Culture
Renowned conductor Neil Varon held a master class for Turkmen musicians
26.07.2025As part of the 11th International Orchestra Festival, world-renowned conductor and professor at the Eastman School of Music Neil Varon held a master class for musicians of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The master class was a significant event of the festival, providing musicians with an opportunity to work directly with one of the leading conductors of our time. Professor Varon shared with the orchestra members the peculiarities of interpretation and the secrets of ensemble playing. The maestro highly praised the level of training of the Turkmen musicians, noting their attentiveness and coordination. Such master classes contribute to cultural exchange and professional development, opening access to the best world traditions of performance.
An exhibition of English-language literature has opened in Ashgabat
25.07.2025On 24 July, the State Library of Turkmenistan hosted the grand opening of an exhibition and fair of classical English-language literature, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and US Independence Day. This was reported by the IIC. Before the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood visited the Foreign Language Literature Department, which houses a unique collection of 60,000 books in 50 languages, including 30,000 publications in English. Of particular interest was a book disinfection device donated by the American side in 2009, which helps preserve rare copies. Acting Library Director Lachyn Nurmuhamedova emphasised the importance of the library as a centre for international cultural exchange and congratulated Ambassador Rood on the anniversary of her diplomatic service in Turkmenistan. In her response, the US Ambassador noted the successful development of humanitarian ties between the two countries, especially in the field of education through American Council programmes.
Turkmen student makes it into the top 50 of the international competition ‘Picture of the World’
25.07.2025Mahym Atakova, a student at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, has become a finalist in the international competition and exhibition ‘Picture of the World’ held by the Tretyakov Gallery branch in Kaliningrad. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Young artists from 65 countries, including Turkmenistan, Russia, China, Libya, Senegal and others, took part in the competition. The competition was held on the theme ‘The values of my people as part of the global culture of humanity’, with nominations for painting, graphic art and digital art. M. Atakova, who is studying graphic design at the Department of Graphic Arts, presented three works: ‘Sweet Dream’, ‘Living History’ and ‘Happy Childhood’. Two of them are already in a private collection in the United States. After several stages of selection, M. Atakova's works were included in the top 100 and then in the 50 finalists of the competition.
Turkmen youth orchestra conquers Vienna at World Festival
25.07.2025The XI World Festival of Orchestras, one of the most significant events in the world of academic music, took place in the Austrian capital from 23 to 26 July. This year, the event was attended by ensembles from 40 countries, united by the common idea of ‘One Future, Our Better Future’. This was reported by IIC. The grand opening of the festival took place on 23 July at the famous City Hall Square in Vienna, where the Youth Chamber Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by the country's Honoured Artist Rasul Klychev, performed in front of the audience. The ensemble consists of 25 talented musicians representing a new generation of Turkmen performers. The orchestra's programme masterfully combined world classics and national musical traditions. Festival guests heard Schubert's String Quartet arranged by Mahler, the folk melody ‘This is Paradise’ arranged by Meret Annamyradov, and Astor Piazzolla's famous ‘Tango: Fugue and Mystery.’ The participation of the Turkmen ensemble in such a prestigious event testifies to the high level of musical art in Turkmenistan and its growing role in the global cultural space. The Vienna Festival, held since 2013 with the support of the city authorities, has become an important platform for creative exchange and showcasing the talents of young musicians from around the world.
A designer from Turkmenistan presented her collection in Paris
23.07.2025Turkmen designer Govher Pirkuliyeva-Gouvernet presented national fashion on the international stage, showcasing her signature collection at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025–2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The collection attracted the interest of the public and critics, combining traditional Turkmen motifs with contemporary European trends. Pirkuliyeva-Gouvernet’s style is recognisable by her modern reinterpretation of national costume while preserving cultural identity. The designer has previously presented her work in Paris and Milan. Her participation in international shows contributes to the popularisation of Central Asian fashion and the development of cultural dialogue between East and West.
Turkmenistan prepares for the premiere of a play adapted from Aytmatov's work
22.07.2025To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, the Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre is preparing the premiere of the play ‘Face to Face’ based on the work of Chingiz Aytmatov. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The tragic story of the deserter Ismail and his wife Seyde will leave no one indifferent. In the spirit of Aytmatov, the characters are sharply divided into weak-spirited traitors and strong, pure-hearted people. The author of the stage adaptation is Gadam Kakabayev, who has preserved the depth of the original, and the director is Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Handurdy Berdiyev. The names of the actors playing the leading roles have not yet been revealed. This is not the first time the theatre has turned to Aytmatov: audiences remember the success of the productions of ‘The Girl with the Red Scarf’ and ‘The White Ship’. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, the classic will once again touch the hearts of Turkmen audiences.
Turkmenistan will be represented at IV International Film Festival ‘One Sixth’
22.07.2025From 25 to 30 September, Yekaterinburg will host the IV International Film Festival ‘One Sixth,’ whose main theme will be the use of artificial intelligence in cinema. Turkmenistan will participate in the festival, along with other countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme includes premieres of feature films and documentaries, as well as lectures, master classes and creative meetings. Applications for participation are being accepted until 11 August. ‘One Sixth’ is the only festival in Eurasia dedicated to debut feature films. Since its founding in 2022, it has brought together more than 3,000 viewers, presenting 30 films from different countries.
