Society
Ashgabat anticipates a major football match: ‘Arkadag’ will play against ‘Al-Nassr’
07.02.2026The new year in Turkmenistan began under the influence of football. Interest in the world's most popular game has grown significantly, uniting both young people and the older generation, for whom football has long been part of their personal and cultural history. Memories of legendary matches and great players of the past are still alive, and new events only strengthen this connection between eras, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Fans were particularly excited by the news of the upcoming AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in Ashgabat. For the country, this is not just a sporting event, but a landmark international event that has become a symbol of a new stage in the development of football culture. Interest in the match was so high that its organisation required the implementation of modern digital solutions. Specialists from the Information Services and Digital Technologies Department of the Ashgabat City Administration were involved in preparing for the game. Special software was developed to sell tickets and coordinate processes, taking fan service to a new level. From the very first days of sales, demand was record-breaking, once again confirming the scale of expectations surrounding the upcoming match. For the first time, world-class footballers will play on Turkmen soil, making the match truly historic. The match is seen not only as a sporting contest, but also as an important step in strengthening the country's international image. It is symbolic that this path is linked to the ‘Arkadag’ football club, created in the ‘smart’ city of the same name as a continuation of the large-scale Olympic movement. The club, which has received steady support and development, has managed to make a name for itself on the international stage in a short period of time. It is its successes that have given Turkmen fans the opportunity to witness the event that will take place on 11 February at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat and will undoubtedly go down in the history of domestic sport.
Istanbul discussed strengthening Turkmen-Turkish educational ties
06.02.2026On 5 February 2025, Istanbul Medipol University hosted a ceremony dedicated to the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by the Consul General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, the university's management and teaching staff, as well as Turkmen students studying in Turkey. The speakers emphasised the importance of the motto for strengthening Turkmenistan's sovereignty and enhancing its international authority, noting that the image of winged horses symbolises the country's rapid development and its focus on the future. University representatives highlighted the dynamics of Turkmen-Turkish relations and expressed their readiness for further cooperation in the field of science and education. In addition, Turkmen diplomats held a meeting with Medipol students, discussing issues of study and youth participation in social and cultural life.
A symphony evening was held in Ashgabat with the support of the SOKOLOV brand
06.02.2026The franchise of the Russian jewellery brand SOKOLOV organised a symphony concert at the Magtymguly Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event combined classical music, culture and jewellery art and brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, business and creative circles. The orchestra performed on stage under the direction of Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Rovshen Nepesov with the participation of People's Artist of Turkmenistan Atajan Berdiyev. The programme included classical, national and contemporary works, including music by Georgy Sviridov, Turkmen composers Nury Halmammedov and Aman Agajikov, as well as compositions by European authors and symphonic versions of popular soundtracks. The concert was accompanied by visual effects that enhanced the artistic experience. According to Yhlas Mamedov, Director of the SOKOLOV premium store in Ashgabat, the evening became a dialogue between music and jewellery craftsmanship. The event was one of the week's notable cultural events and highlighted Ashgabat's role as a platform for interaction between national and world cultures.
Turkmenistan Customs Service launches online consultation service
06.02.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has launched a new web service called ‘Questions and Answers,’ which also offers telephone consultations. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The platform is intended for participants in foreign economic activity, as well as for citizens crossing or planning to cross the customs border. It can be used to quickly obtain advice on current customs issues. The service provides explanations on customs clearance procedures for goods, the procedure for paying customs duties, as well as current prohibitions and restrictions. In addition, users can familiarise themselves with the requirements for vehicles imported into the country, the rules for their control and clearance, the list of necessary documents and the established customs duties.
Turkmenistan participates in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Asian Blind Union in Kuwait
05.02.2026From 3 to 5 February, Kuwait is hosting a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Asian Union of the Blind, attended by a delegation from the Society of the Blind and Deaf of Turkmenistan, led by Merdan Reyimov, a member of the organisation's Executive Committee. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants from Asian countries are discussing the results of the organisation's activities, its development strategy for 2026 and possible changes to its constitution. The agenda includes issues of social integration of people with visual impairments, entrepreneurship development, assistive technologies and expanding the participation of women with disabilities in public life.
Turkmen scientists presented a scientific paper on biotechnology
05.02.2026The State Intellectual Property Service under the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan has registered the copyright for the scientific work ‘Fundamentals of Biotechnology.’ The authors of the work are specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, A. Rahmanova and D. Gadamov, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The study was prepared in Turkmen and English as part of the President of Turkmenistan's Programme for the Comprehensive Development of Biotechnology for 2024-2028. The work reveals the strategic potential of the industry and its practical significance for the country's progress. The work describes in detail the laboratory processes where natural raw materials are transformed into highly effective biomaterials, as well as innovations that are changing agriculture and ecology. The bilingual format makes the work accessible to national specialists and the international scientific community, facilitating the exchange of experience. The authors emphasise the role of biotechnologists as architects of the future, working towards the sustainable development of the state. The study makes an important contribution to the implementation of national strategies and the development of the country's modern scientific potential.
