Orinda Receives Sister City Invitation from Serdar, Turkmenistan

Source: Serdar Chamber of commerce: “Serdar in the Spring”

Orinda, CA – In a surprising turn of events, the city of Orinda is exploring the possibility of establishing a sister city relationship with Serdar, Turkmenistan. The initiative began when an individual, claiming to be the mayor of Serdar, reached out to Orinda's mayor's office proposing the partnership.

A man claiming to be Serdar's Mayor, Trdev Ibragimo, has invited an Orinda delegation to visit "as soon as possible to cement the deal." The prospect of this partnership has sparked considerable excitement among Orinda's residents, who are keen on the cultural and educational opportunities such a relationship would provide. However, there is also a measure of concern, particularly regarding the timing of these discussions, which coincide with the busy pre-4th of July parade planning period in Orinda.

While the agreement has not yet been formally ratified, this budding relationship promises Orinda VIP access to some of Serdar's most notable attractions. These include its newly constructed water treatment plant, a modern two-lane traffic circle, and the intriguingly named Museum of Indentured Servitude. This museum is particularly noteworthy as it claims to exhibit the ancient origins of indentured servitude and forced labor practices, showcasing how these methods evolved over the centuries in Serdar. For example, the first documented use of a cat-o'-nine-tails whip was in Serdar, in 1221 BC.

Some in the community are not excited. “I understand that it has substantial petroleum reserves, but I think that we could have done better. Face it, it's the worst of all the ‘stans,’” stated Bill Jumper. “I’m not even sure that it is on the maps that they use in school. Is it a new country?” asked Gladis Day, age 82. Local Representative Mark Andrews tried to calm the community’s fears by saying, “I say we start with Serdar and see if we can do better in a couple of years. I don’t know if we have a lot of choices. A lot of the better sister cities are taken.” Many in the community feel that this is reminiscent of Cal and Stanford being forced to join the ACC. “I don’t know if this community is ready for another disappointment,” stated Clive Daltman. Many in Orinda are questioning how Moraga was able to secure Vienna, Austria, as a sister city. “We should have done better. I hope this does not dampen the enthusiasm for the 4th of July parade. It’s a big deal in Orinda,” continued Daltman.

Community members are curious about the potential benefits and logistical challenges of linking with Serdar, a city known for its recent urban developments rather than its historical or tourist attractions. As the dialogue between the two cities continues, Orinda's officials are weighing the cultural, economic, and diplomatic implications of such a partnership, ensuring it aligns with the community's interests and values.

The city council plans to hold a series of discussions and community forums to gather public opinion and address any concerns about the sister city proposal before moving forward. As Orinda looks to expand its international ties, this potential partnership with Serdar might pave the way for enriched global engagement and mutual learning.