Culture
Video game soundtracks will be performed at a concert in Ashgabat
06.04.2026Tahir Atayev’s Orchestra will perform in Ashgabat with the DIGITAL SYMPHONY concert. The event will take place on 30 April at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The programme features soundtracks from popular video games, including The Witcher 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Assassin’s Creed and Super Mario. The organisers have announced that the concert will feature neon lighting and visual effects.
A meeting between a famous singer and the ‘Galkynysh’ group took place in Baku
05.04.2026The renowned singer Emin Agalarov met in Baku with representatives of the Turkmen National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’, who had arrived in Azerbaijan on a visit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The artist spoke with the riders, inspected the Ahal-Teke horses and familiarised himself with elements of the group's famous show. E. Agalarov noted the skill of the horsemen and the grace of the Ahal-Teke horses, and emphasised the importance of preserving national cultural traditions. Earlier, in March, the artists of ‘Galkynysh’, together with groups from the State Circus of Turkmenistan and the Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, presented a large-scale programme featuring horseback acrobatics, acrobatic and circus acts at the ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ complex in Baku.
Turkmenistan showcased its culture and fashion at the ‘K-Modest Fashion Show’ in Seoul
04.04.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘K-Modest Fashion Show’, held on 2 April in the Republic of Korea, by presenting a themed exhibition pavilion. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The exhibition was held at one of Seoul’s renowned cultural venues, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The pavilion featured exhibits showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Visitors were able to see national costumes, handmade carpets, jewellery, as well as other examples of folk decorative and applied arts. A separate section of the exhibition was dedicated to printed publications – guests were presented with books by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmen culture attracted visitors to the Nowruz celebrations in the German capital
02.04.2026On 30 March, a grand celebration of Nowruz took place in Berlin. The event was organised by the diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan, bringing together representatives of the diplomatic corps, federal agencies and local residents. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Guests were able to explore national stands showcasing the history, traditions and cultural values of the participating countries. The Turkmenistan stand attracted particular attention with its national costumes, carpets, handicrafts and materials on Ahal-Teke horses. The cultural programme included performances by artists featuring national music, songs and dances. Performances on the Turkmen dutar – a traditional musical instrument – were of particular interest. The celebrations concluded with a tasting of national cuisine, where guests sampled ‘palaw’ and other traditional dishes, gaining an insight into the gastronomy of the Turkic peoples. ‘Nowruz’ in Berlin proved to be a vibrant cultural event and a platform for strengthening friendship and dialogue between nations.
A programme of cultural events for April has been announced in Turkmenistan
30.03.2026On 27 March, Bahar Seyidova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, presented a plan of events and the opening of social and cultural facilities for April during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Next month will see forums, exhibitions, creative gatherings, competitions and events timed to coincide with the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, the 35th anniversary of independence, World Health Day and the National Day of the Turkmen horse. The results of previously announced creative competitions will also be announced. The capital will host the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Exhibition and Conference, whilst the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre will host a festive concert by the Symphony Orchestra of the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of thorough preparation for the events and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high standard of organisation for the ceremonies and the opening of social and cultural facilities.
A Japanese Cuisine Evening Will Take Place in Ashgabat
27.03.2026On March 27, a Japanese cuisine evening will take place at the “MOMO Panasian” restaurant in Ashgabat. The event is organized with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Turkmenistan and aims to promote the country’s cultural traditions, reports the news site Asmannews. During the evening, guests will be introduced to the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, which is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Participants will learn about the significance of seasonal ingredients, principles for preserving their natural flavors, and the particularities of dish presentation. In addition, the organizers will demonstrate how the process of preparing food in Japanese culture takes on artistic and spiritual meaning. The event will be held in a private format—entry is by invitation only. The initiative is intended to foster cultural dialogue between Turkmenistan and Japan and to broaden the capital’s residents’ understanding of global culinary traditions.
Turkmenistan presented initiatives in the field of early childhood education at a forum in Paris
26.03.2026On 25 March, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, attended the launch of the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report 2026) and held a series of bilateral meetings. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the high-level dialogue, the Minister emphasised the strategic role of early childhood education in the development of human capital in Turkmenistan. J. Gurbangeldiyev highlighted the focus on digital technologies, the development of children’s creative and cognitive abilities, as well as the training and professional development of teachers. The Minister spoke about joint initiatives with UNICEF, including the launch of half-day groups for five-year-olds from the 2026–2027 academic year, as well as the development of inclusive education and cooperation between schools, families and state bodies. A meeting was held during the forum with Ezozhon Karimova, Minister of Pre-school and School Education of Uzbekistan. Discussions centred on cooperation in pre-school and secondary education, the exchange of experience in teacher training, the introduction of modern teaching methods, the participation of schoolchildren in international competitions, and joint educational programmes. Following the meetings, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership and expanding practical cooperation in the fields of education, science and innovation. It should be noted that the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan also held meetings with the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany, and the Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, Stefania Giannini.
