Culture
Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia concluded with a festive concert
20.07.2026The closing ceremony of the Turkmenistan Cultural Days took place in Tbilisi. The event was held as part of the year-long programme ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, according to the TDH news agency. The programme of cultural events began with a meeting between representatives of museums from Turkmenistan and Georgia. The participants discussed the state of cooperation, exchanged experiences and identified promising areas for future collaboration. During the events, the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties in the development of bilateral relations between the countries was highlighted. Participants emphasised that cultural cooperation helps to strengthen friendship between the peoples and deepens mutual understanding of the traditions and heritage of both nations. The closing event was a festive concert featuring Turkmen artists, pop singers, and dance and folk ensembles. The programme included musical and choreographic performances showcasing the achievements of Turkmen culture and the arts. The audience was particularly captivated by the Turkmen artists’ renditions of Georgian songs, which have come to symbolise the friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of the two countries. The Days of Turkmenistan’s Culture in Georgia drew to a close, having strengthened creative ties and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
A Turkmen delegation visited the Tbilisi State Conservatoire
18.07.2026As part of the Days of Turkmenistan Culture in Georgia, a meeting between representatives of music universities from the two countries took place at the Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by the rector of the Georgian conservatoire, Giorgi Vachnadze; the Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Nursahet Shirinov; and the Vice-Rector of the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of music education, including the exchange of experience, the organisation of joint concerts and the holding of masterclasses. A tour of the conservatoire was also organised for the Turkmen delegation. The visit concluded with a performance by the Turkmen musician Ashir Ashirov, who performed a piece by Chary Nurymov in the conservatoire’s Grand Hall.
Turkmenistan Culture Days are taking place in Tbilisi
17.07.2026The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are currently taking place in Tbilisi, coinciding with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit. The events are aimed at further developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, according to the news agency TDH. As part of the opening ceremony, an exhibition of national decorative and applied arts was held. The exhibition featured museum artefacts, works by artists and sculptors, as well as examples of the traditional cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The programme for the Days of Culture included meetings between cultural figures, library staff and theatre directors from Turkmenistan and Georgia. Participants discussed the exchange of experience and prospects for expanding professional contacts. The creative delegation from Turkmenistan also visited Tbilisi’s sights. The opening ceremony concluded with a festive concert featuring singers, musicians, and folk and dance ensembles. Turkmen artists performed musical pieces, including Georgian songs. The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are continuing.
The Turkmen group ‘Galkynyş’ continues to gain international recognition
15.07.2026Turkmenistan continues its work to develop and promote its national culture and arts internationally. One area of focus is the development of circus arts, in which the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group plays an important role, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The troupe was founded in 2007 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Today, ‘Galkynyş’ showcases Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage on the international stage and takes part in state events and major cultural projects. A special feature of the troupe’s performances is the Ahal-Teke racehorses and the complex equestrian acrobatic acts, which showcase the skill of the Turkmen riders. The ‘Galkynyş’ troupe has taken part in international circus festivals and has won prestigious awards. These include the top prizes at the ‘IDOL’ World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow (2013), the 16th International Circus Festival in Latina (Italy, 2014), the 2nd International Circus Arts Festival in the People’s Republic of China (2015), the 2nd World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyz Republic, 2016), as well as the ‘Golden Gaetano’ statuette at the ‘Na Fontanke’ festival in St Petersburg (2018). In 2025, the troupe gained international recognition at the 47th International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco), where it was awarded the Grand Prix, as well as a number of special prizes. In January 2026, at the 48th International Festival of Circus Arts in Monte Carlo, the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of circus arts. The troupe continues to take part in international events, representing the Turkmen circus school and fostering cultural ties between countries. ‘Galkynyş’ performances combine elements of equestrian art, acrobatics and the traditional culture of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan’s culture and achievements were showcased in Seoul
15.07.2026An information and cultural event for participants of the ‘Eurasia 2026’ Youth Academy took place in Seoul at the office of the Secretariat of the ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan with the support of the Forum’s Secretariat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants were introduced to Turkmenistan’s system of government, its neutral foreign policy and the Arkadag ‘smart city’ project. The guests also visited an exhibition of traditional clothing, carpets and musical instruments, and sampled Turkmen sweets. The meeting contributed to the development of academic and humanitarian ties between the youth of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
Turkmenistan preserves its cultural heritage and promotes spiritual values
11.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the implementation of the state policy on the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of spiritual values continues. The motto for 2026 – ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ – reflects the country’s priorities regarding independence, permanent neutrality, the preservation of traditions and future development, reports the online news portal TerraNews. One of the key events showcasing the motto’s theme was Culture Week, held in the Balkan velayat. Representatives from the arts, academia and the general public took part in the events. The programme included concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, creative gatherings and academic events. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse — one of the symbols of Turkmenistan’s national heritage — took centre stage at the events. Particular attention is being paid to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses. The traditions of breeding and adorning Ahal-Teke horses are included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As part of Culture Week, works of art dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses were exhibited, whilst theatre companies drew on the national epic, in which the horse symbolises courage and loyalty. Participants at the meetings discussed the preservation of cultural traditions, their transmission to the younger generation and the application of modern technologies in the cultural sphere. The image of the ‘purposeful winged horse’ in the 2026 motto symbolises Turkmenistan’s development, including digital modernisation, the strengthening of international cooperation and the preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
Turkmenistan presented its national design at an international exhibition in France
08.07.2026An international fashion show took place in Deauville (France) as part of the ‘Art-Storytelling Paris–Deauville’ programme, attended by representatives of the fashion industry, the cultural sector and the diplomatic corps from various countries. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by the designer and head of the embroidery department at the Turkmenistan Women’s Union, Jennet Agayeva, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation also included representatives of the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan and staff from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France. The show featured items drawing on the traditions of Turkmen decorative and applied arts, national embroidery and contemporary design concepts. Participation in the event helped to promote Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and foster international ties in the fields of fashion and the creative industries.
