Kabul Spinning Company to attend the inauguration ceremony of Kabul Uzbekistan. During that visit, I also met several Turkmen professionals involved in the textile trade. These encounters deepened my appreciation for regional cooperation and the shared industrial aspirations of Korea and Central Asia.
In recent years, a growing number of people from Central Asian countries have come to work in cities across Korea. They have integrated well and now live in harmony with local communities. Their presence has enriched Korea’s multicultural landscape and fostered a deeper mutual understanding between Koreans and Central Asians.
Whenever I think of Turkmenistan, the name Magtymguly Fragi (1724-1807) comes to mind. He was a revered poet and philosopher whose literary works continue to inspire generations across Central Asia. His legacy represents the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Turkmenistan and reminds us of the region’s profound contributions to world literature and thought.
Magtymguly is not the only notable poet of the Turkmen people, but he has become a universal figure, beloved far beyond his homeland. His poems resonate with themes of humanism, patriotism, unity and moral integrity and have become a wellspring of wisdom, serving as a model for poets, scholars and readers around the world.
In 2024, Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi’s birth. This milestone was recognized by UNESCO and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), which designated 2024 "The Year of the Great Poet and Thinker of the Turkic World – Magtymguly Fragi." TURKSOY is a multilateral cultural organization established by Turkic-speaking countries to promote their shared heritage, underscoring Fragi’s broad cultural resonance.
Under the theme "The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi," these commemorations aim to promote the values embodied in Fragi’s work: peace, justice, unity and humanism. These universal ideals transcend national and cultural boundaries and foster a spirit of global solidarity in the face of today’s challenges.
Events included international conferences, exhibitions, literary readings, musical performances and diplomatic initiatives. A highlight was the inauguration of the Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park in southern Ashgabat, as well as the issuance of a commemorative medal honoring Fragi's literary legacy as a seasoned poet whose words live not only in books but also in hearts.
His works express a longing for statehood, national unity and a deep devotion to his homeland. More than poetic verse, his writings serve as a call to action to pursue education, uphold moral values and dedicate oneself to serving the nation and humanity.
Through the lens of Fragi’s legacy, Turkmenistan has embraced this moment not only to reflect on its rich literary tradition but also to reaffirm its commitment to peace and international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Turkmen professionals I met decades ago in Uzbekistan left a lasting impression that continues to resonate through this celebration of culture, wisdom and shared human values.
I sincerely hope that Magtymguly Fragi’s literary works will soon be translated into Korean, sparking greater interest among Korean readers and further deepening mutual understanding between Korea and Central Asia.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.