A concert entitled ‘Tenderness’ by the Tahir Atayev Orchestra is to take place in Ashgabat
22.03.2026Tahir Atayev’s Orchestra will present the concert ‘Tenderness’ on 26 March at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The concert begins at 7.00 pm. The programme features lyrical compositions dedicated to the themes of love, warmth and memories. According to the organisers, the performance is aimed at a wide audience and will combine instrumental and vocal pieces.
Turkmen artist awarded the Medal of the Academy of the Turkic World
19.03.2026A major art exhibition and awards ceremony, organised by the Academy of Art of the Turkic World, took place in Baku. The event brought together renowned painters and cultural figures from across the Turkic world and continued the creative programme launched last year in Istanbul. This was reported by IIC. Among the guests of honour were Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture Murat Huseynov, TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev and the President of the Academy of Art of the Turkic World, Sakit Mammadov. Turkmen artist Amanmyrat Modyev received the Academy’s medal for his special contribution to the promotion of the cultural and artistic values of the Turkic peoples. Amanmyrat Modyev was born on 11 November 1983 in the Babadayhan etrap of the Ahal velayat. He teaches at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, passing on his experience to the younger generation. Earlier, in 2022, the painter won a competition among artists from Central Asia and Kazakhstan, and was also awarded the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ prize. The exhibition took place from 13 to 17 March at the Art Gallery of the Turkic World and showcased the finest works of art by the Turkic peoples, attracting great interest from culture enthusiasts.
Ancient Merv: an architectural reflection of Turkmen culture
17.03.2026In the early Middle Ages, the Merv oasis, known as the ‘Mother of Cities,’ became the center of a unique architectural style – fortified manor-palaces. These monuments along the Great Silk Road served not only as residences but also as administrative centers and key hubs of trade between the 5th and 9th centuries, according to the IIC. Particular attention is drawn to the Greater and Lesser Gyzgala – the largest adobe fortresses in the world, distinguished by their semi-circular walls that naturally cooled interior spaces. These two-story structures have preserved their strength for over one and a half millennia due to special additives in the mudbrick. Archaeological findings, including a bronze pendant depicting the goddess Anahita, testify to the high level of culture in the region. The Durnaly fortress performed both defensive and customs functions, while the discovery of massive ceramic vessels confirms the oasis’s status as a major agricultural exporter. Haram-Koshk, an example of private architecture from the 9th century, with its central domed hall, became a foundation for the classical architecture of Central Asia. Remains of glass vessels for incense, intricate ganch (clay gypsum) carvings, and ostraca bearing inscriptions demonstrate a high level of literacy and a developed accounting system of that time. This ancient heritage continues to influence the modern architecture of Turkmenistan. Elements of medieval design are reflected in the white-marble city of Ashgabat and the “smart” city of Arkadag, while the monuments of Mary velayat remain symbols of national memory and a source of inspiration.
The ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian troupe put on a circus show in the capital of Azerbaijan
16.03.2026In Baku, at the modern ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ complex, the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group put on a spectacular performance alongside artists from the State Circus of Turkmenistan and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen artists performed traditional horseback acrobatics and stunts on Ahal-Teke horses, delighting the audience with their grace and the harmony of their interaction with the horses. ‘Galkynysh’, winner of the Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, confirmed the high professional standard of Turkmen circus artists. The programme also included other circus genres, making the show rich and varied. The performance was met with prolonged applause. ‘Galkynysh’s tour of Azerbaijan will continue until 30 March, and such cultural exchanges help to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
Scientists and cultural figures are studying the folk traditions of Turkmenistan
16.03.2026The Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan has established a research and creative group to carry out ethnographic research in the country’s regions. The group comprises cultural figures, academics, journalists and students. This is reported on the ministry’s website. The research work began in the Lebap velayat. From 10 to 12 March, members of the expedition visited a number of etraps and towns in the region, where they gathered material on folk decorative and applied arts, folklore and musical traditions, as well as on the process of making national musical instruments — the dutar and the tuyduk. In addition, the group members learnt about the distinctive features of preparing national dishes, family and wedding customs, as well as the traditions of making national clothing. During the trip, the researchers also studied the national practice of breeding Alabay dogs.
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