Filmmakers from Turkmenistan will participate in the 10th Caspian Media Forum, which will be held on 21–22 August in Astrakhan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Representatives of the film industry from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan will also participate in the event. The forum programme includes a plenary session and four sessions, including ‘Cinema and Media’, organised by the Regional Filmmaking Support Fund (FPRK) of Russia's Union of Filmmakers. During the sessions, experts will discuss the development of the film industry, successful international projects and prospects for joint work. Astrakhan State University will host screenings of documentaries about the cultural traditions of the region's peoples. FPRK Executive Producer Eleonora Tukhareli noted that the forum has been an important platform for intergovernmental and intercultural cooperation for ten years. The forum is organised by the Astrakhan Regional Government, the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund for of the CIS and the ‘Caspian-Eurasia’ Centre.
During his visit to Mary and Lebap velayats, Japanese Embassy Counsellor Hosaka Hideki presented 150 books to local libraries as part of a cultural exchange programme. This was reported by the IIC. The READ JAPAN PROJECT aims to broaden Turkmenistan's understanding of the traditions and modern life of the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese Embassy noted the high level of technical equipment in Turkmen libraries, which, in addition to book collections, also feature museum exhibitions and astronomical complexes. According to diplomats, such infrastructure creates ideal conditions for development and education. The donated literature is expected to become an important resource for students, researchers and anyone interested in Japanese culture. This step is intended to strengthen humanitarian cooperation between the two countries and open up new prospects for mutual cultural enrichment.
The third volume of the novel ‘The Great Seljuks’ by Turkmen historian and national writer Yazmyrat Mammedy has been added to the collection of historical fiction lovers, according to the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The first two volumes have already gained popularity among readers, immersing them in the history of the Oguz and the formation of the Seljuk Empire. The new book covers the period of the formation of the Seljuk state, revealing the strategic interaction between the brothers Chagry-bek and Togrul-bek. By decision of the Great Council, Chagry-bek remains in Merv, controlling Khorasan, while Togrul-bek establishes a centre of power in the city of Rey and launches large-scale military campaigns. A separate chapter is devoted to the reign of Sultan Alp Arslan. The author describes in detail his military successes and outstanding strategic decisions. The narrative culminates in the Battle of Manzikert, where Alp Arslan won a decisive victory over the troops of the Byzantine Emperor Roman IV Diogenes, captured him and earned the title ‘Sultan of Sultans’. The novel ‘The Great Seljuks’ combines a rich historical narrative with accessible language. The publication is accompanied by original illustrations that allow readers to immerse themselves more deeply in the atmosphere of the era described, notes journalist Svetlana Chirtsova.
The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone was memorable not only for its important decisions, but also for its rich cultural programme. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The national pavilions of Central Asia and Azerbaijan transformed the fountain square into a vibrant oriental oasis with craft exhibitions, music, dancing and national cuisine. This created an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, erasing the boundaries between peoples. The differences in the traditions and arts of the countries of the region coexisted harmoniously, reflecting the unique regional identity. Guests from more than 100 countries felt a special cultural unity. Cultural events became not just an addition to the economic agenda of the conference, but an important bridge for strengthening international ties through art and traditions.
A festive concert featuring masters of culture and art from Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the theatrical interactive complex of sea fountains located in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was the grand finale of a series of national days of friendly states held in this picturesque place. The final day was particularly eventful due to the National Days of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which gave the holiday a unique flavour. The programme opened with an exhibition showcasing the traditions, crafts and cuisine of the two countries. Guests noted the beauty of the Caspian resort and the high level of organisation. Artists from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan performed folk, pop and classical music on stage. Light and water installations at the sea fountain complex added a special atmosphere to the programme, and the concert itself became a symbol of friendship, peace and shared values among the peoples of the region.
On 5 August, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone will host a national cuisine festival dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event is also dedicated to the national days of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, which will be celebrated from 6 to 8 August. At the festival, chefs from friendly countries will present traditional dishes from their countries. The programme also includes a concert and high-level cultural and humanitarian events. Guests will be treated to a variety of Eastern cuisine, tea ceremonies and dishes made from local products. Special emphasis will be placed on the gastronomic heritage of Turkmenistan. The festival will also showcase dishes made from the new harvest and will be held in the spirit of Turkmen hospitality.
