Culture
Avaza will host a festival of national cuisines as part of LLDC 3
04.08.2025On 5 August, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone will host a national cuisine festival dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event is also dedicated to the national days of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, which will be celebrated from 6 to 8 August. At the festival, chefs from friendly countries will present traditional dishes from their countries. The programme also includes a concert and high-level cultural and humanitarian events. Guests will be treated to a variety of Eastern cuisine, tea ceremonies and dishes made from local products. Special emphasis will be placed on the gastronomic heritage of Turkmenistan. The festival will also showcase dishes made from the new harvest and will be held in the spirit of Turkmen hospitality.
Turkmenistan took part in the International Ethnic Dance Festival in China
03.08.2025The ‘Dokmachylar’ folk ensemble from Turkmenistan was one of the most notable participants in the VII International Festival of Ethnic Dance held in Karamay (China). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The ensemble's vibrant performance drew a full hall and received thunderous applause, confirming the high level of Turkmen performing arts. The festival, held under the motto ‘Dance as the Language of Friendship,’ brings together performers from dozens of countries and serves as a platform for cultural exchange. The Turkmen ensemble presented an original production featuring folk dances and live music. The final composition, ‘Song of Friendship,’ dedicated to peace and unity, resonated particularly with the audience. Turkmenistan's participation underscores the country's commitment to strengthening cultural ties. The organisers noted the contribution of Central Asian groups to expanding the festival's creative spectrum.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute
02.08.2025The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with the coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute, Abdullah Demir, in the Belgian capital. The main topic of the negotiations was the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the joint promotion of the heritage of great poets and humanists. This was reported by the online publication Orient. Ambassador S. Palvanov proposed creating a special project dedicated to the peacemaking ideas of Magtymguly Pyragy and Yunus Emre, whose philosophical views remain relevant in the modern world. Special attention was paid to holding joint events in Brussels within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by Turkmenistan. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through the organisation of exhibitions, literary evenings and other cultural events that will allow the European audience to become better acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the two peoples. These initiatives are designed to strengthen cultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding between the peoples.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Tokyo organised a children's art competition
30.07.2025On 29 July 2025, a bright cultural event took place in Tokyo - a children's drawing competition dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. The event, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in partnership with the Japanese Children's Council ‘Fujisan Chidama’, brought together young artists and their mentors. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Before the start of the creative competition, participants were shown a presentation about Turkmenistan, revealing the country's rich cultural heritage, unique natural attractions and main directions of state policy. The children were interested to learn about the activities of the President of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. Inspired by the knowledge they gained, the young participants created works of art reflecting their vision of peace and trust between peoples. At the end of the competition, all children received letters of appreciation, and the winners were presented with commemorative gifts. The event culminated in a tasting of Turkmen cuisine, which allowed the Japanese guests to learn more about the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan. This event was another step towards strengthening cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Japan, as well as promoting the ideas of peace and mutual understanding among the younger generation.
Turkmen cuisine presented in Osaka
29.07.2025On 26 July, a festive reception dedicated to the gastronomic traditions of the Turkmen people was held at the National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event was held under the slogan ‘Turkmen Dastarhan.’ Guests were given the opportunity to taste national dishes, including traditional pastries, palav (pilaf), and dograma. The cultural programme included a cooking master class on how to prepare dograma, during which participants learned about the subtleties of Turkmen cuisine.
The Turkmenistan Pavilion in Japan welcomed its millionth visitor
29.07.2025The National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the international exhibition in Japan has reached a significant milestone – the number of visitors has exceeded 1 million. This impressive result testifies to the growing interest of the world community in Turkmen culture, traditions and modern achievements. This was reported by the IIC. Throughout the exhibition, the pavilion introduces guests to the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, its achievements in science, technology, ecology, architecture and art. Visitors have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in national traditions through demonstrations of crafts, elements of everyday life, as well as participation in special cultural and educational programmes. The organisers note that such high attendance clearly demonstrates the importance of international cultural exchange and the desire of different peoples for mutual understanding. The pavilion will continue its work until 13 October, which will strengthen friendly ties between Turkmenistan and countries around the world through cultural dialogue.
