Society
A sadaqah was held in Turkmenistan to mark the registration of a new mosque
16.08.2026On 14 August, a celebratory sadaqah was held at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre in the city of Arkadag to mark the presentation of the registration certificate for the new mosque, ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The name of the mosque, which has a capacity of 30,000 people, was approved following suggestions from the local community and registered by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the established procedure. The day before, on 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag, where he familiarised himself with the plans for the second phase of construction. At a working meeting, he was informed of the registration of the new mosque’s name. During the sadaqah, the Mufti of Turkmenistan recited the ‘tebarek’ prayer and offered supplications for peace, prosperity and the unity of the people. Participants in the event were served traditional dishes. After the sadaqah, the elders visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers. During the prayer, verses from the Holy Quran were recited and prayers were offered for the country’s prosperity, unity and a peaceful life for the people.
India’s Independence Day was celebrated in Ashgabat
16.08.2026At a reception in Ashgabat to mark India’s Independence Day, the Indian national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed. The a cappella rendition was given by the Turkmen singer Tachnabat Yomudova, who was joined by guests at the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The reception in the Turkmen capital was held to mark the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, which the country celebrates on 15 August. The theme of this year’s celebrations was ‘The Power of Youth’ and the contribution of the younger generation to the country’s development by 2047. Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, addressed the reception. He expressed Delhi’s readiness to expand cooperation with Ashgabat in the trade, economic, cultural and educational spheres. “India is ready and intends to further strengthen cooperation as a partner country in the Global South, as a developing country, and as a close friend and partner in the wider neighbourhood,” he said. According to the Ambassador, trade between the two countries exceeded $270 million last year. He noted the growing interest among Turkmen citizens in medical tourism and higher education in India, and also congratulated Turkmenistan on the upcoming 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, which will be celebrated next month. ‘Vande Mataram’ is a song in Sanskrit and Bengali, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Since 1950, following the adoption of the Indian Constitution, it has held the status of a national song, whilst the country’s national anthem is ‘Jana Gana Mana’. In August 2026, the Indian Parliament passed a law extending legal protection to the national song, similar to that afforded to the national anthem.
Ashgabat is set to host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026
16.08.2026On 19 September 2026, Ashgabat will host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026 international competition. Start-ups will present their projects to a panel of experts and compete for a place in the global final in San Francisco, according to the Orient news agency. Start-ups from various sectors are invited to take part, regardless of their stage of development. Participants must complete an application form, prepare a pitch deck and present their project to the jury. The winner of the regional round will earn the right to represent Turkmenistan at the Startup World Cup global final, which will take place on 4–6 November 2026 in San Francisco. The top prize at the global final is US$1 million. Participation in the regional round is free of charge, but places are limited.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met with the Head of ‘DUX Middle East’
14.08.2026On 13 August, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, who is also accredited to Oman, held a meeting with Rasul Guliaev, Chairman and Executive Director of ‘DUX Middle East (FZC) LLC’. This was reported by the press office of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Saudi Arabia. R. Guliaev spoke about the activities of his company, which is registered in the Sultanate of Oman, and expressed an interest in purchasing petroleum products manufactured at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. Ambassador M. Ayazov, in turn, invited the businessman to take part in the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, which will be held in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026.
The Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan and the WHO are stepping up emergency preparedness at the borders
14.08.2026A meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the WHO country office took place at the UN building in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting was attended by representatives of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, and the State Customs, Migration and Border Services. The participants finalised the draft National Action Plan for Public Health Emergencies at Points of Entry and discussed measures to improve response mechanisms. The development of standard operating procedures for coordinating actions at the border was also considered. The meeting aimed to provide the Ministry of Health with advisory and technical support in accordance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR). WHO experts at global and regional levels presented the key provisions of the IHR, shared experience of operations at points of entry in the European Region, and provided materials for conducting simulation exercises. WHO confirmed its readiness to continue providing technical support to Turkmenistan in the implementation of the IHR.
