The company ‘Bilimli Diýar’ (BD-Travel) showcased Turkmenistan’s tourism opportunities at the international Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 exhibition, held from 24 to 27 September in Tokyo. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event, held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre, brought together 1,420 organisations from 74 countries and around 180,000 visitors. BD-Travel had its own stand and held B2B meetings with Japanese and international travel companies. The parties discussed the development of mutual tourist flows, direct contracts and the promotion of itineraries in Turkmenistan. Visitors to the exhibition were introduced to Ashgabat, the ancient cities of Nisa, Merv and Margush, the Darvaza Crater, the Yangigala Canyons, the Dinosaur Plateau and the ‘Awaza’ resort area. The stand also featured performances of national music and a display of traditional Turkmenistan costumes. BD-Travel has previously showcased its tourism products at exhibitions in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka and Berlin. The company is also preparing new tourism and festive itineraries for 2027.
On September 28, the Ashgabat Equestrian Center hosted celebratory horse races to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The winners of the seven races received cash prizes, and the grand prize winner also received the President of Turkmenistan's Challenge Cup. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The winning horses were: Nyazli, owned by the Berkararlyk Etrap Administration in Ashgabat. Jockey: P. Orazov; groom: W. Gayipov. Ayyildyz, owned by the Ashgabat City Administration. Jockey: Sh. Saryev; groom: H. Gubayev. Bendesen, owned by the ‘Bäherden’ horse-breeding farm of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. Jockey: Ya. Allanazarov; groom: D. Myratguliyev, Honoured Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan. Gonibek, owned by the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Jockey – S. Charyev; groom – O. Annalyev, Master Jockey-Instructor of Turkmenistan. Maksatly, owned by the Ashgabat City Administration. Jockey and groom: R. Seyidov. Gudratlydag, owned by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. Jockey: Master Rider T. Babayev; groom: Master Groom G. Agamyradov. Bezirgen, owned by the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Jockey: master rider B. Agamyradov; groom: Honoured Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan M. Agamyradov. The Grand Prize of the President of Turkmenistan was won by the bay-coloured horse Bezirgen. The winner was awarded 300,000 manats and the President of Turkmenistan’s Challenge Cup. The other winners each received 100,000 manats.
On 27 September 2026, celebratory events were held in Turkey and Pakistan to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In Ankara, the façade of the building housing the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey was illuminated with festive lighting in the colours of the Turkmenistan national flag. The 140-metre-tall building, one of the tallest structures in the Turkish capital, was adorned with images of the traditional Turkmen ‘göl’, the crescent moon and five stars. The illumination served as a symbol of the friendly and fraternal relations between Turkmenistan and Turkey. In Pakistan, festive events took place from 25 to 27 September on the initiative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. A video dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was shown on the façade screen of The Centaurus Mall, the largest shopping centre, as well as at the Mövenpick Hotel located within the complex. The video introduced residents and visitors to Islamabad to the country’s achievements since independence, its socio-economic development and the main areas of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation. The celebratory presentation also served as a reflection of the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
On 26–27 September, the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan in Herat organised events to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In the central districts of Herat, themed videos and photo galleries were broadcast on LED screens in English and Persian. The screenings took place near ‘Cinema’ Square, as well as on the digital billboards of the ‘Zaitoon’ shopping centre on ‘64 Meter’ Avenue. The events were attended by elders and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora living in the provinces of Herat and Badghis. The participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for supporting their compatriots and pursuing a peaceful foreign policy.
The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty hosted a training seminar entitled ‘Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage through Museums in Central Asia’. The event was supported by the International Training Centre for the Study of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (CRIHAP), reports ‘Türkmenmetbugat’. The seminar was attended by experts from Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. They examined contemporary methods for the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage through museum activities. Under the guidance of UNESCO expert Tamara Nikolic Djeric, participants exchanged experiences and discussed the contribution of museums to the preservation of the traditions, crafts and musical arts of the peoples of Central Asia.
Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, and embassy staff took part in a tree-planting campaign in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Ashgabat City Administration and the Pakistani Embassy, according to Orient. The Ambassador congratulated the people of the country on Independence Day and highlighted the importance of further developing friendly and fraternal relations between the two states. Faryal Leghari also emphasised the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan in various fields and of continued collaboration. The tree-planting event formed part of the celebrations marking Turkmenistan’s national holiday.
A charity event aimed at supporting children in need of special care took place in Turkmenistan during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, festive treats and sweet gifts were presented to the children at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace in the capital and to the young patients at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the town of Arkadag. The children were also given fresh vegetables, melons, fruit and baked goods. The gifts created a festive atmosphere and delighted the children. As a token of gratitude, the children sang songs and recited poems about their homeland. Caring for the health of the younger generation and supporting children in need of special attention remain key priorities of Turkmenistan’s social policy. The event continued the traditions of humanism and care for the younger generation in a year marked by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
On 26 September, a ceremony was held at the State Migration Service to award residence permits in Turkmenistan to foreign nationals permanently residing in the country. The decision was taken in accordance with a Resolution by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reports the TDH news agency. Under the Resolution, 146 foreign nationals were granted permanent residence permits in Turkmenistan. The event took place as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. Those who received the permits expressed their gratitude to the country’s leadership for the opportunity to live permanently in Turkmenistan. During the ceremony, it was noted that conditions are being created in the country for people of different nationalities and ethnic groups to live in peace and prosperity.
On 25 September 2026, at a high-level UN meeting, Turkmenistan outlined its priorities in the areas of pandemic prevention, preparedness and emergency response. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The initiatives presented are based on proposals by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which he had previously outlined at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly. The proposals include the development of a programme to study the coronavirus genome, the creation of a multilateral mechanism to combat pneumonia, and the establishment of a methodological centre for the prevention and treatment of acute infectious diseases under the auspices of the World Health Organisation. In collaboration with the WHO, Turkmenistan continues to improve epidemiological surveillance, strengthen pandemic preparedness and develop laboratory infrastructure. Particular attention is also being paid to implementing the ‘One Health’ concept, which brings together issues relating to human health, animal health and the state of the environment.
In the city of Arkadag, new residents were presented with the keys to their new flats ahead of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The new residents were given flats in modern residential buildings, equipped with all necessary amenities. The flats feature improved layouts, whilst the kitchens, children’s rooms and other areas have been designed in line with national traditions and modern requirements. The recipients expressed their gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for creating the conditions for a comfortable life.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan plan to resume cargo and commercial air services between the two countries in the near future. This was stated by Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ashgabat, in an article marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to TerraNews. According to the diplomat, the resumption of direct flights will contribute to the development of regional connectivity alongside road and rail routes. Leghari noted that air links will expand contacts between the countries and create further opportunities for cooperation in trade, healthcare, education and sport. The Ambassador also emphasised the historical significance of bilateral relations. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established during the early years of Turkmenistan’s independence. According to Leghari, Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional security and stability form the basis for further cooperation.
A ceremony was held at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan to confer the academic titles of professor, associate professor and senior research fellow, to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was reported by the IIC. The titles were conferred by decision of the Presidium of the Higher Attestation Committee and approved by the President of Turkmenistan. The academics received state certificates in recognition of their research in various fields of science, including history, law, economics, linguistics, education, physics, medicine and agriculture. The title of professor was conferred upon 16 researchers, that of associate professor upon 16 specialists, and that of senior research fellow upon 10 research staff members.