Culture
Film about cultural dialogue involving Turkmenistan presented in Georgia
27.02.2026On 25 February, the premiere of the Georgian feature-length documentary film ‘Culture Will Save the Universe’ took place at the Cinema House in Tbilisi. The film is dedicated to the role of culture in the development of inter-state dialogue and the strengthening of mutual understanding and trust between nations. The film presents the cultural diversity of Turkmenistan, China and Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia Z.Quin, member of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Education, Science and Youth V. Bozhadze, film director T. Malania, as well as representatives of the country's scientific and creative intelligentsia. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of high-level visits and cultural and humanitarian cooperation for the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations, emphasising the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. Participants at the event expressed the opinion that the film would contribute to the development of cultural diplomacy and the strengthening of humanitarian ties. The role of culture as a tool for promoting peaceful cooperation between states was also emphasised.
A concert was held in the capital of Turkmenistan in honour of the Chinese New Year
24.02.2026A concert entitled ‘Melodies of the Silk Road — A Joyful Spring Festival’ was held in Ashgabat to mark the Chinese New Year. This was reported by IIC. The event was held at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan and was aimed at developing humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the PRC. The festive programme began with themed events in the foyer, where guests were introduced to Chinese cultural traditions and took part in master classes on calligraphy and painting national masks. The highlight of the evening was a joint concert by the Chinese art group ‘Touchroad’ and the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The programme featured music played on traditional Chinese instruments, folk songs and dances, as well as excerpts from Beijing Opera and the Sichuan Opera show ‘Face Changing’. The classical section featured works by Nury Halmammedov, and the finale consisted of joint performances by Chinese soloists and the Turkmen orchestra, culminating in the composition ‘China in the Lights.’
The British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception
24.02.2026On 20 February, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception in honour of the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's state authorities, diplomats and international organisations. The official part of the event was opened by British Ambassador Stephen Conlon and Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov. In their welcoming speeches, they noted the active development of bilateral cooperation in politics, economics and culture, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between nations. The evening included a reading of Robert Burns' poetry, Scottish ‘Ceili’ dancing and a presentation of the national dish ‘Haggis’, symbolising the Scottish spirit. The event demonstrated the role of the embassy in promoting British culture and strengthening trust between the countries.
Turkmenistan and Seychelles discuss tourism and cultural development
22.02.2026On 16 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UAE hosted a meeting between Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Gervais Moumou, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the UAE. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to tourism, visa procedures and tourist exchange. Representatives of the Seychelles emphasised the favourable conditions for Turkmen citizens, and both sides expressed their readiness to develop cooperation between tourist organisations. In addition, issues of cultural cooperation were discussed, including the organisation of events and the arrival of creative groups, with Turkmenistan confirming its readiness to hold cultural days abroad. The interlocutors also considered diplomatic relations, cooperation in the field of education, student programmes and the establishment of contacts between chambers of commerce and industry.
Turkmenistan delegation held a series of meetings in Turkey as part of Cinema Days
20.02.2026From 16 to 18 February, as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in the Republic of Turkey, a delegation from Turkmenistan held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian dialogue and expanding cooperation in the fields of cinema, television and art. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On 16 February, a meeting was held at the TURKSOY headquarters between a delegation led by the Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, A. Shamyradov, and the Secretary General of the organisation, S. Raev. The parties discussed issues of deepening partnership and implementing joint projects to promote common cultural heritage. On 17 February, the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan held negotiations with Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. During the talks, the prospects for developing cooperation in the film industry, theatre and music, as well as opportunities for implementing educational programmes and creative exchanges were discussed. On 18 February, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, A. Kakayev, met with the Vice-Rector of Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, Barish Demirci. The parties discussed establishing academic contacts, conducting master classes and internships for students and specialists in creative fields. During the visit, members of the delegation laid flowers at the monument to Magtymguly Pyragy, located in the ‘Turkmenistan’ Park in Ankara. During the ceremony, the significance of the poet's literary heritage for world culture was emphasised. During the meetings, the Turkmen side also informed its partners about the priority areas of Turkmenistan's state policy and key international events in 2026, which will be held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan is hosting National Film Week
19.02.2026On 16 February, National Film Week, organised by the Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association, opened in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. On the first day of the event, screenings took place at three of the city's main cinemas. The ‘Ashgabat’ cinema showed the feature film ‘Gyzyl Alma’ (‘Red Apple’) by director Hekim Alovov, which tells the story of the blossoming of sincere feelings between Mergen and Alma, which change their destinies and emphasise their loyalty to national ideals. The ‘Watan’ cinema and concert centre presented the short film ‘Yaşlar’ (‘Young People’) by Isgendermuhammet Annamuhammedov. The film reflects the first feelings of young people, touches on the upbringing of the younger generation and promotes national wedding traditions, emphasising the importance of family values and a healthy lifestyle.
Turkmen cinema receives international recognition in Ankara
19.02.2026On 17 February, the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre in Ankara hosted a screening and award ceremony for the film ‘The Composer’ as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Composer Kerim Berdimuhamedov was awarded the special ‘Winged Golden Steed’ award for the film's musical score. His work was highly praised by film industry professionals, critics and the international cultural community. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship received the ‘Grand Winged Falcon’ award for its contribution to the creation of the film. The ceremony emphasised the importance of public organisations' participation in the development of national culture and support for filmmakers. The awards were presented by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. The Turkmen side was represented by Minister of Culture A. Shamyradov, who expressed gratitude for the high appreciation of the work of Turkmen filmmakers and noted the contributions of the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in supporting cinema at the national level. During the ceremony, it was noted that modern Turkmen cinema preserves national traditions and at the same time actively integrates into the international cultural space, participates in the exchange of experience and contributes to world cinema.
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.
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