Information
The waters of Koytendag: natural springs and their role in the valley
17.01.2026Koytendag has preserved many natural springs, rivers, waterfalls and lakes that are important to local residents and tourists. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The springs feed the Koytenderya River, which flows through a fertile valley. Some springs bubble up in spring during the snowmelt, but dry up by summer. The Aksuw spring near the village of Koyten is famous for its clean water. In the Umbar-dere gorge, tourists are attracted by a waterfall associated with the legend of the Umbar tribal hero. The stream with the Summul waterfall in the Hojagarawul gorge preserves the memory of life in mountain settlements. The small springs of Bash Bulak and Murze Bedil Ata form the Koytenderya River, once a right tributary of the Amu Darya, collecting water from other springs and supplying the fields of the valley. Daray-dere, the longest gorge in the region (29 km), begins at an altitude of about 3,000 metres. At its bottom flows a stream with ten waterfalls, which the locals use for irrigation, reinforcing the bed with clay. At an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, there is a spring that feeds the garden of the village of Gurshun magdanly with more than 2,000 fruit trees. Of particular value is the Chilon-Ata unabi grove, which is cool even in the heat and has crystal-clear springs, including a hydrogen sulphide spring. The Gul-gul spring provides water to Koyten, and the spring opposite the unabi grove created the Aygyr Kel reservoir, which supplies drinking water to residents and a local enterprise. In winter, these springs fill Lake Kete-Kol, and in summer and autumn, they are used for irrigation.
UNICEF has published the results of its ‘Generation 2050’ study on Turkmenistan
16.01.2026UNICEF in Turkmenistan presented a regional report entitled ‘Generation 2050 in Central Asia’ and a special supplement on the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis and social sectors participated in the discussion, considering how investments in children can contribute to long-term development. The document contains a Roadmap for utilising the country's demographic potential until 2050. The study shows that a focus on quality education, healthcare and social protection could increase economic growth by 9% by 2050, as well as prepare future generations for global challenges, including climate change and economic transformation.
Scientists note changes in snow conditions in the mountains of Turkmenistan
16.01.2026Glaciers and snow cover in Central Asia are shrinking due to global warming. The rise in average annual temperatures is leading to a reduction in snow cover in mountainous areas. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The state of glacier and snow systems directly affects the water balance of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, transboundary rivers that provide water resources and economic development for millions of residents of five countries in the region. The Kopetdag and Koytendag mountain ranges are located in Turkmenistan. There are no large glaciers here, but seasonal snow cover plays an important role in shaping the local climate and hydrological regime. Kopetdag, stretching along the south-western border of the country, is characterised by high biodiversity. It is home to snow leopards, argali and urial. The vegetation cover of the mountains protects the soil from erosion and regulates meltwater runoff. In Koytendag, seasonal snow cover lasts until May and influences the formation of permanent and temporary watercourses. This region is the only habitat in Turkmenistan for the markhor, a species of goat. Snow cover is also characteristic of the Greater and Lesser Balkan Mountains, where plant species grow, including those listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. Scientists are recording changes in the timing of snowfall and melting, as well as shifts in the seasons. These processes are reflected in the state of the country's ecosystems and landscapes. In this regard, Turkmenistan is stepping up its monitoring of snow cover and mountain ecosystems. Research is focused on assessing the consequences of climate change and developing long-term adaptation measures.
Turkmenistan expands research into salt-tolerant flora
13.01.2026Halophytes, plants adapted to life in saline soils and salt water, are widespread in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. These species differ in appearance and survival strategies: from creeping forms to vertically growing ones capable of maintaining water-salt balance. In conditions of salinisation, which accelerates desertification, halophytes become important for ecology and agriculture. There are up to 2,500 known species of halophytes in the world, with around 760 in Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, they grow on the Caspian coast and saline plains, forming a food base. Against the backdrop of climate change and freshwater shortages, their study is becoming particularly important for the restoration of degraded lands.