The first issue of ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’ magazine was published in 2026
05.02.2026The first issue of the electronic magazine ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published by the Central Council of the Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly, was released in 2026. It summarises the events of January, which is being held under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ reports the state news agency TDH. The main articles in the issue are devoted to Turkmen horses. The article ‘The Whole World Recognizes the Turkmen Horse!’ tells about the certificates received by the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group. The publication ‘Heavenly Horses – The Rapid Path of Our Era’ is accompanied by vivid illustrations. The beginning of the year is traditionally marked by competitions for children. The magazine has published an article about the awarding of the winners of the Gulbaba Children's Music Competition. A separate section is devoted to the celebration of Defenders of the Fatherland Day, which is celebrated on 27 January. The article ‘Defending the Motherland is a High Honour’ tells about the celebrations. The economic theme is explored in articles about innovations in the financial and banking system. Readers are introduced to new banknotes and virtual assets, reflecting the transition to modern payment instruments. International cooperation and culture are also featured in the issue. Materials have been published on the prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan's state organisations and UNESCO, and on the work of musician Saragt Babayev. The article ‘The Stormy River Flows’ analyses the artistic features of the work of writer Amangozel Shagulyeva. The last pages of the issue include a horoscope, a recipe for ‘Fruits Under the Snow’ and information about the winners of the ‘Ýaş waspçy’ competition. An announcement of a new creative competition for young people is also presented.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended a reception hosted by the Flemish government
03.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, attended a New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps organised by the Flemish government on behalf of Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Embassy's social media page. During the event, the Ambassador congratulated Julie Bynens, Secretary General of the Flemish government, on the New Year and held brief negotiations with her. The reception provided a platform for informal communication between representatives of the diplomatic corps. It should be noted that Sapar Palvanov is also the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Turkmenistan develops rare element extraction using ion exchange technologies
03.02.2026Interest in ion exchange technologies, which enable valuable elements to be effectively extracted from natural waters and brines, is growing in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. These methods are widely used around the world and are considered promising for the development of the country's export-oriented chemical industry. Ion exchange technologies use sorbents that selectively capture the desired elements. They are used to purify water and gases, as well as to obtain rare and scattered elements of high purity. The extraction of iodine from mineralised groundwater is of particular importance for Turkmenistan. This method allows up to 99% of iodine to be extracted, is environmentally friendly and allows for the repeated use of sorbents. In addition to iodine, the technology is suitable for obtaining bromine, magnesium, lithium, strontium, boron and other elements from oil and gas field waters, which are considered a strategic resource for high-tech industries. The main sources of raw materials are the Garabogaz Bay and the groundwater of the Balkan velayat. Their comprehensive processing can ensure the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's chemical industry and strengthen the country's position in the global market for rare elements.
Ashgabat celebrates the success of the ‘Galkynysh’ group at the Monte Carlo festival
03.02.2026The State Circus of Turkmenistan hosted a solemn celebration of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group of the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the international recognition of the group at the 48th Monte Carlo Circus Festival, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Watan’ news programme. The Turkmen delegation participated as guests of honour at the prestigious forum in the Principality of Monaco. At the end of the festival, ‘Galkynysh’ received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of world circus art. The celebrations began in the city of Arkadag and continued in Ashgabat. In the building of the International Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, the artists viewed the museum exhibits, after which they proceeded in a festive procession to the State Circus. At the solemn meeting, issues related to the popularisation of Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses and the expansion of their international fame were discussed. The ceremony became an important event of the year, which in Turkmenistan is held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmen schoolchildren presented their paintings at an exhibition in Tokyo
02.02.2026Twenty-six young talents from Turkmenistan presented their works at the ‘Art Beyond Boundaries’ school art exhibition, which took place from 22 January to 1 February in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The works of Turkmen artists were presented on the country's thematic wall. The exhibition was organised by the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society in conjunction with the SUMI International Association. In addition, on 31 January, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo National Art Centre to present certificates of appreciation to the participants of the exhibition. The event was attended by representatives of foreign embassies in Japan, leaders of the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society, the SUMI International Association, artists and guests of the exhibition. At the end of the ceremony, all participants received certificates of appreciation.
Turkmenistan announces international film competition on horse breeding
01.02.2026Turkmenistan has announced an interstate television competition for CIS countries entitled ‘The Flight of the Horse: Strength and Grace’, dedicated to the role of horses in the history and culture of the region’s peoples. This was reported by IIC. The choice of theme is linked to the Ahal-Teke breed, one of the oldest in the world, bred by the Turkmen people more than five thousand years ago and which has become a symbol of the country's national identity. The Ahal-Teke occupies a special place in the history, culture and state symbolism of Turkmenistan and embodies the independence and dignity of the people. In 2026, this theme is also reflected in the country's official motto. The development of horse breeding remains a priority of state policy: racetracks are being built in the country, scientific and educational facilities are being developed, and international cooperation is expanding. The competition is aimed at authors from CIS countries, which is logical in the year of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the Commonwealth and its commitment to strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. Television companies and independent authors of any age can participate. Films lasting 15-30 minutes in any language with subtitles in Russian or English, dedicated to the history of horse breeds, their cultural role and equestrian sports, are accepted.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