Turkmen artists take part in the 7th International Festival in China
21.07.2025On 20 July this year, the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival was officially opened in Urumqi, with creative groups from nine countries, including Turkmenistan, taking part. The festival brought together artists from Central Asia, Europe and Southeast Asia, creating a unique platform for cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. Turkmen performers had the opportunity to showcase the richness of their national dance art alongside groups from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the United States, Italy and Cambodia. In addition to the main programme in Urumqi, festival events will be held in several cities of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and Hotan. The organisers have prepared a rich programme that includes street shows dedicated to the Silk Road, an international dance carnival and a week of traditional opera. The festival, which has been held since 2008, has already become a significant event in cultural cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. Over the years, more than 130 groups from 70 countries around the world have participated in the festival.
Turkmen filmmakers discussed cooperation with Turkic countries at meeting in Istanbul
21.07.2025The second meeting of representatives of the film industry of Turkic countries, organised by the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), was held in Istanbul. Delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey took part in the event. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The Turkmen side was represented by the Deputy Head of the Türkmenfilm Association named after Oguzhan Sahysalyh Bayramov and the Head of the international relations department of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography Annageldi Atanazarov. The meeting was devoted to the implementation of the decisions of the 40th meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY. The participants discussed key areas of cooperation, including the creation of a Turkic world film library, joint film projects, the development of national film festivals and the holding of the ‘Gorkut Ata’ festival. Following the talks, a final declaration was signed, confirming the agreements reached. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Aktau, which this year holds the status of cultural capital of the Turkic world. It should be recalled that the first meeting of filmmakers took place in Tashkent, where it was decided to establish the TURKFILM association to coordinate joint work in the field of cinema.
Ashgabat will host an American-Turkmen book fair
18.07.2025On 24 July 2025, the State Library of Turkmenistan will host a joint book fair organised by the US Embassy. The event will open at 11:00 and will present literary works from both countries, creating a space for cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. The fair will feature literary readings with representatives of the diplomatic mission, English language competitions, and creative activities for visitors of all ages. Special attention will be paid to developing an interest in reading and learning English among the Turkmen audience. The initiative reflects the desire of both sides to strengthen cultural ties and create new opportunities for intercultural exchange. The event is open to all and promises to be a significant event in the cultural life of the capital of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat is preparing to host the Second International Kids Expo 2025
16.07.2025Preparations are in full swing for the Second International Kids Expo 2025 exhibition and fair, which will be held in the capital of Turkmenistan from 21 to 23 August. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The organisers note a steady growth in interest from domestic and foreign companies, which is confirmed by the rapid reduction in the number of available exhibition spaces. The forum promises to be a large-scale and eventful event with a varied interactive programme. Among the key events are spectacular shows, including international dance performances and a children's fashion show by the ‘Miras’ fashion house. Visitors will have access to themed areas: - VR space with educational tours; - A science laboratory with practical experiments in physics, chemistry and biology; - A cyber zone with robotics demonstrations, 3D projects and AI interactives; - Master classes in decorative and applied arts, toy making, make-up and hairdressing; - Sports area with mini-football and archery; - Culinary fair with master classes from ‘Melburn’ and ‘Dolce Mia’; - Ethnographic village with live music and craft presentations. Kids Expo 2025 will cover a wide range of industries, including baby food and healthy lifestyles, literature and reading, furniture and interiors, marketing and export, educational products, fashion and style, leisure, toys, ancillary products, insurance and online services, as well as advertising and marketing solutions. The Kids Expo international exhibition is being held for the second time. The first exhibition, held in 2024, brought together 80 participants from China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United States, Canada, Portugal, Italy and Bahrain, and attracted over 10,000 visitors.
Young talents of Turkmenistan are invited to participate in the exhibition event
16.07.2025The China Center for International People-to-People Exchange under the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, in collaboration with the editorial board of the magazine ‘Class and Beyond’, has announced that it will hold an international exhibition entitled “2025 ‘China-Europe Cultural Train’ World’s Most Beautiful Children’s Painting Exhibition”. Young talents from Turkmenistan are invited to participate. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The project will be part of a large-scale initiative called ‘China-Europe Humanitarian Express’ and will be implemented using the international logistics route of the ‘China-Europe’ train. Its aim is to unite the cultures of different countries through the art and creativity of children aged 3 to 18. Participants are invited to submit their artwork — paintings, calligraphy, design, sculpture and photography — on the themes: ‘China-Europe Train’, ‘Silk Road Impressions’, ‘Civilization Dialogue’ and ‘Our Shared Home’. The best works will be included in the permanent exhibition of the project's digital cloud exhibition hall. In addition, the authors of outstanding works will have the opportunity to take part in an international tour along the China-Europe train route, where they will be able to present their works to a wide audience.
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