Society
Ashgabat celebrated World Hindi Day
10.01.2026On the eve of World Hindi Day, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a festive event dedicated to one of the world's oldest languages. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The date coincides with the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975. Today, Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of prevalence. The programme was opened by students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, who demonstrated their high level of language proficiency through poetic recitations and vocal performances. The audience also enjoyed dance and music performances inspired by Indian cultural traditions and classical cinema. Special attention was paid to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Indian heritage: participants from the Ashgabat Yoga Centre presented a demonstration programme, emphasising the profound meaning of this practice. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Hindi is an important cultural and emotional link that promotes dialogue between peoples and the development of cooperation. The evening concluded with the awarding of active students and a tasting of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The event was a vivid example of how language and culture strengthen humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan.
A book by the President of Turkmenistan was presented in Bucharest
08.01.2026On 7 January, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, a presentation of the book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust,’ was held. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants emphasised that the publication is dedicated to the history and contemporary significance of the policy of permanent neutrality, its legal and political foundations, as well as Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional and global stability. The event featured an exhibition of books by Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reflecting the country's achievements during the years of independence. Turkmen students and representatives of the diaspora in Romania took part in the presentation. The organisers noted that the meeting contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the strengthening of ties with compatriots abroad.
The ‘Dokma’ online platform brings together products from national textile brands
08.01.2026The ‘Dokma’ trading platform offers a range of textile products from Turkmen manufacturers. The online catalogue includes clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear and accessories, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The catalogue features products from the ‘Bedew’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Goza’, ‘Gala’, ‘Mäne’, ‘Jeýtun’, ‘Bürgüt’ and ‘Ýeňiş’ brands, as well as products from the country's largest enterprises under the ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand. The website is adapted for use on various devices. The navigation allows you to quickly find products and place orders online. Each item is accompanied by photos, including a zoom function, and a description indicating the materials, sizes and characteristics. The range also includes bedding, towels and bathrobes. The information in the catalogue is regularly updated. Placing an order takes a few minutes. Delivery in Ashgabat is free of charge, and goods can be shipped to all velayats of the country. The development of the ‘Dokma’ platform is aimed at expanding online sales of domestic textile products and reflects the transition of enterprises in the industry to digital formats of trade.
Official online resource launched for the Fund to Help Children in Need of Care
08.01.2026The official website of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has been launched. The online resource was launched to increase the transparency of the Foundation's activities and expand access to information about its humanitarian initiatives, according to IIC. The official website contains information about the Fund's mission and priorities, ongoing programmes, charitable events and achievements. Users can access news, reports and information about current initiatives. The resource is available in Turkmen, Russian and English. The launch of the website is seen as an additional tool for interacting with the public, partners and international organisations, as well as a step towards the further development of charitable activities in the field of child protection.
Turkmen students win prizes at snow sculpture competition in Harbin
08.01.2026Turkmen students from Harbin Engineering University won prizes at the 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest, which took place in 2026 in Harbin (PRC). The team took second place with their entry, ‘Pride of Turkmenistan,’ representing the country's national culture and artistic traditions on an international level. This was reported by IIC. The sculpture was created by Serdarov Didar, Rejepov Ilmyrat, Jorayev Yusupjan, and Amanov Bagtyyar. The central image of the composition was an Ahal-Teke horse, one of the key symbols of Turkmenistan. Made of snow and ice, the work was distinguished by its expressive plasticity, dynamics and accurate conveyance of the strength and nobility of the legendary horse breed. The achievement was given additional symbolism by the fact that the competition was held in the Year of the Horse, whose motto reflects the ideas of fidelity to traditions, spiritual stability and harmony. It is these qualities, according to the authors' concept, that are embodied by the Ahal-Teke horse, which became the artistic and semantic centre of the sculpture. The Turkmen team's second place was marked with a certificate presented by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Organizing Committee with the support of the National Institute of Industrial Design in China. The award confirmed the high level of professional training and creative approach of the young authors. The performance of Turkmen students in Harbin contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural image abroad, demonstrating the possibilities of a modern artistic interpretation of national heritage on an international stage.
Turkmenistan discusses new National Forest Programme until 2030
07.01.2026A round table discussion on the draft National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in conjunction with UNDP and the Aral Project. Scientists, members of the Mejlis and relevant experts took part in the discussion, according to IIC. The project, which is the third stage of the national greening strategy, includes 13 sections and a specific action plan. It places greater emphasis on the restoration of natural forests and, for the first time, provides for state forest management to create a forest cadastre. The programme also provides for public-private partnership mechanisms, measures to combat desertification and adapt to climate change, and the introduction of GIS, satellite monitoring and AI. The prospects for the development of ecotourism, job creation and the country's participation in international carbon credit markets are highlighted separately.
