On 29 June, the Arkadag City District Administration hosted a ceremonial forum entitled ‘Arkadag şäheri – röwşen geljegiň aýdyň ýoly’, marking the third anniversary of the opening of the ‘smart’ city. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

The event was attended by representatives of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, staff from the city administration, local enterprises and institutions, as well as honoured elders and mothers.

Before the forum began, participants viewed an exhibition in the foyer of the city administration building. It showcased products and innovations from various sectors. Particular attention was drawn to the displays showcasing the city’s international awards in the fields of urban development and innovation.

The conference began with the reading of an address by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the residents of Arkadag. The message emphasised the significance of the city’s third anniversary for the country’s political, social and cultural life.

Forum participants congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people on the anniversary of the city of Arkadag. The city’s significance as the first ‘smart’ city in the country and the region was highlighted. Wishes for good health and success were expressed to the country’s leadership, along with confidence in the project’s further development.

Separately, it was reported that grain farmers in the Ahal velayat had fulfilled their contractual obligations and harvested the wheat crop.

Arkadag is presented as a modern ‘smart’ city incorporating digital, information and communication, and ‘green’ technologies. Its architecture combines national traditions with modern urban planning solutions, and its infrastructure meets international standards.

According to the Arkadag City Development Concept for 2024–2052, construction of the second phase of projects is continuing, including a children’s park, a mosque and other facilities. It is noted that the mosque currently under construction has been named ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ on the initiative of the public and community elders.

The city is developing as a centre for charitable activities, including as part of the events marking the anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation.

As part of the first phase of construction, 336 facilities have been commissioned, including residential buildings, educational, medical, cultural and sports institutions, as well as engineering infrastructure.

The city has electric transport, ‘smart’ car parks and local media, including a television channel and a newspaper. The ‘Arkadag’ football club is achieving success at both national and international levels.

Transport and digital infrastructure are being developed, and CCTV and intelligent traffic management systems have been introduced. Access to high-speed internet is provided via fibre-optic networks and 5G technology.

Particular attention is paid to the National Leader’s oversight of construction, whose recommendations are applied during the design and implementation of projects.

It was noted that streets and facilities in the city have been named after prominent figures. One of the avenues has been named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, reflecting the region’s historical significance as the homeland of Ahal-Teke horses.

In this context, mention was made of the monument to ‘Akhan’, an Ahal-Teke horse listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the ‘Taýçanak’ monument.

At the conclusion of the forum, an Address to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people was adopted.

Artists performed during the cultural part of the event. Musical performances emphasised the festive nature of the occasion.

The celebrations continued at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre, where a sadaqah was organised in honour of the city’s anniversary and in support of the initiative to name the new mosque.