The Youth Chamber Orchestra of Turkmenistan repeated its triumph in Vienna
27.07.2025For the second year in a row, the Turkmenistan Youth Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Rasul Klychev, has conquered the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, confirming its status as one of the most promising musical ensembles in the world. This time, the musicians won not only the main gold award in the ‘Chamber Orchestra’ category, but also special prizes for ‘Best Performance of Classical Music’ and ‘Best Conductor’. This was reported by the IIC. The winning performance of the Turkmen orchestra was distinguished by its virtuoso synthesis of European classics and national musical traditions. The skillful inclusion of the sound of the dutar in the score was particularly well received by the Viennese audience and the professional jury. The President of the festival's creative committee, Professor Toby Purser, highly praised the skill of the Turkmen performers and expressed his desire to develop further cooperation, including joint concert projects.
Renowned conductor Neil Varon held a master class for Turkmen musicians
26.07.2025As part of the 11th International Orchestra Festival, world-renowned conductor and professor at the Eastman School of Music Neil Varon held a master class for musicians of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The master class was a significant event of the festival, providing musicians with an opportunity to work directly with one of the leading conductors of our time. Professor Varon shared with the orchestra members the peculiarities of interpretation and the secrets of ensemble playing. The maestro highly praised the level of training of the Turkmen musicians, noting their attentiveness and coordination. Such master classes contribute to cultural exchange and professional development, opening access to the best world traditions of performance.
An exhibition of English-language literature has opened in Ashgabat
25.07.2025On 24 July, the State Library of Turkmenistan hosted the grand opening of an exhibition and fair of classical English-language literature, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and US Independence Day. This was reported by the IIC. Before the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood visited the Foreign Language Literature Department, which houses a unique collection of 60,000 books in 50 languages, including 30,000 publications in English. Of particular interest was a book disinfection device donated by the American side in 2009, which helps preserve rare copies. Acting Library Director Lachyn Nurmuhamedova emphasised the importance of the library as a centre for international cultural exchange and congratulated Ambassador Rood on the anniversary of her diplomatic service in Turkmenistan. In her response, the US Ambassador noted the successful development of humanitarian ties between the two countries, especially in the field of education through American Council programmes.
Turkmen student makes it into the top 50 of the international competition ‘Picture of the World’
25.07.2025Mahym Atakova, a student at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, has become a finalist in the international competition and exhibition ‘Picture of the World’ held by the Tretyakov Gallery branch in Kaliningrad. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Young artists from 65 countries, including Turkmenistan, Russia, China, Libya, Senegal and others, took part in the competition. The competition was held on the theme ‘The values of my people as part of the global culture of humanity’, with nominations for painting, graphic art and digital art. M. Atakova, who is studying graphic design at the Department of Graphic Arts, presented three works: ‘Sweet Dream’, ‘Living History’ and ‘Happy Childhood’. Two of them are already in a private collection in the United States. After several stages of selection, M. Atakova's works were included in the top 100 and then in the 50 finalists of the competition.
Turkmen youth orchestra conquers Vienna at World Festival
25.07.2025The XI World Festival of Orchestras, one of the most significant events in the world of academic music, took place in the Austrian capital from 23 to 26 July. This year, the event was attended by ensembles from 40 countries, united by the common idea of ‘One Future, Our Better Future’. This was reported by IIC. The grand opening of the festival took place on 23 July at the famous City Hall Square in Vienna, where the Youth Chamber Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by the country's Honoured Artist Rasul Klychev, performed in front of the audience. The ensemble consists of 25 talented musicians representing a new generation of Turkmen performers. The orchestra's programme masterfully combined world classics and national musical traditions. Festival guests heard Schubert's String Quartet arranged by Mahler, the folk melody ‘This is Paradise’ arranged by Meret Annamyradov, and Astor Piazzolla's famous ‘Tango: Fugue and Mystery.’ The participation of the Turkmen ensemble in such a prestigious event testifies to the high level of musical art in Turkmenistan and its growing role in the global cultural space. The Vienna Festival, held since 2013 with the support of the city authorities, has become an important platform for creative exchange and showcasing the talents of young musicians from around the world.
A designer from Turkmenistan presented her collection in Paris
23.07.2025Turkmen designer Govher Pirkuliyeva-Gouvernet presented national fashion on the international stage, showcasing her signature collection at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025–2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The collection attracted the interest of the public and critics, combining traditional Turkmen motifs with contemporary European trends. Pirkuliyeva-Gouvernet’s style is recognisable by her modern reinterpretation of national costume while preserving cultural identity. The designer has previously presented her work in Paris and Milan. Her participation in international shows contributes to the popularisation of Central Asian fashion and the development of cultural dialogue between East and West.
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