Culture
National costumes preserve the traditions of the Turkmen people
10.08.2026The national costumes of the Turkmen people remain an important part of their cultural and historical heritage and of modern everyday life. They retain their traditional cut, colour schemes and cultural significance. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is known for its well-developed textile industry. Local weaving traditions were shaped by the characteristics of a nomadic and semi-nomadic way of life. Wool, cotton and keten silk were traditionally used to produce fabrics. In clothing culture, great importance was attached to age and family status. Everyday attire was characterised by practicality, whilst festive attire featured rich decorative embellishments. The women’s national costume consisted primarily of long, straight-cut dresses. A woman’s age, marital status and affiliation with a particular region or tribe could be determined by the colour of the fabric, the design of the collar and the type of headdress. Embroidery held a special place. The art of embroidery, included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, became one of the main decorative elements of national dress. The intricate patterns on the collars not only added decorative flair to the outfits but also reflected the distinctive features of individual regions. Women’s costumes were complemented by silver jewellery set with carnelian. A distinct type of women’s clothing is the ‘Ýanly köýnek’ – a dress characterised by its distinctive cut and comfort. This tradition continues to this day. Experts gathered information on its manufacture during expeditions across the country’s regions. When sewing the dress, the front and back shoulder sections are first joined, then the collar is shaped. Its shape depends on the woman’s age and preferences and may be decorated with various patterns. The inner part of the back is traditionally reinforced with cotton fabric. Once the dress is complete, a tie is attached to the collar. Its ends may be decorated with multicoloured threads and tassels. The new dress is accompanied by good wishes for family well-being and the opportunity to wear it on festive occasions.
Turkmenistan is expanding its cultural heritage and international cooperation
06.08.2026Work 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.
The ‘Melody’ Orchestra is to present a concert entitled ‘Heart of the East’ in Ashgabat
04.08.2026On 29 August, the ‘Watan’ Cinema and Concert Hall in Ashgabat will host a festive concert by the ‘Melody’ Youth Orchestra, entitled ‘Heart of the East’. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The programme will feature new orchestral arrangements of well-known Eastern compositions, combining traditional motifs with a contemporary sound. The musicians will perform pieces reflecting the cultural heritage of the peoples of the East. The repertoire will include Turkmen, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Tajik, Kazakh and Arabic melodies. Each piece will be presented in a contemporary orchestral interpretation whilst retaining its national character. The ‘Melody’ Orchestra, led by cellist Annaoraz Dovletov, is renowned for its performances of classical, contemporary and folk pieces in original arrangements. The organisers note that the event is aimed at a family audience. Seating in the auditorium is limited.
Turkmen performers receive awards at a festival in South Korea
23.07.2026The international song festival ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ took place in Gwangju, South Korea, to mark the upcoming ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ summit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Begench Gayipov, a lecturer at the Maya Kuliyeva Conservatoire, and Arslan Jumayev, an artist from the Cultural Centre of the Charjew etrap in the Lebap velayat. They performed their own interpretation of the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’ in traditional dress. Following the festival, the Turkmen artists were awarded commemorative medals and certificates from the Friendship Association in recognition of their contribution to the development of cultural dialogue and international humanitarian cooperation.
Turkmen cultural figures took part in the TURKSOY Young Poets’ Festival
22.07.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in the 2nd International Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World, which was held in Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by TURKSOY in conjunction with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Turkmen delegation comprised Kerim Hallyev, Garahanjar Bayhanov and Yusup Meredov. The festival opened in Shusha as part of the Molla Penah Vagif Poetry Days. During the event, young poets were honoured for their contribution to the development of culture and literature in the Turkic world. Kerim Hallyev and Garahanjar Bayhanov were awarded the ‘Molla Penah Vagif’ medal, whilst Yusup Meredov was presented with a TURKSOY diploma.
Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia concluded with a festive concert
20.07.2026The closing ceremony of the Turkmenistan Cultural Days took place in Tbilisi. The event was held as part of the year-long programme ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, according to the TDH news agency. The programme of cultural events began with a meeting between representatives of museums from Turkmenistan and Georgia. The participants discussed the state of cooperation, exchanged experiences and identified promising areas for future collaboration. During the events, the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties in the development of bilateral relations between the countries was highlighted. Participants emphasised that cultural cooperation helps to strengthen friendship between the peoples and deepens mutual understanding of the traditions and heritage of both nations. The closing event was a festive concert featuring Turkmen artists, pop singers, and dance and folk ensembles. The programme included musical and choreographic performances showcasing the achievements of Turkmen culture and the arts. The audience was particularly captivated by the Turkmen artists’ renditions of Georgian songs, which have come to symbolise the friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of the two countries. The Days of Turkmenistan’s Culture in Georgia drew to a close, having strengthened creative ties and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
A Turkmen delegation visited the Tbilisi State Conservatoire
18.07.2026As part of the Days of Turkmenistan Culture in Georgia, a meeting between representatives of music universities from the two countries took place at the Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by the rector of the Georgian conservatoire, Giorgi Vachnadze; the Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Nursahet Shirinov; and the Vice-Rector of the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of music education, including the exchange of experience, the organisation of joint concerts and the holding of masterclasses. A tour of the conservatoire was also organised for the Turkmen delegation. The visit concluded with a performance by the Turkmen musician Ashir Ashirov, who performed a piece by Chary Nurymov in the conservatoire’s Grand Hall.
