The Main Academic Drama Theater named after Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi became the winner of the IV International Theater Festival of TURKSOY member countries, which took place from October 18 to 23, 2026, in Andijan (Uzbekistan). The troupe received the highest award for the play «Ak at» in the nomination «Best Stage Production on the Theme of Peace, Humanism and Friendship». This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan.

The theater was awarded the festival cup and an honorary diploma from the International Organization of Turkic Culture, the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan and the Andijan khokimiyat.

The production was based on a play by Turkmen director, filmmaker and People's Artist Baba Annanov. The production tells the story of Jemal, who lost her family during the Ashgabat earthquake, and the search for her son, who was raised by Uzbek actress and teacher Nazira Aliyeva — the mentor of the play's author.

The image of the Akhal-Teke horse and the figurine of a white steed symbolize continuity between generations, historical ties and the friendship between the Turkmen and Uzbek peoples.

After the performance, Nazira Aliyeva's granddaughter, Dinara Yeldasheva, chief director of the State Puppet Theater of Uzbekistan, addressed the audience. Dinara Yeldasheva thanked the Turkmen artists for preserving the memory and humanistic ideals.

Turkmen theatrical groups have received the top award at the TÜRKSOY festival for the third consecutive year. Following this year's forum, representatives of the Turkmen delegation were also honored with certificates of merit and letters of appreciation, including Agamurat Baltaev, Head of the Theater Department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, who was a member of the international jury.

The festival program included master classes, professional meetings of theater scholars, and visits to cultural landmarks in Andijan.