The ‘Dokmachylar’ folk ensemble from Turkmenistan was one of the most notable participants in the VII International Festival of Ethnic Dance held in Karamay (China). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The ensemble's vibrant performance drew a full hall and received thunderous applause, confirming the high level of Turkmen performing arts. The festival, held under the motto ‘Dance as the Language of Friendship,’ brings together performers from dozens of countries and serves as a platform for cultural exchange. The Turkmen ensemble presented an original production featuring folk dances and live music. The final composition, ‘Song of Friendship,’ dedicated to peace and unity, resonated particularly with the audience. Turkmenistan's participation underscores the country's commitment to strengthening cultural ties. The organisers noted the contribution of Central Asian groups to expanding the festival's creative spectrum.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with the coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute, Abdullah Demir, in the Belgian capital. The main topic of the negotiations was the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the joint promotion of the heritage of great poets and humanists. This was reported by the online publication Orient. Ambassador S. Palvanov proposed creating a special project dedicated to the peacemaking ideas of Magtymguly Pyragy and Yunus Emre, whose philosophical views remain relevant in the modern world. Special attention was paid to holding joint events in Brussels within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by Turkmenistan. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through the organisation of exhibitions, literary evenings and other cultural events that will allow the European audience to become better acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the two peoples. These initiatives are designed to strengthen cultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding between the peoples.
On 29 July 2025, a bright cultural event took place in Tokyo - a children's drawing competition dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. The event, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in partnership with the Japanese Children's Council ‘Fujisan Chidama’, brought together young artists and their mentors. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Before the start of the creative competition, participants were shown a presentation about Turkmenistan, revealing the country's rich cultural heritage, unique natural attractions and main directions of state policy. The children were interested to learn about the activities of the President of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. Inspired by the knowledge they gained, the young participants created works of art reflecting their vision of peace and trust between peoples. At the end of the competition, all children received letters of appreciation, and the winners were presented with commemorative gifts. The event culminated in a tasting of Turkmen cuisine, which allowed the Japanese guests to learn more about the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan. This event was another step towards strengthening cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Japan, as well as promoting the ideas of peace and mutual understanding among the younger generation.
On 26 July, a festive reception dedicated to the gastronomic traditions of the Turkmen people was held at the National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event was held under the slogan ‘Turkmen Dastarhan.’ Guests were given the opportunity to taste national dishes, including traditional pastries, palav (pilaf), and dograma. The cultural programme included a cooking master class on how to prepare dograma, during which participants learned about the subtleties of Turkmen cuisine.
The National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the international exhibition in Japan has reached a significant milestone – the number of visitors has exceeded 1 million. This impressive result testifies to the growing interest of the world community in Turkmen culture, traditions and modern achievements. This was reported by the IIC. Throughout the exhibition, the pavilion introduces guests to the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, its achievements in science, technology, ecology, architecture and art. Visitors have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in national traditions through demonstrations of crafts, elements of everyday life, as well as participation in special cultural and educational programmes. The organisers note that such high attendance clearly demonstrates the importance of international cultural exchange and the desire of different peoples for mutual understanding. The pavilion will continue its work until 13 October, which will strengthen friendly ties between Turkmenistan and countries around the world through cultural dialogue.
For the second year in a row, the Turkmenistan Youth Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Rasul Klychev, has conquered the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, confirming its status as one of the most promising musical ensembles in the world. This time, the musicians won not only the main gold award in the ‘Chamber Orchestra’ category, but also special prizes for ‘Best Performance of Classical Music’ and ‘Best Conductor’. This was reported by the IIC. The winning performance of the Turkmen orchestra was distinguished by its virtuoso synthesis of European classics and national musical traditions. The skillful inclusion of the sound of the dutar in the score was particularly well received by the Viennese audience and the professional jury. The President of the festival's creative committee, Professor Toby Purser, highly praised the skill of the Turkmen performers and expressed his desire to develop further cooperation, including joint concert projects.