Turkmen specialists have undergone training in branding in Paris
06.07.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in an educational programme on branding in Paris. Over the course of several days, they attended masterclasses and practical sessions focusing on modern branding methods, the promotion of national brands, the development of marketing strategies and the implementation of creative projects at an international level, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The programme served as a platform for exchanging experiences with foreign experts and learning about international practices in the creative industries. At the end of the training, participants were awarded certificates of professional development. The organisers noted that the knowledge and skills acquired would contribute to the development of creative potential and the promotion of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
Flower-Laying Ceremony Held in Ankara at the Monument to Turkmen Poet
28.06.2026On June 26, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Türkiye organized a flower-laying ceremony at the monument to the Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, located in Turkmenistan Park in central Ankara. The IIC reported this. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, Turkish writers and public figures, students, members of the Turkmen diaspora, and media representatives. Speakers highlighted the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy's literary legacy for world literature and spoke about the events being held throughout 2026, which has been declared under the slogan: "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses."
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Presented the Country’s Cultural Diplomacy at a Forum in Brussels
25.06.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, spoke in Brussels at the first intercultural dialogue of the Central Asian European Creative Alliance (CAECA), held at Holland House Brussels. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event titled “When Cultural Diplomacy and International Cultural Relations Intersect?!” brought together diplomats, representatives of EU institutions, cultural organizations, artists, designers, and researchers. Participants discussed the role of biennales, exhibitions, museums, fashion, and traditional arts in fostering international understanding. In his speech, Palvanov delivered a presentation on Turkmenistan’s cultural diplomacy through ethnic jewelry, textiles, and carpet art. The ambassador emphasized that culture is an important instrument of the country’s foreign policy and serves as a “language of dialogue” between nations. Special attention was given to Turkmen carpet art, including the symbolism of the göl ornament. The ambassador also highlighted the role of cultural heritage as a living source of inspiration for contemporary designers and artists. According to the diplomat, traditional motifs are now finding new expression in fashion, design, and art, connecting the past with the present. The importance of a sustainable approach to culture was also emphasized, with the reuse of materials and ornaments being viewed as a form of respect for heritage and intergenerational continuity. In conclusion, Palvanov noted that cultural diplomacy often proves more enduring than political processes because it is based on trust, memory, and mutual respect. The event served as a platform for discussing the role of culture in strengthening ties between Central Asia and Europe and promoting Turkmen cultural heritage within the European space.
Turkmenistan Represented at Forum on Developing Cultural Ties in Russia
20.06.2026A delegation led by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, participated in an international conference on the development of cultural ties and creative industries held in St. Petersburg on June 18. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum focused on strengthening humanitarian cooperation, preserving the shared historical and cultural heritage, enhancing interstate dialogue, and promoting creative industries as an important area of international cooperation, according to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The conference featured speeches by the heads of government of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a representative of Turkmenistan. In his address, Gurbangeldiyev emphasized the priority of cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the context of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. He noted that the country views culture as a tool for strengthening trust and mutual understanding among nations, in line with its policy of neutrality and “open doors.”
A meeting of the CIS Council for Cultural Cooperation will be held in Ashgabat
19.06.2026This year, Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. This was announced by the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiev, at the International Conference on the Development of Creative Industries in St. Petersburg, according to the IIC. During the event, participants are expected to discuss priority areas of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the development of creative exchanges among CIS countries. The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan noted that the country, acting as the CIS chair, places special emphasis on implementing humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation. According to the head of the Turkmen delegation, culture is seen as a key tool for strengthening trust and mutual understanding between peoples. The meeting in Ashgabat is expected to contribute to the development of cultural dialogue and the strengthening of friendly relations within the CIS.
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