‘Türkmentelekom’ has implemented backup for virtual machines
13.01.2026The telecommunications company ‘Türkmentelekom’ has introduced a backup function for virtual machines. The new service allows users to save data and increase the fault tolerance of digital projects, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Backup management is fully automated and available in your personal account at os.telecom.tm. In the ‘Machines’ section, users can create a backup copy of the selected virtual machine. The system also allows you to restore the current resource or deploy a new virtual machine based on the saved archive. To link a domain to the control panel, an official letter must be sent to the subscriber department on behalf of the hosting and domain owner. After confirmation of rights, the connection is made by technical specialists. ‘Türkmentelekom’ notes that the introduction of backups is aimed at improving the reliability of cloud services and protecting user data. The innovation has been implemented as part of the development of the company's telecommunications infrastructure and digital services.
Paryzdepe reveals the secrets of millennia: ancient artefacts of Turkmenistan
09.01.2026In the Ahal velayat, the results of the 2025 field season at the Paryzdepe site have been summarised. Archaeologists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have discovered artefacts of exceptional historical value here, exploring cultural layers to a depth of nine metres, according to IIC. At the level of the 18th archaeological tier, layers from the Eneolithic period (5th-4th millennium BC) were identified, confirming that the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains were one of the oldest centres of human civilisation with a developed culture and way of life. Among the finds, a ceramic vessel of the Anau culture with geometric ornamentation occupies a special place, impressing with its artistic perfection and preserving a connection with contemporary Turkmen art. A clay spindle whorl was also discovered, evidence of a developed weaving craft, complementing data on cattle breeding and textile production in the fifth millennium BC. Excavations at Paryzdepe continue, revealing new pages in the history of Turkmenistan. Each artefact helps to understand the formation of national identity and cultural heritage, and the results of the research will form the basis for new academic publications confirming the importance of Turkmenistan as the historical centre of the Great Silk Road.
New plant species added to Turkmenistan's flora register
07.01.2026The global botanical community has officially recognised a new plant species discovered in the Lesser Balkan and Karakum Desert regions. The species in question is Astragalus rustamovii. The description of the species has been published in the annual journal ‘Novosti Sistematiki Vysshikh Rastenii’ by the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, according to IIC. The new species is the result of many years of research by Turkmen botanist and systematist Alexander Pavlenko and Professor Alexei Laktionov of Astrakhan State University. The plant is endemic and does not occur in nature outside Turkmenistan. The species is named after geobotanist Inklab Rustamov, a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This unusual plant was first recorded in 2016 during field research. To confirm its independent species status, scientists studied herbarium collections from leading scientific centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tashkent, Berlin and Brno, including materials from the 19th century. Comparative analysis showed that Rustamov's astragalus differs in a number of stable morphological characteristics, including the ratio of leaf and flower stalk sizes, as well as the shape of the petals, which allows it to be distinguished from closely related species. The discovery confirms the high biological value of the foothills of the Lesser Balkan and Western Kopetdag. Rustamov's astragalus is included in the international flora register.
The new issue of ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’ is dedicated to the key events of December
06.01.2026The latest issue of the electronic magazine ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published by the Central Council of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly, has been presented to readers. The issue focuses on key events in the country's social and political life in December 2025, reports TDH. The issue opens with an article entitled ‘Täze eser – ýaşlar üçin belent serpaý’ (A new work – a bright future for young people), dedicated to the release of a new book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust). The publication reveals its significance for young people and society as a whole. The issue also features materials on the International Forum for Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, the Ashgabat Declaration and broad international support for the country's peace initiatives. A separate section of the magazine is devoted to gender equality issues. The article ‘Gender deňliginiň bähbidine halkara dialog’ (International dialogue on gender equality) tells about the International Conference held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone and the topical issues discussed there. The pride of Turkmen youth in the motto of the coming year is reflected in the article ‘Bedew batly, at-myratly şanly ýyl’ (A Glorious year with Purposeful Winged Horses). The significance of the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, as well as the meeting held at the Mekan Palace on the initiative of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, is revealed in the publication ‘Parahatçylyk – ýaşaýşyň tugy’ (Peace is the banner of life). The topic of neutrality is developed in the article ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň hukuk esaslary’ (The Legal Foundations of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality), which is devoted to its legal basis. The issue also includes materials and speeches by young activists who have been awarded high state honours. The issue concludes with the article ‘Şanly ýylda parlan ýyldyz’ (A Star That Shone in a Glorious Year), which presents information about the winner of the 2025 ‘Ýylyň parlak ýyldyzy’ (‘The Star of the Year’) competition.
