News
Ashgabat Zoo has welcomed four lions from Kazakhstan
21.04.2026Four lions have arrived at the National Museum of Living Nature of Turkmenistan from the Shymkent State Zoological Park in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the museum’s press office, according to Turkmenportal. It is specified that the Kazakhstani side donated two males and two females. The transfer of the animals took place as part of the development of professional cooperation following the National Museum of Living Nature of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EARAZA) in 2024. Membership of the association involves the exchange of expertise in the care of rare species, the expansion of the zoological collection and the implementation of modern scientific approaches to biodiversity conservation. Previously, Ashgabat Zoo had already received animals as part of international cooperation: a brown bear named Sumbar was transferred from the Volokolamsk Centre for the Reproduction of Rare Species, and later a female bear named Aydere was transferred from Moscow Zoo.
Filming for the international film ‘Hodja Nasreddin’ took place in the Ahal velayat
21.04.2026Filming has been completed in Turkmenistan for the international feature film titled ‘Hodja Nasreddin: My Friend in Hard Times’. The project is being carried out under the auspices of TURKSOY, with the participation of filmmakers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. This news was announced by the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Filming took place in the village of Gavers and the settlement of Bokurdak in the Ahal velayat. Here, caravan scenes were filmed using the Karakum Desert as a backdrop. The locations were chosen for their natural colours. The work was carried out with the participation of the “Türkmenfilm” Association named after Oguzhan. The project featured Turkmenistan People’s Artist Chary Seyitliyev. Students studying various art forms took part in the group scenes. The film tells the story of Hodja Nasreddin. The plot highlights the shared values and traditions of Turkic peoples through humour. The director and screenwriter is Vagif Mustafayev. According to him, the image of Nasreddin combines humour with social satire. The project is supported by TURKSOY. The decision to implement the project was taken at the 40th meeting of the Council of Culture Ministers of member states, held as part of the 1st Turkic World Culture Forum in Shusha in October 2023. The production is being carried out by ‘Nasreddin Production MMC’ with the support of the relevant ministries. Post-production will commence once filming is complete. The film’s premiere and participation in international festivals are planned for this summer.
An exhibition has opened in Turkmenistan to mark the Horse Festival
21.04.2026An exhibition marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse has opened in the exhibition hall of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. The exhibition centres on works by People’s Artists of Turkmenistan Ada Gutlyev and Babasary Annamyradov. This was reported by IIC. Cultural figures spoke at the ceremony. Teachers, students of the academy and residents of Ashgabat attended. Ada Gutlyev presented a series of carpet canvases created between 2011 and 2026. The works are dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses — a symbol of the Turkmen people. Babasary Annamyradov displayed around 50 sculptures. The works carry philosophical meaning, lean towards abstraction and touch upon eternal values. The exhibition combines tradition with a contemporary perspective on national heritage.
Turkmen and Uzbek tennis players took part in the ‘Friendship Tournaments’
21.04.2026A friendly tournament, the ‘Friendship Tournaments’, was held between the youth teams of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, marking a significant event in the sporting calendars of both countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The tournament was exceptionally well organised and brought together participants from various age groups. Pupils from the tennis section of the ‘Jahan’ Centre performed strongly, winning the majority of the awards. Among players born in 2015 and younger, Medine Atayeva emerged victorious. In the same category for boys, the entire podium was taken by representatives of the centre: gold went to Miguel Azizov, silver to Aslan Suleymanov, and bronze to Emir Aliyev. In the senior group for girls, Amina Bikbulatova came out on top. The athletes’ success was the result of systematic training under the guidance of coaches Jennet Hallyeva and Azat Charyev, and also confirmed the development of the Turkmen tennis school and the strengthening of sporting ties between the two countries.
Turkmen wrestlers won 13 medals at an international tournament in Bucharest
21.04.2026Young wrestlers from Turkmenistan performed successfully at the international freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament held in memory of Constantin Alexandru and Ioan Popoviciu, which took place from 16 to 19 April in Bucharest. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The national team won 13 medals and demonstrated a high level of preparation. In freestyle wrestling, the team took first place in the team standings, winning 3 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. The winners were Hemra Halmyradov, Iskender Hudayberdiyev and Sakhatpas Esgerov. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the Turkmen athletes took third place, adding 4 medals to their tally, including a gold for Rejep Jorayev. This performance confirmed the effectiveness of the country’s sports development programme and marked an important stage in preparing young athletes for future international competitions.
