Culture
Turkmen cinema became the subject of international discussion in Ankara
18.02.2026An International panel discussion ‘Turkmen Cinema: From Past to Present’ was held in Ankara, organised by TURKSOY in cooperation with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey. This was reported by the IIC. The forum brought together leading film industry experts, art historians and diplomats from Turkic-speaking countries to discuss the development of national cinema. The Turkmen delegation was headed by the country's Minister of Culture, Atageldi Shamyradov. The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography Annasahet Kakayev. Participants discussed the history of the Turkmen film school, its artistic features and current trends, including the digital transformation of the industry. Representatives of Turkmenistan noted the importance of preserving national traditions through cinema and expanding the presence of Turkmen films on the international arena with the help of modern technologies. Delegates from other countries expressed their readiness for joint projects, festival exchanges and educational programmes for young filmmakers. The forum strengthened cultural ties and humanitarian cooperation, creating a platform for the integration of Turkmen cinema into the global space and long-term partnership between Turkic-speaking states.
Turkmen film ‘The Composer’ to be shown in Ankara
13.02.2026On 17 February, the film ‘The Composer’ by the Oguzhan ‘Turkmenfilm’ Association will be screened at the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre (İnce Memed Hall) in Ankara. The event is organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey in cooperation with the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), according to IIC. The film has already received international recognition. In November 2025, the first ‘Diamond Butterfly’ Award ceremony was held in Moscow at Nikita Mihalkov's Masterskaya ‘12’ theatre. Turkmen artist Meylis Hudayberenov was nominated for ‘Best Artist’ for his work on the film ‘The Composer’. The prize fund for this category was $250,000.
Images of Ahal-Tekes horses in the works of young artists were presented in Ashgabat
13.02.2026An exhibition of fine art entitled ‘The Swift Horses of Our Homeland’ has opened at the Gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. The theme of the exhibition is in line with the motto of the year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ as well as the international successes of the ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian team, which has become a symbol of national pride, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A notable feature of the exhibition is that all the works on display have been selected from the academy's Gold Fund. The collection contains the best student works, and for each author, the inclusion of their work in this fund is considered a special recognition of their professional skill. The exhibition opens with a symbolic painting by Gyzylgul Hudayberdiyeva, ‘Akhan the Horse.’ The image of the legendary horse rearing up in the golden glow of the sun is associated with the rapid development of the country. On the opposite side is another work by the artist, ‘Galkynysh Group,’ which captures a dynamic moment in a circus performance by Turkmen horsemen. The author managed to convey not only the speed and rhythm of the movement, but also the individual features of each participant. The central place in the exhibition is occupied by Bayram Mamiyev's painting ‘At the Wedding.’ Instead of the traditional festive procession, the artist depicted galloping horsemen, emphasising the folk custom of holding horse races as part of rural celebrations. Among the design works, Aygul Gurbanmyradova's painting ‘In Praise of the Motherland’ stands out. Two Ahal-Teke horses — white and black — symbolise day and night, personifying the passage of time and harmony in life. The exhibition ‘The Swift Horses of Our Motherland’ became a vivid reflection of the artistic heritage of the Academy's Gold Fund and allowed viewers to get acquainted with the best student works from different years dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses — recognised symbols of Turkmenistan.
An exhibition will be presented in Ashgabat to mark Diplomatic Workers' Day
13.02.2026Ashgabat is preparing to celebrate Turkmenistan's Diplomatic Workers' Day with a cultural event. On 16 February, the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre will open a thematic exhibition dedicated to the country's foreign policy achievements and the history of national diplomacy, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of ministries, cultural figures, students and guests of honour are expected to attend the exhibition. Visitors will be able to see archival documents, photographs and memorable exhibits reflecting Turkmenistan's multi-vector policy based on neutrality and international cooperation. The exhibition highlights the importance of the diplomatic service in strengthening Turkmenistan's international authority and promoting peace initiatives.
Turkmen actor receives prestigious TURKSOY award
13.02.2026Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Batyr Charyev from the Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi Main Academic Drama Theatre of Turkmenistan received the TURKSOY award in the ‘Best Actor’ category for his contribution to the development of theatre arts in the Turkic world. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ceremony was held on 9 February in Istanbul and was organised by TURKSOY in conjunction with the ‘Anadolu’ newspaper to honour outstanding figures in culture and the arts from the organisation's member countries. The award was presented to B. Charyev by TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf.
Italian Design Days kicked off at the Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan
10.02.2026The State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan has launched Italian Design Days, according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. As part of the event, teachers and students of the university took part in a seminar conducted by Silvia Formentin, Vice-President of the well-known Italian company iDOGI, and architect Sergio Ferrandi. Participants learned about contemporary trends in Italian design and architecture, as well as the activities of iDOGI, a Venice-based company that produces Murano glass lamps, illuminated tables and walls, door frames and fountains.
