Culture
Turkmenistan celebrates International Women's Day
05.03.2026Events dedicated to International Women's Day are being held in Turkmenistan. Celebrations are organised in all regions of the country, according to TDH. In the run-up to the holiday, women working in various industries, kindergarten pupils and students are presented with cash gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan. The results of the ‘Talyp gözeli’ competition are also being announced, and conferences, concerts and creative meetings are being held. The festive programmes include musical performances, art exhibitions and competitions in Ashgabat, Arkadag and the velayats. The contribution of women to the social and working life of the country is being celebrated. The practice of awarding the ‘Zenan kalby’ order to leading workers continues. Mothers of many children are awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri’, and a number of families are presented with the keys to new apartments. Official speeches emphasise the role of women in strengthening the family, raising the younger generation and developing national traditions. At the state level, work continues to protect the rights of women, motherhood and childhood. The contribution of Turkmen craftswomen to the development of decorative and applied arts is noted. The inclusion of national carpet weaving and embroidery in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is seen as recognition of the country's cultural values. Events to mark International Women's Day are held throughout the country and are dedicated to honouring mothers and women.
Exhibition dedicated to traditional Turkmen handicrafts for 8 March
04.03.2026The State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan has opened an exhibition entitled ‘The Craft of Ogulabat Eje – A Model School for Turkmen Women’. The exhibition is timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, according to IIC. The exhibition is dedicated to the creative legacy of Ogulabat Berdimuhamedova, who contributed to the preservation of decorative and applied arts traditions and their transmission to the younger generation. The central place is occupied by the master's personal works — a women's wedding headdress called a ‘kurte’ and traditional woollen socks. The ‘kurte’, made in 1971, attracts particular attention. It took 20 days to make. The complexity of the work is compared by the people to ‘digging a well with a needle,’ which reflects the high level of skill of the author. The exhibition also features professional tools, including devices for weaving ‘alaja’, national woven amulets made of multicoloured threads. A tool made of elm wood, which the master used in her work, is also on display. According to the organisers, the project demonstrates the continuity of generations in traditional handicrafts.
The capital of Turkmenistan resounded with world jazz hits
03.03.2026A concert entitled ‘Jazz till dawn’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by a group of mainly young musicians. For the evening, the ‘Watan’ cinema and concert centre was transformed into an intimate venue with atmospheric lighting and a stylised stage, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The programme featured well-known compositions such as ‘I Wanna Be Loved by You’, ‘Ain't Got No’, ‘I Feel Good’, ‘Je veux’ and others. Dovran Shammyev's performance of ‘It's a Man's Man's Man's World’ was particularly well received. The orchestra was conducted by Kovus Byashimov, Aram Bazikyan's drum kit was set up in the centre of the stage, and the piano part was performed by Vladimir Mkrtumov, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan. According to K. Byashimov, the ‘Big Band Orchestra’ was created with the aim of developing jazz in Turkmenistan. Art director Myahri Shammyeva participated in the organisation of the project. The audience warmly received the programme, and the organisers are already preparing a new concert production, continuing to expand the genre palette of the capital's musical evenings.
The capital of Turkmenistan has announced the results of its annual competition for women
02.03.2026The final of the annual ‘Woman of the Year’ competition was held at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan in the capital, according to IIC. The event was organised by the Central Council of Women of Turkmenistan. The gala evening was opened by Hero of Turkmenistan Chynar Rustemova. In her speech, she noted the contribution of women to social development, the strengthening of family values and the fulfilment of state tasks. Representatives from all velayats of the country, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, participated in the final. The programme included eight nominations, including in the fields of education, medicine, business and culture. By decision of the organisers, all finalists were awarded certificates of honour and commemorative gifts from the Central Council of Women of Turkmenistan.
The Turkmen equestrian group ‘Galkynysh’ will take part in the ‘Oriental Circus’ show in Baku
27.02.2026From 14 to 30 March, the ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ venue in Baku will host a major show called ‘Oriental Circus’. The centrepiece of the show will be a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian group from the State Circus of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The artists will present a well-known equestrian act that has gained international recognition. In 2025, the troupe won the highest award at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, confirming their high level of skill. The programme includes acrobatic stunts on Ahal-Teke horses, as well as a demonstration of the traditions of Turkmen equestrian art. The show will also feature performances by acrobats, artists of the original genre and acts with animals. The ‘Galkynysh’ tour is timed to coincide with the celebration of International Nowruz Day.
Film about cultural dialogue involving Turkmenistan presented in Georgia
27.02.2026On 25 February, the premiere of the Georgian feature-length documentary film ‘Culture Will Save the Universe’ took place at the Cinema House in Tbilisi. The film is dedicated to the role of culture in the development of inter-state dialogue and the strengthening of mutual understanding and trust between nations. The film presents the cultural diversity of Turkmenistan, China and Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia Z.Quin, member of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Education, Science and Youth V. Bozhadze, film director T. Malania, as well as representatives of the country's scientific and creative intelligentsia. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of high-level visits and cultural and humanitarian cooperation for the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations, emphasising the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. Participants at the event expressed the opinion that the film would contribute to the development of cultural diplomacy and the strengthening of humanitarian ties. The role of culture as a tool for promoting peaceful cooperation between states was also emphasised.