Turkmenistan Culture Days are taking place in Tbilisi
17.07.2026The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are currently taking place in Tbilisi, coinciding with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit. The events are aimed at further developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, according to the news agency TDH. As part of the opening ceremony, an exhibition of national decorative and applied arts was held. The exhibition featured museum artefacts, works by artists and sculptors, as well as examples of the traditional cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The programme for the Days of Culture included meetings between cultural figures, library staff and theatre directors from Turkmenistan and Georgia. Participants discussed the exchange of experience and prospects for expanding professional contacts. The creative delegation from Turkmenistan also visited Tbilisi’s sights. The opening ceremony concluded with a festive concert featuring singers, musicians, and folk and dance ensembles. Turkmen artists performed musical pieces, including Georgian songs. The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are continuing.
The Turkmen group ‘Galkynyş’ continues to gain international recognition
15.07.2026Turkmenistan continues its work to develop and promote its national culture and arts internationally. One area of focus is the development of circus arts, in which the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group plays an important role, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The troupe was founded in 2007 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Today, ‘Galkynyş’ showcases Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage on the international stage and takes part in state events and major cultural projects. A special feature of the troupe’s performances is the Ahal-Teke racehorses and the complex equestrian acrobatic acts, which showcase the skill of the Turkmen riders. The ‘Galkynyş’ troupe has taken part in international circus festivals and has won prestigious awards. These include the top prizes at the ‘IDOL’ World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow (2013), the 16th International Circus Festival in Latina (Italy, 2014), the 2nd International Circus Arts Festival in the People’s Republic of China (2015), the 2nd World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyz Republic, 2016), as well as the ‘Golden Gaetano’ statuette at the ‘Na Fontanke’ festival in St Petersburg (2018). In 2025, the troupe gained international recognition at the 47th International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco), where it was awarded the Grand Prix, as well as a number of special prizes. In January 2026, at the 48th International Festival of Circus Arts in Monte Carlo, the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of circus arts. The troupe continues to take part in international events, representing the Turkmen circus school and fostering cultural ties between countries. ‘Galkynyş’ performances combine elements of equestrian art, acrobatics and the traditional culture of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan’s culture and achievements were showcased in Seoul
15.07.2026An information and cultural event for participants of the ‘Eurasia 2026’ Youth Academy took place in Seoul at the office of the Secretariat of the ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan with the support of the Forum’s Secretariat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants were introduced to Turkmenistan’s system of government, its neutral foreign policy and the Arkadag ‘smart city’ project. The guests also visited an exhibition of traditional clothing, carpets and musical instruments, and sampled Turkmen sweets. The meeting contributed to the development of academic and humanitarian ties between the youth of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
Turkmenistan preserves its cultural heritage and promotes spiritual values
11.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the implementation of the state policy on the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of spiritual values continues. The motto for 2026 – ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ – reflects the country’s priorities regarding independence, permanent neutrality, the preservation of traditions and future development, reports the online news portal TerraNews. One of the key events showcasing the motto’s theme was Culture Week, held in the Balkan velayat. Representatives from the arts, academia and the general public took part in the events. The programme included concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, creative gatherings and academic events. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse — one of the symbols of Turkmenistan’s national heritage — took centre stage at the events. Particular attention is being paid to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses. The traditions of breeding and adorning Ahal-Teke horses are included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As part of Culture Week, works of art dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses were exhibited, whilst theatre companies drew on the national epic, in which the horse symbolises courage and loyalty. Participants at the meetings discussed the preservation of cultural traditions, their transmission to the younger generation and the application of modern technologies in the cultural sphere. The image of the ‘purposeful winged horse’ in the 2026 motto symbolises Turkmenistan’s development, including digital modernisation, the strengthening of international cooperation and the preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
Turkmenistan presented its national design at an international exhibition in France
08.07.2026An international fashion show took place in Deauville (France) as part of the ‘Art-Storytelling Paris–Deauville’ programme, attended by representatives of the fashion industry, the cultural sector and the diplomatic corps from various countries. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by the designer and head of the embroidery department at the Turkmenistan Women’s Union, Jennet Agayeva, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation also included representatives of the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan and staff from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France. The show featured items drawing on the traditions of Turkmen decorative and applied arts, national embroidery and contemporary design concepts. Participation in the event helped to promote Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and foster international ties in the fields of fashion and the creative industries.
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