Turkmenistan and China pool expertise in protecting desert routes
05.01.2026Turkmen and Chinese scientists have strengthened cooperation in the study of desert areas as part of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are focusing on China's experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the motorway through the Taklamakan Desert, which is over 560 km long and protected by an artificial forest belt covering an area of over 3,000 hectares. The ecosystem of 20 million drought-resistant plants prevents sand drift and is supported by electrified wells with mineralised water. The project is recognised by the international community and contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and the application of technologies for growing cistanche on saxaul. The similarity of desert conditions with the Karakum Desert makes the exchange of experience particularly useful for Turkmenistan, which sees cooperation as a contribution to the development of sustainable ecosystems and the creation of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's capital discusses motto for 2026
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ was held at the Centre for Public Organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ It is noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ symbolises the country’s striving for new achievements and is associated with the Year of the Horse in the Eastern calendar, as well as the special role of Ahal-Teke horses in national culture. Within the framework of the event, an exhibition of decorative and applied arts with samples of horse equipment and jewellery was held, emphasising the continuity of traditions and the country's modern development. Participants also highlighted the social orientation of state policy in the areas of improving living standards, science and education.
The Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat hosted a celebration of Father's Day
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to Father's Day was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, students and teachers of the centre, residents of the capital, representatives of the public and the media, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Father's Day is a national holiday in Iran and is timed to coincide with the birthday of Hazrat Ali. It is celebrated as a day of respect for the head of the family. During the event, it was emphasised that the peoples of Iran and Turkmenistan are linked by common historical roots and similar values, including respect for parents, generational continuity and the preservation of family traditions. The festive programme included poetry readings, humorous skits and songs in Farsi, Turkmen, Russian and English. Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani thanked the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy for organising the event and noted the spiritual significance of the holiday. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Advisor to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasised that in Turkmenistan's culture, the role of the father also occupies an important place and is based on national traditions of respect for parents and the older generation.
Turkmenistan to participate in Caspian Region Transport Forum
05.01.2026On 15–16 April 2026, Astrakhan will host the 5th International Forum ‘Transport Logistics of the Caspian Region 2025.’ The agenda includes the development of the ‘North–South’ corridor and coordination of actions between the Caspian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. Special attention will be paid to issues of cross-border cooperation, simplification of document flow and settlements with Central Asian countries, as well as increasing the throughput capacity of ports and the railway network. Participation in the forum is of practical importance for Turkmenistan. The country is developing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and land routes within the ‘North-South’ corridor. Discussions with Caspian partners will allow for the synchronisation of logistics solutions and the strengthening of transit potential. The forum programme consists of two stages. Business visits to logistics facilities in the Astrakhan region are scheduled for 15 April. A plenary session with representatives of ports, shipping companies, railway operators and investors will be held on 16 April.
Ashgabat to host international textile industry exhibition
04.01.2026From 4 to 6 June, Ashgabat will host the international exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo-2026’. The event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition will cover a wide range of areas, including textile equipment, natural fibre processing, clothing and footwear manufacturing, home textiles, spare parts and auxiliary materials. Chemicals and dyes, accessories, fittings and the latest technologies, including industry know-how, will also be presented. The exhibition will serve as a platform for demonstrating the potential of Turkmenistan's textile industry and strengthening international cooperation. Participants and guests will be able to learn about innovative developments, establish business contacts and discuss prospects for joint projects and further cooperation in the industry.
Turkmenistan approves new procedure for registering refugees
04.01.2026The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan has approved an updated procedure for registering and recording persons who have applied for refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as those who have already been granted such status. This was reported by IIC. According to the new requirements, foreign citizens entering the country with the specified status are required to undergo migration registration within three working days of crossing the border. Registration is carried out at the place of permanent or temporary residence, subject to the availability of supporting documents. The document also provides for the introduction of a state information system for migration registration. The system will collect and store personal and biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. A separate set of rules concerns the obligations of the host party — hotels, medical institutions and other organisations. They are required to inform the migration authorities of the arrival and departure of foreign citizens no later than within 24 hours. For cases of mass arrival of persons in emergency situations, a simplified mechanism for registration at temporary accommodation points has been established, followed by migration registration for a period of up to three months. It is noted that the new procedure has been developed in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Refugees’ and is aimed at improving the efficiency of the migration control and registration system.
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