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January 27 1992· State day
Defenders of the Fatherland Day
The anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.
On 27 January 1992 the Armed Forces of independent Turkmenistan were established, as the military units on the country's territory came under the national state. The date is celebrated in Turkmenistan as Defenders of the Fatherland Day.
Turkmenistan is a permanently neutral state and its military doctrine is purely defensive. The army serves to protect the country's borders, peace and stability; the Turkmen people's ancient warrior traditions and the famous Akhal-Teke horses are among its symbols.
How it is marked
Military units hold ceremonies, band concerts and sports competitions, and distinguished servicemen receive awards. Flowers are laid at the People's Memory memorial complex in Ashgabat.
Video
Photos
Military parade in Ashgabat · Kerri-Jo Stewart from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 
Parade of the Turkmen army · Kerri-Jo Stewart from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 
Servicemen at the parade · Kerri-Jo Stewart from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 
Military vehicles at the parade · Kerri-Jo Stewart from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 
Ceremonial march in Ashgabat · Kerri-Jo Stewart from Vancouver, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 
Eternal Glory monument at the People's Memory complex · Presidential Press and Information Office of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Turkmenistan: other days
- January 1New Year's Day
- March 8International Women's Day
- March 21National Spring Festival (Nowruz)
- AprilTurkmen Horse Day
- May 9Victory Day
- May 18Constitution and State Flag Day
- May 25Ashgabat City Day
- MayTurkmen Carpet Day
- June 27Day of Culture Workers and Magtymguly Pyragy's Poetry
- September 27Independence Day
- October 3Founding of the Organization of Turkic States
- October 6Remembrance Day (1948 earthquake)
- NovemberHarvest Day
- December 12Neutrality Day
- December 21Memorial Day of the First President S. A. Niyazov
- 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar — the feast of the Hajj pilgrimage; moves about 11 days earlier each yearEid al-Adha
- 1 Shawwal in the Islamic calendar — the end of the Ramadan fast; moves about 11 days earlier each yearEid al-Fitr