Work is continuing in Turkmenistan to develop culture, preserve the national heritage and promote it abroad. One of the priorities of state policy is to support creative activities, modernise cultural infrastructure and improve the regulatory framework, according to the news agency TDH.

Libraries, museums, theatres and arts institutions play a significant role in the cultural sphere. The country is implementing the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Library Sector in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029’, aimed at modernising library services and introducing digital technologies. Electronic catalogues and virtual libraries are expanding access to information resources.

Museums in Turkmenistan continue their work to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Their collections are being expanded with new exhibits, whilst digital projects and virtual tours are being developed. In recent years, exhibitions of the country’s museum treasures have been held at cultural centres abroad, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and museums in Germany. In 2026, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ concluded at the Capitoline Museums in Rome.

Theatre, music and opera are flourishing. The country’s theatres stage productions based on works by Turkmen and foreign authors. The development of the national opera continues, with well-known works being reintroduced into the repertoire and new productions being created. As part of Culture Week 2026, the opera ‘Leyli and Majnun’ was performed.

Particular attention is paid to the preservation of traditional art forms. The performing art of the bakhshi and the national art of singing and dancing known as ‘kushtdepdi’ are being developed. Specialists in the field of culture are trained at the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire and the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, as well as at music and art schools.

In Ashgabat, construction is continuing on the ‘Güneşli’ Children’s and Youth Centre, which will house the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library, complete with digital facilities and an observatory. The project is being funded by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship.

National competitions remain one of the key areas for fostering creative potential, including the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Award, the television competition ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’, as well as the ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ and ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’ competitions.

Cultural diplomacy is an important part of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation. As part of the Strategy for the Development of Cultural Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052, the country is expanding its humanitarian ties and developing cooperation with international organisations, including UNESCO, TURKSOY and ICESCO.

Cooperation with UNESCO on the preservation of sites of historical and cultural heritage continues. Monuments, traditions and natural sites in Turkmenistan of universal significance have been included in the organisation’s relevant lists.

In 2026, Ashgabat hosted the 27th TURKSOY Opera Days, bringing together artists from Turkmenistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Events were also held to mark the 110th anniversary of the composer Veli Muhadov.

Turkmenistan is expanding its cooperation with ICESCO following its granting of observer status with the organisation. During the ‘KazanForum 2026’ international events, initiatives to develop cultural cooperation were presented, including the prospect of Ashgabat being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028.

Cultural Days, exhibitions, concerts, theatre festivals and film screenings are held regularly both at home and abroad. In 2026, Azerbaijan Cultural Days took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag, whilst Turkmenistan Cultural Days were held in Moscow and Tbilisi.

The domestic film industry is also developing. The film ‘The Composer’, produced by the Oguz Han ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, has received international awards from TURKSOY. The film had previously been recognised at international film festivals.

Cultural diplomacy is also linked to the development of tourism. As a member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Turkmenistan is developing cooperation in the field of cultural and educational tourism and the promotion of the country’s historical attractions.

The works of Magtymguly Pyragy hold particular significance within the country’s cultural heritage. In 2024, the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex was opened in Ashgabat to mark the 300th anniversary of the poet and thinker.

Efforts are also being made to promote Ahal-Teke horses. To this end, international equestrian competitions and horse beauty contests are held, and the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group performs abroad.