Society
Celebrations of International Nowruz Day start in Turkmenistan
11.03.2026On 21–22 March, Turkmenistan will host celebrations to mark International Nowruz Day, the national spring holiday. The main events will take place in ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ (Nowruz Valley) in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, at the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ buildings in the regions, and on the festive square of the city of Arkadag. The programme will be accompanied by musical performances, according to IIC. The holidays symbolise the awakening of nature, abundance and the arrival of spring and will be celebrated in style throughout the country. In Dashoguz velayat, cultural events will be held with the participation of bakhshi and national epic storytellers, who are the bearers of ancient Turkmen traditions. The festival will highlight the rich cultural heritage of the people, the art of epos performance and the national flavour of the holiday. The festive events will be complemented by music and national cuisine, reflecting the unity and peaceful principles of Turkmen society.
Ashgabat discusses the role of women in diplomacy and international relations
11.03.2026On 10 March, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an interactive dialogue entitled ‘The Role of Women Diplomats in Society and Their Achievements’. The event was held as part of the second regional training for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Women from diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organisations, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, teachers of the institute and female students took part in the dialogue. Presentations were made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova, Palestinian and Pakistani Ambassadors to Turkmenistan Rana Abu Hijleh and Faryal Leghari, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Narine Sahakyan, and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chynar Rustemova. During the discussion, the importance of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality was emphasised, which contributes to the promotion of peace initiatives and trust-building dialogue in the international arena. It was noted that the principle of ‘Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace’ supports women's involvement in diplomacy and their contribution to strengthening stability in the region. The seminar provided a platform for young professionals to exchange experiences and reaffirmed the important role of women in Turkmenistan's diplomacy and peacebuilding activities.
Ashgabat to host exhibition dedicated to International Nowruz holiday
10.03.2026On 13 March, the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan will open a themed exhibition entitled ‘Nowruz: The Beauty of Nature in Colours,’ according to the news website Turkmenportal. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00. The exhibition will be timed to coincide with the International Holiday of Nowruz. The exhibition is organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The exhibition is open to everyone — admission to the event is free.
The journal ‘Diplomacy’ summarises Turkmenistan's foreign policy initiatives
10.03.2026The latest issue of ‘Diplomacy’ journal summarises Turkmenistan's foreign policy over the past year, which was held under the motto ‘International Year of Peace and Trust.’ The publication highlights Ashgabat's systematic steps to strengthen its international authority and develop constructive dialogue, according to IIC. Particular attention is paid to the country's initiatives aimed at promoting mutual respect and implementing global sustainable development programmes. A key event was the International Forum in Ashgabat with the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which confirmed the capital's status as a platform for discussing international security issues. Turkmen initiatives received support at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where the country emphasised its commitment to multilateralism and neutrality, proposing solutions to strengthen global security based on law and trust. Foreign policy activity continued with the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, which strengthened Turkmenistan's position as a logistics hub and contributed to the development of recommendations for the economic development of such states. The journal also notes the growth of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the technological, economic and humanitarian spheres, while the launch of direct flights between the countries expands opportunities for business, cultural and tourist exchanges. Such initiatives confirm the success of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, which is focused on integration into the world community and the creation of conditions for sustainable development.
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 14th Tokyo Dialogue
10.03.2026On 5 March, the 14th Tokyo Dialogue was held in Tokyo on the theme of ‘Preservation of Traditional Culture and its Use in Industrial Development and International Activities’. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue, according to the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The dialogue was attended by the Head of the ‘Design Plus’ creative association (UNESCO) T. Gurbanova and representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The meeting brought together delegations from Central Asian countries, Eri Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, professors from Japanese universities, experts on the region, and staff from the diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries in Tokyo. The Tokyo Dialogue is held in the format of an open symposium with the participation of experts and specialists. It aims to develop cooperation between Japan and the Central Asian states. Participants discussed issues related to the preservation of traditional culture and its application in industrial development and international activities. It was noted that the event contributes to the expansion of cultural exchanges provided for in the Tokyo Declaration, adopted following the first summit of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue, held in Tokyo last December.
Ashgabat and Beijing held a meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese working group
10.03.2026A meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese working group on humanitarian cooperation was held in China with the participation of representatives of relevant ministries of both countries. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The Chinese delegation was headed by Gao Zheng, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral humanitarian cooperation. Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan G. Myrataliyev emphasised that cooperation is developing on the basis of a strategic partnership and is based on the historical heritage of the Great Silk Road. The coordination of the initiatives ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’ and the Chinese ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ was discussed, as well as the significance of the visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Beijing in September 2025. The results of previous cultural projects were noted: the cross-cultural Years of Culture 2023-2024, the installation of a monument to the Chinese poet Du Fu in Ashgabat and the ‘Melodies of the Silk Road — A Joyful Spring Festival’ in February 2026. Educational cooperation was discussed: more than 6,500 Turkmen students are studying in China, and more than 7,000 students in Turkmenistan are studying Chinese. The exchange of experience in social policy and inclusive education, as well as cooperation in the media, sports and tourism, were considered. The Turkmen side invited Chinese partners to participate in international events in Ashgabat in 2026, including the ‘Turkmentravel 2026’ tourism exhibition and the ‘Theatre Art in an Era of Happiness’ theatre festival. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to further develop humanitarian cooperation and expand exchanges between relevant institutions.
