The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about traditional holidays and festivities in their countries. This gives us the opportunity to share the voices of and learn from those who have experienced things that many of us have not. – Ed.

Can you share some traditional holidays that you celebrate in your country?
In Turkmenistan, we celebrate a traditional holiday called Nowruz. This is a very special holiday because people celebrate it to welcome spring, and its abundance gives hope for a bountiful agricultural season. During the celebration, people cook a variety of delicious foods, visit their neighbors, and share sweets with one another.

What foods or dishes are commonly prepared during Nowruz?
We usually cook sumalak, a sweet porridge made from wheat. It originally comes from Turkish cuisine, and its name means “swollen wheat” in an old Turkic language. Women gather together to enjoy the process of making the dish. To make it, you have to put the wheat in water until it begins to sprout. It turns into a paste when mixed with some water, oil, and flour.

How do communities in your country come together to celebrate Nowruz?
During Nowruz, concerts and performances are held in open areas. Dance troupes, especially groups of young people, perform traditional dances like kushtdepdi. Also, as part of the festival, giant swings, large enough to hold 10 to 15 people, are set up for everyone to swing together. This tradition symbolizes the unity of the people and the shared joy of the celebration.

By Antiquando Daniela, Reporter