Culture
Ashgabat celebrated the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel with a concert by the symphony orchestra
20.11.2025A concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of French composer Maurice Ravel was held in Ashgabat. The event was a notable occasion in the cultural calendar and presented listeners with key works by the master of musical impressionism, according to IIC. The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by Honoured Artist of the country Rasul Klychev, performed a programme that included Ravel's most iconic works. The evening was opened by French Ambassador to Turkmenistan Philippe Merlin, who emphasised the importance of the composer's work for world musical culture. The concert featured ‘Pavane for a Dead Princess,’ one of Ravel's most famous lyrical compositions, as well as his ‘Piano Concerto in G major (M.83)’. The solo part in the three-part concerto was performed by pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan. The programme also included ‘Morning Song of the Jester’. The highlight of the evening was the performance of ‘Bolero’, presented for the first time on the Turkmen stage.
Chairman of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan awarded gold medal in Tashkent
17.11.2025An exhibition has opened in Tashkent, in the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, as part of the International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’. This event has become a true cross-cultural manifesto, according to IIC. The exhibition was created as a visual dialogue between the countries of the region: from the rich hues of the Azerbaijani school to the steppe breath of Kazakh masters, from Kyrgyz folk symbolism to the decorativeness of Uzbek art. But the works of Turkmen artists stood out particularly brightly against this backdrop. Their canvases are a visual code of steppe culture: an organic combination of ethnographic motifs, author's technique and philosophical depth. One of the key moments of the opening was the presentation of the gold medal of the Union of Artists of Uzbekistan to the Chairman of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, Charymyrat Yazmyradov. This award is not only a personal recognition, but also a symbolic confirmation that Turkmen art is gaining weight in the regional arena.
Turkmen artist honoured with International ‘Heritage of the Future’ award
16.11.2025The ‘Heritage of the Future’ (‘Kelajak merosi’) International award ceremony was held in Tashkent. According to the results of the first competition in the category ‘Fine and Applied Arts,’ the award was presented to People's Artist of Turkmenistan Babasary Annamyradov, reports the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Established in 2025 on the initiative of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the award recognises outstanding cultural figures who contribute to the preservation of traditions, the development of art and the strengthening of national spiritual heritage. The event brought together the leaders of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. The winners were presented with a statuette, a diploma and a cash prize.
Turkmenistan strengthens scientific diplomacy at spiritual heritage congress in Tashkent
15.11.2025The International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’ continues its work in Tashkent, bringing together researchers and experts, including representatives from Turkmenistan. The forum's programme covers a wide range of topics reflecting the historical roots, cultural traditions and spiritual values of the peoples of the region, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Special attention was paid to the role of archaeology as an instrument of scientific diplomacy. This field has long gone beyond the study of antiquity and today serves as a platform for international cooperation, creating a space of trust and mutual respect. Speaking at the section ‘Material Culture and Spiritual Heritage of Central Asia’, Jennet Ezimova, senior researcher at the Institute of History and Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, emphasised that the preservation of cultural and historical heritage is part of Turkmenistan's responsibility to world civilisation.
Turkmenistan strengthens cultural cooperation in Central Asia
14.11.2025The first meeting of the ministers of culture of Central Asian countries was held in Tashkent. During the event, the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, A. Shamyradov, gave a speech, noting that Turkmenistan and the states of the region are carrying out large-scale work to strengthen friendly and partnership ties, as well as to expand international cultural cooperation, according to IIC. According to the Minister, the international cultural events held have contributed to the deepening of inter-state contacts, the exchange of experience in the humanitarian sphere and have increased interest in the rich spiritual heritage and intellectual potential of the countries of Central Asia. It was noted that Turkmenistan, by consistently strengthening relations of friendship and mutual understanding, is making a significant contribution to maintaining peace and stability both in the region and globally.
Turkmenistan presented its cultural vision at a congress in Tashkent
14.11.2025The International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’ was held in Tashkent at the Centre for Islamic Civilisation. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov, is participating in the event. This was reported by IIC. The opening ceremony began with the screening of a documentary film and the reading of a welcome message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the participants of the forum. During the first plenary session, Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov delivered a speech. He noted that spiritual heritage serves as one of the most important foundations uniting the peoples of Central Asia, and that the continuity of generations is manifested in the education of young people based on the principles of humanism, honesty and unity. The Head of the Turkmen Ministry of Culture emphasised that the works of the region's outstanding thinkers — Omar Hayyam, Alisher Navoi and Dovletmammet Azadi — are an integral part of the common cultural wealth, and their ideas about dignity, patriotism and kindness remain relevant in the modern world. During the meeting, the ministers of culture of other countries in the region discussed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation and jointly preserve the spiritual heritage of Central Asia.