A book fair for children and families is to be held in Ashgabat
14.08.2026The International Book Fair will be one of the highlights of the KIDS EXPO 2026 exhibition — books, literary discoveries and interactive activities await children and adults alike. This is reported by the news agency Orient. From 19 to 22 August 2026 in Ashgabat, visitors can look forward to a large book area for children and adults, where they will be able to discover new publications, choose books for the whole family and take part in literary events. The fair will feature a wide selection of books in various languages — fiction, educational, informative and developmental literature, books on child-rearing and child development, as well as publications for family reading and self-education. Libraries, bookshops and international cultural organisations – the French Institute in Turkmenistan and the Iranian Cultural Centre in Turkmenistan – will be taking part. Their involvement will enable visitors to experience a variety of literary traditions, languages and cultures, as well as introducing the audience to new publications and works from different countries. The book zone will appeal not only to book lovers: visitors will be able to buy books, discover new releases and take part in an interactive programme for children. Literary readings, quizzes, educational games and other activities are planned for young guests. Particular attention will be paid to family reading and fostering an interest in literature among children and teenagers. Parents will be able to choose books for their children, explore literature on child-rearing and child development, and find books for their own reading and self-education. The International Book Fair will form part of the KIDS EXPO 2026 cultural and educational programme, which brings together books, education, creativity and family leisure. The international exhibition and fair ‘KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children’ will take place from 19 to 22 August at the Exhibition Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The exhibition is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and TurkmenExpo.
Ashgabat is set to host its first international children’s chess tournament
14.08.2026On 19–20 August, Ashgabat will host the first-ever ‘Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026’ international chess tournament — a rapid and blitz competition for young chess players in the U8, U10 and U12 categories from more than 15 countries. The tournament will form part of the business and sports programme of the international exhibition and trade fair ‘KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children’, which will take place in the Turkmen capital from 19 to 22 August, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Young players from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and other countries will compete at the chessboards. The competitions will be held in accordance with the rules of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). In addition to the young participants, representatives of international and national chess federations, grandmasters and champions from Turkey, Jordan, Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Syria and Libya will be travelling to Ashgabat. The organisers hope to bring together young chess players, professional players and representatives of the international chess community in one venue to exchange experiences and foster connections within the field of children’s chess. A supporting programme has been organised for participants and visitors to the exhibition: a free-play area, masterclasses, educational events, presentations and a chess quiz. A separate programme of events has been arranged for teachers, coaches and organisers of chess programmes. The tournament is organised and supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Turkic Chess Association (TCA), the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) programme of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan and TurkmenExpo. The tournament will take place at the Exhibition Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and will be the first official international chess competition organised in the country.
The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone celebrated Caspian Sea Day
14.08.2026On 12 August, events marking Caspian Sea Day were held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The main event was a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, according to the TDH news agency. The forum was attended by members of the national government, representatives of ministries and departments, scientific institutions, diplomatic missions, and international and regional organisations. Participants discussed issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of biodiversity, the rational use of natural resources and the development of regional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s ‘Caspian Environmental Initiative’ and the proposal to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. An address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out at the opening of the conference. The Head of State noted the priority of preserving the Caspian’s unique ecosystem and emphasised the need for the Caspian states and international organisations to join forces. During the forum, participants reviewed the implementation of the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, which entered into force on 12 August 2006. This year marks the 20th anniversary of its entry into force. The document serves as the legal basis for cooperation among the Caspian littoral states in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Particular attention was paid to the falling water level of the Caspian Sea, climate change, the monitoring of the marine environment and biological resources, the development of scientific research, and the introduction of modern technologies. Participants called for an expansion of information exchange and the establishment of a Caspian scientific partnership. Turkmenistan’s international environmental initiatives were also discussed, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification. As part of the event, an exhibition was held dedicated to the nature of the Caspian Sea and the country’s achievements in the field of environmental protection. Following the conference, the participants adopted an Appeal to the President of Turkmenistan. The document emphasised the importance of further developing cooperation among the Caspian states with a view to preserving the Caspian ecosystem and strengthening regional collaboration. On the same day, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, held meetings with Serhan Aktoprak, the International Organisation for Migration’s Regional Coordinator for Central Asia; Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan; Xiaojun Grace Wang, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan; and William Leaf, Head of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Centre in Ashgabat. The parties discussed the sustainable development of the Caspian region, environmental protection, environmental diplomacy, the transition to a ‘green’ economy and energy security. Opportunities for implementing joint projects to preserve the Caspian ecosystem were considered separately. Representatives of international and regional organisations reaffirmed their readiness to support Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives and projects aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As part of the events marking Caspian Sea Day, sporting competitions were also held among forum delegates, with the participation of representatives from foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations in Turkmenistan.