Erk-Kala: The historical gem of Turkmenistan
09.02.2026Erk-Kala, the oldest citadel of the legendary Merv, occupies a special place in the history of Turkmenistan. Founded in the 6th century BC during the Achaemenid era, Erk-Kala became the ‘foundation’ of the great metropolis known as the ‘Mother of Cities,’ according to the news website InfoAbad. The 20-hectare citadel preserves traces of various eras, from the Achaemenid to the Hellenistic, when the city was called Antioch of Margiana. The 30-metre-high mud-brick walls and archaeological finds — seals with images of mythical creatures, bronze arrows, luxury items — confirm the fortress's role as an administrative centre and an important outpost on the Great Silk Road. Archaeologists also note unique objects: thin-walled Achaemenid-type ceramic bowls, the complex layout of neighbourhoods and palace complexes with a well-thought-out water supply system, as well as the absence of traces of mass destruction, which indicates a tradition of diplomacy and the search for balance. Today, as part of government programmes, work is underway to conserve Erk-Kala in the Ancient Merv Reserve, ensuring the preservation of this UNESCO site for future generations.
The main melodies of Turkmen cinema will be presented in Ashgabat
09.02.2026The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan invites residents and guests of Ashgabat to a festive concert entitled ‘Golden Melodies of Turkmen Cinema.’ This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The evening's programme features music that has become symbolic of an entire era: beloved compositions from famous films that evoke the warmest memories. Artistic director and chief conductor, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Rasul Klychev, will personally present the concert. The audience can look forward to an unforgettable evening of live music, the magic of cinema and sincere emotions. The concert will take place on 21 February at 7 p.m. at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan.
Rasul Klychev will present the concert ‘Symphonic Pictures’ in Ashgabat
02.02.2026On 17 February, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Rasul Klychev, will present a concert entitled ‘Symphonic Pictures’ to Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The event will take place at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. The programme will feature well-known works by Russian composers: Modest Mussorgsky's ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, combining a variety of musical images and the mood of artistic works; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic picture ‘The Three Wonders’ and symphonic suite ‘Scheherazade’, the third part of which is called ‘The Young Prince and Princess’; Anatoly Lyadov's symphonic picture ‘Baba Yaga’, based on Russian folklore and legends. The concert will allow the audience to hear vivid symphonic works, filled with characteristic imagery, colour and musical drama, which reveal the richness of orchestral sound.
Kunya-Urgench — A Priceless Treasure of the Centuries-Old History of the Turkmen People and World Culture
01.02.2026The Turkmen people are among the ancient nations that have left a profound mark on the course of world history since early times. During the Middle Ages, Turkmens established states, khanates, beyliks, and atabegates not only within their historical homeland but also across various regions of Asia, Europe, and North Africa, playing a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural life of these territories. In that historical period, the Turkmen state of Kunya-Urgench emerged as one of the major centers that exerted considerable influence not only on the region itself but also on the cultural, economic, and political development of Southern and Central Asia. Kunya-Urgench is located in the northern part of Turkmenistan, within the territory of Dashoguz velayat, near the ancient course of the Amu Darya River, and represents a unique center where ancient urban planning traditions and historical-architectural monuments are concentrated. The state of the Turkmen Khwarazmshahs (Kunya-Urgench) appeared on the historical stage following the decline of the Great Seljuk Turkmen Empire. Until the thirteenth century, the city served as the capital of the Khwarazmshah state. Although its foundation dates back to the eighth–ninth centuries, the period of its widest expansion and greatest prosperity occurred between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries. Beginning with the reign of Sultan Malik Shah, this center gained strength and gradually transformed into an important hub of trade and cultural exchange. From the tenth century onward, Kunya-Urgench’s location along caravan routes passing through cities such as Urgench and Kichiurgench turned it into a major trading center between Asia and Western Europe. Cotton, textile products, wool, precious stones, and metal goods were produced here and exported to international markets. Its position at one of the key crossroads of the Great Silk Road further enhanced the city’s economic potential. Kunya-Urgench is an integral part of the unparalleled cultural heritage of the Turkmen people and of humanity as a whole, being an ancient city that encompasses rare examples of Islamic architecture. Its domed mausoleums, madrasahs, and the harmonious composition of architectural structures reflect a high level of artistic mastery. In the Middle Ages, Kunya-Urgench was recognized as a major scientific, cultural, and economic center and was referred to as the “Heart of Islam.” Throughout its history, the city experienced periods of flourishing as well as severe destruction; nevertheless, its architectural monuments have survived as a unique artistic legacy passed down to the present day. Culture and art occupied a special place in the state of Kunya-Urgench Turkmens. Historical sources particularly emphasize the hospitality, diligence, bravery, and strong civic engagement of the city’s inhabitants. In the fourteenth century, Urgench, through cooperation with the Golden Horde, achieved even greater cultural and economic development, leading to the establishment of madrasahs, libraries, and