Turkmen fashion to be showcased in the United States
10.11.2025The Turkmen fashion house ‘Mähirli Zenan’ is preparing to present Turkmen national fashion in the United States of America. The brand, which creates exclusive products with hand-embroidered ‘keshde’, became one of the first in the country to bring Turkmenistan's ethnic fashion to the world stage. This was reported by TerraNews. In March this year, ‘Mähirli Zenan’, with the support of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, held an international fashion show in Ashgabat. The event received widespread coverage in the foreign media. The initiative to hold the show in the United States was supported by Aksenia Krupenko, President of the American company FCGroup LLC, which is involved in cultural diplomacy and the hospitality industry. The project will be a significant step in the development of Turkmenistan's cultural diplomacy, aimed at promoting the rich heritage and unique craftsmanship of the Turkmen people. The main idea behind the ‘Threads of Tradition’ project is to showcase Turkmenistan's national identity and cultural wealth using modern forms of communication. A similar approach is planned for the preparation of a Turkmen fashion show in the United States with the assistance of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States. It is worth noting that ‘Mähirli Zenan’ is already well known on international catwalks: the brand represented Turkmenistan at BRICS Fashion in Russia, the Oriental Fashion Show in Paris, and also participated in the Miss Universe competition in Milan. These projects have strengthened the brand's international recognition and laid the foundation for a new ambitious step — organising a show of Turkmen national clothing in the United States.
A book about the great Turkmen poet Dovletmammet Azadi was presented in Ankara
07.11.2025On 6 November, the TURKSOY General Secretariat building in Ankara hosted the presentation of the Turkish-language book ‘Wagzy-Azat’ (‘Advice from Azadi’), dedicated to the 330th anniversary of the birth of Turkmen thinker and poet Dovletmammet Azadi. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was held as part of Turkmen Literature and Creativity Week in Turkey, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in cooperation with TURKSOY. The presentation was attended by diplomats, representatives of Turkish ministries, writers, public figures, the Turkmen diaspora, students and the media. The book, prepared by Dr Soner Saglam, is dedicated to the life and work of the great poet and philosopher and contributes to the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage in the Turkic world. Participants in the event noted that Azadi's work is an important part of the common Turkic spiritual culture and strengthens friendship between peoples with common historical roots. The presentation took place in a solemn atmosphere, demonstrating the successful cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and TURKSOY.
Turkmen books added to the collection of the Nation’s Library of Turkey
07.11.2025On 5 November, a ceremony was held in Ankara to transfer 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, to the Nation’s Library of the Presidential Complex of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) as part of Turkmen Literature and Creativity Week. The ceremony was attended by Turkish government and public figures, scientists, writers, representatives of culture and the media. The donated books reflect the philosophical and humanistic ideas that underpin the politics and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue between Turkmenistan and Turkey. Speakers noted that the gift symbolises the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and their common historical and cultural roots. In addition, the library received publications on Turkmen history, literature, art and traditions, demonstrating the continuity of national values and Turkmenistan's contribution to world culture.
Turkmen Literature and Creativity Week started in Istanbul
05.11.2025On 3 November, the opening of Turkmen Literature and Creativity Week was held at the Turkish Literature Foundation in Istanbul. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey in conjunction with the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Turkish government and public circles, renowned scientists, writers, cultural figures and the media. As part of the opening, a collection of poems entitled ‘Women and Words in the Turkic World’ was presented, published to mark the 85th anniversary of the Hero of Turkmenistan, People’s Writer of Turkmenistan and winner of the Magtymguly International Prize, Amangozel Shagulyeva. In their speeches, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and People's Artist of Turkmenistan Saragt Babayev noted the importance of cultural dialogue and strengthening humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey. The celebration took place in a warm atmosphere and became another step in the development of cooperation between the two countries. On the same day, a photo exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust opened at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul. Cultural events, exhibitions, creative meetings and poetry evenings aimed at promoting Turkmen literature and art are planned in Ankara and Istanbul throughout the week.
A concert was held in Ashgabat to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations
30.10.2025The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre hosted a concert entitled ‘Music of Peace and Hope’ dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event was organised by the UN Office in Turkmenistan with the support of the Ministry of Culture. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. UN Resident Coordinator Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasised the importance of the values of peace, equality and solidarity, thanking the government and UN agencies for their joint work on the Sustainable Development Goals. The concert featured performances by the State Choir and Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan and the Ashgabat Music Schools Children's Choir. The concert featured performances of ‘Heal the World,’ ‘The Song of Peace,’ ‘What a Wonderful World,’ ‘May There Always Be Sunshine,’ the UNICEF lullaby, and an excerpt from Vivaldi's ‘The Four Seasons: Winter.’ Some of the performances were accompanied by sign language. The evening ended with a joint performance of ‘We are the World.’
Ancient civilizations of Turkmenistan will be showcased at an exhibition in Italy
21.10.2025The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ will open to the public for the first time at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The exhibition will run from 25 October 2025 to 12 April 2026. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Italian visitors will be presented with archaeological finds related to the cultures of Margiana and Parthia. The exhibition will feature items from Margiana (3rd–2nd millennium BC), located in south-eastern Turkmenistan, as well as from Parthia, including artefacts from the Nisa archaeological complex (2nd century BC – 1st century AD) in the central-southern part of the country. Among the exhibits are gold necklaces with semi-precious stones from Gonur Depe, clay heads of rulers and warriors, as well as ivory rhytons from the Hellenistic period. All items are provided by the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. The exhibition is organised by Roma Capitale, the Department of Culture and the Capitoline Cultural Heritage Office, with the support of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
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