Turkmenistan strengthens rational use of natural resources
05.01.2026Environmental safety is one of the key priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy. The country's legislation is aimed at protecting nature, preserving biodiversity and ensuring the rational use of natural resources, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan has developed a National Strategy to Combat Climate Change and a National Forest Programme, and has adopted laws on radiation and chemical safety, water, plant, flora and fauna protection, waste, protected areas, environmental auditing and information, as well as updated Forest and Water Codes. These measures strengthen the legal and organisational framework for nature conservation and promote the rational use of resources. The country actively cooperates with the UN and other international organisations, implementing dozens of programmes and projects in partnership with the Global Environment Facility, FAO, the UN Development Programme and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Public organisations, including the Nature Conservation Society of Turkmenistan, conduct educational work and support state policy in the field of ecology. The main goal of the policy is to preserve natural resources, prevent their degradation and pollution, ensure the environmental safety of people and meet the needs of future generations. Economic reforms create conditions for solving long-term environmental problems and improving the quality of life of the population.
The first child of 2026 has been registered in Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The first baby of the New Year was born in Ashgabat on 1 January 2026. The boy was born at the capital's Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health, according to IIC. The joyful event took place in the family of Emir Gayipov and Sheker Begenjova. The birth of the first citizen of Turkmenistan in a year that goes by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ is symbolic. The newborn was named Atamyrat. According to medical staff, the baby's condition is satisfactory. He weighed 3 kilograms 1 gram and was 48 centimetres tall. The mother and child are under the constant supervision of qualified specialists at the centre. In connection with this significant event, the family of the newborn was presented with valuable gifts on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Charitable Foundation for the Support of Children in Need of Care.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan summarised the results of the partnership in 2025
01.01.2026The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, summarised the results of cooperation between the UN and the country in 2025. He noted that the interaction remains strategic and is aimed at achieving concrete results for the population. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 2025 was a special year: The International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN highlighted the importance of joint efforts for sustainable development. Turkmenistan successfully hosted the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, demonstrating leadership in regional cooperation. Throughout the year, the UN supported Turkmenistan in developing national plans on human rights, gender equality and early childhood development, implementing reforms in the digital economy, energy efficiency and combating human trafficking, as well as in establishing a department for women's and children's rights and organising inclusive events. The digital transformation of the economy, trade facilitation, the introduction of electronic solutions for rail transport and preparations for the regional economic forum were actively promoted, contributing to sustainable economic growth and investment. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and climate sustainability: projects on renewable energy, emissions reduction, land restoration, water and biodiversity management were implemented, young people were actively involved, and transparency and readiness to fulfil international climate commitments were increased. In health and social protection, services for the population were expanded, medical data systems were modernised, disease prevention was strengthened, pandemic preparedness was enhanced, and vulnerable groups received specialised support. Education and skills development also remained a priority: ‘green schools’ were established, early childhood development strategies were implemented, digital and vocational skills training was provided, and young people were prepared for employment and diplomatic activities. Mr. Shlapachenko emphasised the UN's commitment to continuing cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan under the new Framework Programme for 2026-2030, implementing the Awaza Action Programme, promoting sustainable transport and climate initiatives to turn strategies into real results for the country's citizens.
‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ increases frequency of flights to Abu Dhabi
30.12.2025‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ is expanding its flight schedule on the Ashgabat–Abu Dhabi–Ashgabat route, introducing an additional flight and increasing the frequency of air traffic with the United Arab Emirates. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the carrier's official website. The additional flight will begin operating on Sundays from 4 January 2026. According to the schedule, flight T5-827 will depart from Ashgabat at 04:25 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 05:55. The return flight T5-828 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 07:25 and land in Ashgabat at 09:55. Flights on this route will also continue to operate on Fridays. On this day, flight T5-825 departs from Ashgabat at 17:45 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 19:15, while the return flight T5-826 departs at 21:00 and arrives in Ashgabat at 00:30 the following day. The expansion of the flight programme is aimed at improving transport accessibility and developing passenger air traffic between the two countries. Earlier, in July this year, ‘Turkmenistan Airlines’ operated its first direct flight on the Ashgabat-Seoul route.
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