scientific centers. A clear testament to this is the Mamunid Palace, which, as a gathering place for scholars, came to be known as an “Academy.” The architectural art of Kunya-Urgench was distinguished by advanced construction techniques and a high aesthetic level. In the domed mausoleums and madrasahs built during the thirteenth–fourteenth centuries, original architectural solutions were widely employed. The Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh stands out in particular for its tent-shaped dome, square plan, and geometric ornamentation. The ribs integrated into the inner structure of the dome, the harmonious brickwork, and the use of blue-glazed bricks on the exterior surfaces attest to the high level of architectural craftsmanship of that era. At that time, architecture functioned not merely as construction activity, but as an important art form that united society in religious, social, and aesthetic dimensions. Spiritual and religious heritage also held special significance in the state of Kunya-Urgench Turkmens. The mausoleums of Sultan Ali and Najm al-Din Kubra were recognized as important centers of learning, and religious art. These structures were created not only as burial sites, but also as comprehensive cultural and spiritual complexes, distinguished by their geometric ornamentation, decorative painting, and domed architecture. The integrated harmony of the city’s water management system, markets, and caravan routes transformed Kunya-Urgench into a strategically important center of trade, culture, and politics. In 2005, Kunya-Urgench was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This ancient city stands not only as a historical center of the past, but also as one of the significant cultural, political, and tourist symbols of Turkmenistan in the modern era. The preserved architectural monuments and caravan routes serve to present Kunya-Urgench to the world as the heart of the Great Silk Road. Moreover, in October 2015, at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CIS countries held in Astrakhan, the city of Dashoguz in Turkmenistan was declared the “Cultural Capital of the CIS” for 2016. Based on this decision, the program “Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth” was implemented in Turkmenistan. The program is aimed at strengthening cultural ties among the CIS member states, expanding cooperation, and creating favorable conditions for the development of economic and political relations. Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the preservation, study, and promotion of historical and cultural heritage constitute one of the priority directions of state policy. In this regard, consistent efforts are being undertaken in world-significant historical centers such as Kunya-Urgench to restore architectural monuments, conduct scientific research, and present them at the international level. The measures implemented by the state not only ensure the protection of national heritage, but also further strengthen its place within the system of universal human culture. Thus, the history of the Turkmen state of Kunya-Urgench has entered the annals not only as the history of an ancient polity, but also as that of a major center that made a substantial contribution to the cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage of Central Asia. This sacred land, which preserved the scientific traditions of great scholars such as Al-Biruni and Ibn Sina, continues today to attract the attention of international researchers and tourists alike through its distinctive architecture, economic potential, and historical role associated with the Great Silk Road.
In 2026, Russia will host the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan
31.01.2026Russia will host Turkmenistan Culture Days in 2026. This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Mihail Galuzin following meetings in Ashgabat with Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and his Deputy Ahmet Gurbanov, according to IIC. According to Mihail Galuzin, the event will be one of the key events in humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The parties also discussed the implementation of joint projects in the field of education and infrastructure. Among the priorities is the creation of a Russian-Turkmen university. There are also plans to expand the joint A.S. Pushkin School in Ashgabat by constructing an additional educational building. Another project will be the construction of a new building for the State Russian Drama Theatre. It is expected that this will expand the repertoire and improve conditions for the creative team. The negotiations confirmed the parties' interest in developing a long-term partnership.
A film about Magtymguly Pyragy's childhood, ‘Arzyman’, is being prepared for release
30.01.2026Turkmenistan is completing work on the feature film ‘Arzyman’, dedicated to the childhood of Magtymguly Pyragy. The film is being shot by the ‘Mekanfilm’ studio. The author of the project is director and screenwriter Charyyar Seyidov, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The film is being made against the backdrop of international interest in the poet's legacy following the celebration of his 300th anniversary in 2024. The project is not a biographical chronicle. It focuses on Magtymguly's early years, when the future poet lived in a village, herded cattle and took his first steps in creativity. To prepare for the film, the director studied archival materials and visited the Balkan velayat, the village of Gerkez, the poet's historical homeland. Filming took place in the mountains of the Lesser Balkan, in hard-to-reach locations, including natural caves. The film is titled ‘Arzyman’, which translates from Turkmen as ‘The Desired One.’ The film features a national melody of the same name. The film stars People's Artist of Turkmenistan Ovez Gelenov, Gulnabat Abdullayeva, Mekan Jumabayev and other actors. The role of Magtymguly as a child was played by schoolboy Denizhan Abdyrahmanov. The film is scheduled to be completed on 27 June, which is Culture and Art Workers' Day, as well as Magtymguly Pyragy’s Poetry Day.
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