Society
Projects by the Iranian Cultural Centre were presented at the ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
20.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international exhibition and fair is taking place at the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together educational centres and organisations working in the field of child development. The Cultural Centre attached to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has set up its own stand at the exhibition, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Centre runs Persian language courses, classes in calligraphy and the visual arts, as well as academic, educational and creative events. Its library houses works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in Persian, the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as translated Iranian and Turkmen folk tales. Among the most popular publications are a Persian-Turkmen dictionary and a collection of recipes for traditional Iranian cuisine. The Cultural Centre’s activities are aimed at developing humanitarian and friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Iran.
Participants from Turkmenistan won prizes in the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ quiz
20.08.2026Five participants from Turkmenistan were among the prize-winners in a special edition of the international quiz ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’, dedicated to the history, culture, traditions and modern development of India. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The quiz aims to broaden knowledge of India amongst an international audience. Its questions cover the country’s economy, science, culture and historical heritage. The prize-winners from Turkmenistan were presented with certificates and commemorative awards. The ceremony took place as part of the events marking the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of India.
Enrolment has opened in Turkmenistan for an online course for teachers
20.08.2026The US Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a call for applications from English language teachers for a free online course entitled ‘Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The course is being run as part of the ‘Online Professional English Network’ project, with the support of the US Department of State. The programme focuses on modern methods of teaching academic writing. Participants will learn about text structure, formulating theses, argumentation, preparing introductions and conclusions, as well as working on the main body of written assignments. The sessions will be held online. Registration is open until 28 September 2026. Applications are open to professionals in the field of English language teaching.
The international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ has opened in Ashgabat
20.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international exhibition and trade fair has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event has provided a platform for leading manufacturers and suppliers of children’s goods and services, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 companies from over 30 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Japan and Iran, are taking part in the exhibition. Visitors are presented with a wide range of products — from baby food, goods for newborns and cosmetics to educational technology and school supplies. The Expo Centre is divided into themed zones. The venue features a book fair, workshops on pottery, fashion design and shopping bag painting, advice stands run by educational centres offering career guidance, as well as a food court serving refreshments and ice cream. For the first time, the ‘Kids Expo-Chess Cup 2026’ chess championship is being held as part of the exhibition. Schoolchildren from eight countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran – are taking part in the rapid and blitz competitions. The programme also includes a mental arithmetic tournament and a children’s fashion show featuring local designers, representatives of the children’s fashion industry and young models. The exhibition’s business programme also kicked off on 19 August: participants are holding meetings and negotiations, presenting projects and discussing prospects for cooperation. The exhibition will run until 22 August.
‘Turkmenistan’ is set to expand its flight schedule from 25 October
19.08.2026From 25 October, ‘Turkmenistan’ Airlines will increase the number of flights from Ashgabat to Kazan from four to six per week. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Flights on this route currently operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. From 25 October, flights will also be added on Thursdays and Fridays. The departure times for a number of flights will also change: the Sunday flight T5-737 will be moved from the morning to the evening – instead of 09:25, the aircraft will depart at 22:45. The airline will also increase flight frequency on other routes. The number of flights to Ho Chi Minh City will increase from two to three a week with the addition of a Friday flight; to Seoul from one to two with the addition of a Thursday flight; and to Milan from two to three with the addition of a Friday flight. It was previously reported that from 25 October, the frequency of flights to Istanbul will also increase — from 12 to 13 a week. However, the number of flights to Delhi will be reduced from three to two a week: the Saturday flight will be removed from the timetable. On routes to Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London and Frankfurt, the frequency of flights will remain unchanged, but the departure times of some flights will be adjusted.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed cooperation in the media sector
19.08.2026On 18 August 2026, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, M. Seyitmammedov, met with the Executive Director of the Qatar Media Corporation, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the media sector. Particular attention was paid to collaboration between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and the Qatar Media Corporation, as well as to the exchange of expertise. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the main directions of Turkmenistan’s foreign and domestic policies, spoke about the country’s achievements and the international events being held to mark the 35th anniversary of state independence. The parties also emphasised the importance of reciprocal visits by high-level delegations and participation in international forums and academic conferences.