A concert was held in the capital of Turkmenistan in honour of the Chinese New Year
24.02.2026A concert entitled ‘Melodies of the Silk Road — A Joyful Spring Festival’ was held in Ashgabat to mark the Chinese New Year. This was reported by IIC. The event was held at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan and was aimed at developing humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the PRC. The festive programme began with themed events in the foyer, where guests were introduced to Chinese cultural traditions and took part in master classes on calligraphy and painting national masks. The highlight of the evening was a joint concert by the Chinese art group ‘Touchroad’ and the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The programme featured music played on traditional Chinese instruments, folk songs and dances, as well as excerpts from Beijing Opera and the Sichuan Opera show ‘Face Changing’. The classical section featured works by Nury Halmammedov, and the finale consisted of joint performances by Chinese soloists and the Turkmen orchestra, culminating in the composition ‘China in the Lights.’
The British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception
24.02.2026On 20 February, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception in honour of the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's state authorities, diplomats and international organisations. The official part of the event was opened by British Ambassador Stephen Conlon and Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov. In their welcoming speeches, they noted the active development of bilateral cooperation in politics, economics and culture, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between nations. The evening included a reading of Robert Burns' poetry, Scottish ‘Ceili’ dancing and a presentation of the national dish ‘Haggis’, symbolising the Scottish spirit. The event demonstrated the role of the embassy in promoting British culture and strengthening trust between the countries.
Turkmenistan and Seychelles discuss tourism and cultural development
22.02.2026On 16 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UAE hosted a meeting between Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Gervais Moumou, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the UAE. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to tourism, visa procedures and tourist exchange. Representatives of the Seychelles emphasised the favourable conditions for Turkmen citizens, and both sides expressed their readiness to develop cooperation between tourist organisations. In addition, issues of cultural cooperation were discussed, including the organisation of events and the arrival of creative groups, with Turkmenistan confirming its readiness to hold cultural days abroad. The interlocutors also considered diplomatic relations, cooperation in the field of education, student programmes and the establishment of contacts between chambers of commerce and industry.
Turkmenistan delegation held a series of meetings in Turkey as part of Cinema Days
20.02.2026From 16 to 18 February, as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in the Republic of Turkey, a delegation from Turkmenistan held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian dialogue and expanding cooperation in the fields of cinema, television and art. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On 16 February, a meeting was held at the TURKSOY headquarters between a delegation led by the Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, A. Shamyradov, and the Secretary General of the organisation, S. Raev. The parties discussed issues of deepening partnership and implementing joint projects to promote common cultural heritage. On 17 February, the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan held negotiations with Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. During the talks, the prospects for developing cooperation in the film industry, theatre and music, as well as opportunities for implementing educational programmes and creative exchanges were discussed. On 18 February, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, A. Kakayev, met with the Vice-Rector of Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, Barish Demirci. The parties discussed establishing academic contacts, conducting master classes and internships for students and specialists in creative fields. During the visit, members of the delegation laid flowers at the monument to Magtymguly Pyragy, located in the ‘Turkmenistan’ Park in Ankara. During the ceremony, the significance of the poet's literary heritage for world culture was emphasised. During the meetings, the Turkmen side also informed its partners about the priority areas of Turkmenistan's state policy and key international events in 2026, which will be held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan is hosting National Film Week
19.02.2026On 16 February, National Film Week, organised by the Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association, opened in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. On the first day of the event, screenings took place at three of the city's main cinemas. The ‘Ashgabat’ cinema showed the feature film ‘Gyzyl Alma’ (‘Red Apple’) by director Hekim Alovov, which tells the story of the blossoming of sincere feelings between Mergen and Alma, which change their destinies and emphasise their loyalty to national ideals. The ‘Watan’ cinema and concert centre presented the short film ‘Yaşlar’ (‘Young People’) by Isgendermuhammet Annamuhammedov. The film reflects the first feelings of young people, touches on the upbringing of the younger generation and promotes national wedding traditions, emphasising the importance of family values and a healthy lifestyle.
Turkmen cinema receives international recognition in Ankara
19.02.2026On 17 February, the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre in Ankara hosted a screening and award ceremony for the film ‘The Composer’ as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Composer Kerim Berdimuhamedov was awarded the special ‘Winged Golden Steed’ award for the film's musical score. His work was highly praised by film industry professionals, critics and the international cultural community. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship received the ‘Grand Winged Falcon’ award for its contribution to the creation of the film. The ceremony emphasised the importance of public organisations' participation in the development of national culture and support for filmmakers. The awards were presented by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. The Turkmen side was represented by Minister of Culture A. Shamyradov, who expressed gratitude for the high appreciation of the work of Turkmen filmmakers and noted the contributions of the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in supporting cinema at the national level. During the ceremony, it was noted that modern Turkmen cinema preserves national traditions and at the same time actively integrates into the international cultural space, participates in the exchange of experience and contributes to world cinema.
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