The President of Turkmenistan signed a strategy for the development of scientific and medical diplomacy
09.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Mammedov presented a report on the activities of subordinate structures for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the field of education, reforms to introduce modern teaching methods continued. Schoolchildren and students participated in international Olympiads and online competitions, winning medals. Meetings, conferences and seminars with foreign universities and diplomatic representatives were held using digital platforms. In science, quotas for the admission of postgraduate students and interns for 2026 have been approved, and research is being conducted in key areas of science and technology. Advanced treatment methods are being introduced in medicine, and children in need of care are receiving assistance from the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. An international seminar on diplomacy in global health was held. In the field of sports, the country's athletes won 23 medals at international competitions. Scientific and practical conferences and events were held, dedicated to the motto of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation, strengthening the educational infrastructure, improving the quality of teaching, and developing science, sports and medicine. The Head of State signed a Decree ‘On the Approval of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2052,’ under which the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement the document.
Over 200 women in Turkmenistan have been awarded the title of ‘Ene mähri’
08.03.2026In Ashgabat and the administrative centres of the velayats, solemn ceremonies were held to honour women who have given birth to and raised eight or more children. According to a Decree by the President of Turkmenistan, they have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri’, reports IIC. This year, more than two hundred women in the country have received this award. Holders of this honorary title are entitled to a number of social benefits, including additional payments and a 30% increase in monthly child care allowances and pensions. As the award winners note, state support and improved housing conditions are an important recognition of their work and contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation. The celebrations are timed to coincide with International Women's Day. According to tradition, cash gifts on behalf of the Head of State are presented to all women in the country — employees of enterprises and organisations, pensioners, as well as students, schoolgirls and kindergarten pupils. In honour of the holiday, concerts and festive events with the participation of creative groups are held in all velayats and the capital.
Families with many children were given flats in the capital of Turkmenistan
08.03.2026In Ashgabat, on the eve of International Women's Day, 14 large families received keys to new flats. The new residents are mothers who have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene Mähri’, according to IIC. Each of these women has raised eight or more children. The presentation of the keys was part of the festivities dedicated to 8 March. The flats are located in modern residential buildings equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life. The new residents have spacious rooms, well-equipped kitchens and developed infrastructure at their disposal. The courtyards of the buildings feature children's playgrounds and recreation areas. It is noted that support for large families and respect for women as mothers remain important areas of state social policy. For fourteen Ashgabat families, this day was a special event and a symbol of the fulfilment of their dream of owning their own home.
The Iranian Cultural Centre in Turkmenistan organised an exhibition and iftar
07.03.2026An exhibition of the Quran dedicated to the memory of the country's spiritual leader, Shahid Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, has opened at the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan. In addition, an iftar was organised to mark the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Orient news agency. The event was attended by the Mufti of Turkmenistan, students of Persian, artists and journalists. The Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi delivered welcoming speeches. The exhibition featured translations of the Quran into 14 languages and works of art that attracted the interest of visitors. All guests left messages in the book of condolences opened at the centre.
Free bus services to the Ak Ishan mausoleum are organised from Ashgabat
07.03.2026Free bus trips to the Ak Ishan mausoleum, located in the Baherden etrap of the Ahal velayat, have been organised for residents and guests of the capital of Turkmenistan. The initiative is being implemented by the open joint-stock company ‘Awtomobil ulag hyzmaty’ with the support of the private enterprise ‘Sarwan’, according to IIC. As noted by the organisers, the trips are intended for pilgrims and will be provided free of charge. According to the schedule, buses will run on weekends from 1 March to 26 April 2026. Departure from Ashgabat is scheduled for 08:00 from the railway station. The return trip from the Ak Ishan mausoleum to the capital will be at 15:00.
Turkmen scientists have developed herbal coffee from senna seeds
07.03.2026The Biotechnology Laboratory of the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has registered intellectual property rights for a new development — plant-based coffee made from Senna obtusifolia seeds. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of the laboratory, Altyn Rahmanova, work on the project included comprehensive research in several areas. At the first stage, specialists carried out agrotechnical adaptation of the crop, determining the optimal conditions for growing senna in an arid climate and on saline soils. This made it possible to ensure a stable harvest and preserve the content of biologically active substances. The next stage was biochemical analysis of the raw materials. Studies have shown that seeds grown in Turkmenistan contain high concentrations of antioxidants and carotene and do not accumulate harmful impurities. Scientists have also developed a technology for heat treating the seeds, which allows them to produce a drink with a characteristic coffee flavour without caffeine. As a result, a complete production cycle has been formed, adapted to the use of local raw materials. According to experts, plant-based coffee may be of interest to those who follow a healthy lifestyle. The drink has a mild tonic effect, improves digestion and maintains vision without putting significant strain on the cardiovascular system. The development was implemented as part of the ‘State Programme for the Comprehensive Development of Biotechnology in Turkmenistan for 2024–2028’. The project aims to expand the country's scientific potential and develop the production of innovative products based on domestic raw materials.
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