Turkmenistan and Finland are developing cooperation in the digital sector
19.08.2026Representatives from the International University for the Humanities and Development are taking part in a study visit to Helsinki, which is taking place from 17 to 22 August as part of the European Union’s regional project ‘Connectivity for Central Asia’ (C4CA). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of the Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Finnish Institute of Public Administration (HAUS). The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and foster cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, communication technologies and digital infrastructure. During the visit, N. Shikhlyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, discussed areas of cooperation and joint initiatives in the fields of education and science with the project leaders. The parties agreed to implement part of the project at the International University for the Humanities and Development. The participants also examined Finland’s experience in the fields of digital development, e-infrastructure and the implementation of digital solutions in higher education and public administration.
Two new solutions for the oil and gas industry have been patented in Turkmenistan
19.08.2026Two new solutions for the oil and gas industry have been developed and patented in Turkmenistan — a biological method for cleaning soil contaminated with petroleum products and a building material based on gas purification waste. This is reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The first development is a method for the deep remediation and restoration of soil contaminated with petroleum products. It is based on the isolation and cultivation of specialised strains of local degrading microorganisms capable of breaking down heavy hydrocarbons under conditions of summer heat and soil salinity. The method makes it possible to replace costly and environmentally hazardous chemical reagents when remediating the effects of man-made pollution at oil and gas facilities. The second development is a patent for a formulation of organo-mineral sulphur-polymer concrete. The material is produced using surplus technical sulphur, which is a by-product of natural gas purification at fields. Sulphur-polymer concrete can be used in hydraulic engineering, in the construction of irrigation canals, brackish water drainage systems and port facilities – wherever conventional cement concrete rapidly deteriorates under the influence of salts. The use of this material reduces the cost of capital construction and addresses the issue of sulphur waste disposal.
Turkmenistan and its neighbours on the Caspian Sea: a comparison of resort areas
18.08.2026The resorts on the Caspian Sea are shared amongst the five coastal states – Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Each country is developing its own resort infrastructure, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In Turkmenistan, the main resort remains the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone near Turkmenbashi. The area features hotels, health resorts and water parks, and the length of its well-maintained beaches reaches around 25 kilometres. The zone is aimed, amongst others, at foreign tourists. In Kazakhstan, holidaymakers are welcomed by Aktau, with its high-class hotels and well-equipped beaches, as well as the Kenderli resort area south of Zhanaozen, with its sandy beaches and warm summer climate. In Russia, resort life on the Caspian Sea is centred in Dagestan – in Makhachkala, Kaspiysk and Derbent. In the Astrakhan Region, tourists are drawn not to beach holidays but to nature-based holidays: fishing and holiday camps in the Volga Delta. In Azerbaijan, the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula – Bilgah, Nardaran and Shuvalan – are popular, as are the resorts further south, in the Lankaran area, where the coastline meets the foothills of the Talysh Mountains. In Iran, the resort area covers the provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan. In Mazandaran, tourists are welcomed by Ramsar and Noshahr, whilst in Gilan it is the port town of Anzali. These regions are renowned for their green landscapes and mild climate. Each of the five Caspian countries is developing its own model of tourism – ranging from large-scale resort areas to eco-tourism and fishing holidays.
A rail tour to Kunya-Urgench is to be organised in Turkmenistan
18.08.2026From 28 to 30 August 2026, the magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’, published by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, is organising a tour to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Participants will travel by rail to the historical monuments of the ancient city and explore its architectural and cultural heritage. The magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’ also organises domestic tourist itineraries to the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Koytendag valleys and other destinations. Both rail and road transport are used for these trips.
Turkmenistan and China are strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector
18.08.2026Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to the Turkmen branch of ‘Sinopec Petroleum Technology Corporation’. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the company’s current operations and spoke highly of its contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. According to him, the convergence of the strategy to revive the Great Silk Road with the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative creates favourable conditions for the implementation of joint projects. During the meeting, they also discussed issues relating to quality control of the work being carried out and compliance with applicable regulations in the conduct of business activities.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed cooperation in equestrian sports
18.08.2026On 15 August, a meeting took place in Tehran between I. Gayipov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Iran, and Mahmoud Heydari, President of the Equestrian Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of equestrian sports and events held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The Iranian counterpart was presented with an invitation to take part in international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses, which will take place from 4 to 6 September 2026 in the Netherlands. M. Heydari thanked the Turkmen side for the invitation, noting the importance of promoting Ahal-Teke horses on the world stage and developing equestrian sports. The Iranian side also proposed exploring cooperation between the Aba Annayev International Horse Academy and relevant Iranian institutions, as well as organising joint equestrian competitions in both countries.
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