Iran has praised Ashgabat’s initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea
14.08.2026The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, took part in the forum, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The diplomat stated Iran’s readiness to support initiatives by the Caspian littoral states aimed at addressing the problem of falling water levels and mitigating its impact on the region’s population and infrastructure. The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasised the need for practical measures, the exchange of data between countries and the establishment of an early warning system. Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani also spoke highly of the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to hold a Special Summit on the Environment of the Caspian Sea. The diplomat emphasised the importance of five-party cooperation and the principle of the indivisibility of security in the region. According to him, cooperation between the Caspian states is based on the provisions of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. Caspian Sea Day is celebrated in Turkmenistan every year on 12 August to mark the entry into force of the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.
Turkmen specialists are studying AI and ‘green’ energy in Germany
14.08.2026An international research internship on the application of artificial intelligence, the reduction of methane emissions and the development of renewable energy is taking place at Clausthal University of Technology (Germany). The programme, organised by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), will run until 16 August 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Participants include staff from the country’s Ministry of Energy, lecturers and researchers from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, as well as representatives from the Natural Gas Research Institute and the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. Participants are studying the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in industry and the energy sector, as well as methods for working with neural networks and detecting anomalies. The sessions are being held jointly with German professors and researchers. The internship programme also includes research into well integrity, deep drilling and the modelling of photovoltaic systems, as well as visits to solar and wind power facilities and a sulphur dioxide gas processing plant. The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise in the fields of digital technologies, the ‘green economy’ and alternative energy, as well as to strengthen international scientific cooperation.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan addressed a conference marking Caspian Sea Day in Iran
13.08.2026On 11 August 2026, the Department of Environment of Iran hosted a conference to mark Caspian Sea Day. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the event, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The conference addressed issues relating to environmental protection and the preservation of the ecological condition of the Caspian Sea. The event was also attended by the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Head of Iran's Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Majlis, ambassadors from the Caspian states, and the governors of Golestan and Gilan provinces. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the Caspian Sea in the country’s foreign policy agenda and emphasised the need for further international cooperation in its protection, including within the framework of the United Nations. Particular attention was paid to the forthcoming meeting of Heads of State on environmental issues relating to the Caspian Sea, which is to take place on 9 October 2026 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its initiative in organising the meeting.
Russia has called for closer environmental cooperation in the Caspian Sea
13.08.2026The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was attended by Pyotr Shchukin, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his speech, the Russian diplomat emphasised the need to pool the scientific and technical capabilities of the five Caspian states. He called for more active use of the five-party working groups and regional bodies, including the Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological Committee, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Pyotr Shchukin also highlighted the significance of the in-depth thematic environmental summit initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. According to him, the decisions of the upcoming Caspian Environmental Summit, to be held in ‘Awaza’ in October, could give further impetus to joint efforts. “Active joint efforts by the ‘five’ and close cooperation between our experts, including within the framework of the relevant five-party groups, are essential,” the diplomat stated. The representative of the Russian diplomatic mission emphasised that Russia advocates preserving the Caspian region as an area of peace, stability and good-neighbourliness, and is ready to support constructive initiatives by the Caspian states.
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