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended the celebrations in the city of Meghri
21.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in events marking the designation of the Armenian city of Meghri as the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the celebrations held in Meghri from 14 to 18 April, representatives of the Turkmen side took part in the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a new public garden. In addition, the guests explored the city’s historical landmarks and the cultural heritage of the Armenian people. The visit concluded with the delegation attending a festive gala concert, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is taking part in an ecosystem restoration programme
21.04.2026Turkmenistan is taking part in the launch of the regional programme ‘Central Asia Water and Land Nexus’ (CAWLN). Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also participating in the programme, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The initiative is scheduled to be launched during the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in Samarkand from 30 May to 6 June. The programme is being implemented with the support of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and aims to ensure the integrated management of water and land resources in Central Asia, primarily in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, on which the region’s water supply and food security depend. The initiative includes the restoration of agricultural land, combating desertification, ecosystem conservation and adaptation to climate change based on the ‘nexus approach’, as well as pilot projects and the creation of platforms for knowledge exchange.
Turkmenistan is stepping up its efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage
20.04.2026In Turkmenistan, as part of International Day for Monuments and Sites, greater emphasis is being placed on the preservation and study of cultural heritage, with this being regarded as a priority of state policy in the fields of science, culture and tourism. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The country has a programme for 2022–2028, approved by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which provides for archaeological research, the restoration of monuments and their integration into tourist routes. The work is being carried out by specialist institutions and the Academy of Sciences. Among the key sites is Paryz-depe, where excavations, studies of ancient irrigation systems and digital reconstruction are continuing. At the mausoleum of Abu Said Abul Khair, restoration of medieval mosaics is underway. Research is also continuing at the Dandanakan site, where new elements of the mosque’s decoration have been discovered. International partners, including research centres in the US and the UK, are participating in the projects. The list of significant sites also includes the Akcha-Kala caravanserai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where conservation work is ongoing. International cooperation is developing: projects are being implemented with the participation of specialists from France and Italy, including research at Ulug-depe and the introduction of 3D scanning technologies. Experts note that Turkmenistan is strengthening scientific ties and creating conditions for the study and promotion of its historical and cultural heritage.
Turkmenistan is organising cultural events in collaboration with TURKSOY
20.04.2026On 18 April, at a Cabinet meeting on the digital system, Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova reported on cooperation with TURKSOY. This was reported by TDH. It was noted that Turkmenistan is participating in the organisation’s projects aimed at developing ties between Turkic peoples, preserving shared cultural heritage and promoting the work of cultural figures. It was reported that events are being prepared in Ashgabat for May. Plans include an opera concert to mark the 110th anniversary of composer Veli Muhadov and the TURKSOY Opera Days. The proposal has been submitted to the Head of State for consideration. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to expand cooperation with TURKSOY and instructed that a high standard of preparation and execution of the events be ensured.
Turkey is exploring energy supplies from Turkmenistan
20.04.2026Turkey is considering expanding energy cooperation, including potential gas supplies from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan, according to Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. This was reported by the news agency Orient. According to the Minister, the idea of transit has been under discussion for some time and is once again becoming relevant against the backdrop of efforts to diversify energy supplies and strengthen regional cooperation, taking into account the position of European countries. Ankara continues to develop alternative routes for the delivery of energy resources, reducing its dependence on traditional routes. In this context, new infrastructure projects are being discussed that could enhance the reliability of supplies and the region’s economic potential. These include the construction of an oil pipeline from Basra in Iraq to Kirkuk, with a subsequent connection to the Turkish system, as well as the development of the existing Silopi–Ceyhan route.
Turkmenistan is increasing oil production at its Caspian Sea fields
20.04.2026The State-owned Enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’, part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, is increasing its hydrocarbon production and expanding the geographical scope of its operations. This is evidenced by production figures and the progress of field development, according to the website AsmanNews. The company is modernising its production facilities and introducing new technologies. This is enabling it to increase production volumes from existing wells. At the same time, development of Caspian fields, including Eastern Cheleken, is continuing. Due to geological exploration and production activities, the volume of oil sent for refining has increased. Specialists are also developing deeper reservoirs, which creates an additional resource for boosting production. In the first three months of the year, the company produced over 36,000 tonnes of oil. The target has been exceeded by more than 100%. The figures are higher than those for the same period last year. The work is carried out by the company’s specialists — engineers, geologists, mechanics and operators. Technical monitoring of the wells is carried out on an ongoing basis.
Preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum were discussed in Ashgabat
20.04.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on the progress of preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, which are to be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. More than 80 Chinese state and commercial organisations operating in various sectors, including mechanical engineering, energy, the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, construction, agriculture, transport, digital technologies and other fields, have already registered for the events. Participant registration is ongoing. On the Turkmen side, representatives of relevant ministries, departments and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs will take part in the forum. The meeting is expected to discuss the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing international economic ties and instructed that the upcoming events be organised to a high standard.
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