Culture
Culture Week continues to reveal the richness of Turkmenistan's heritage
25.06.2025The third day of Culture Week, dedicated to Culture and Art Workers' Day and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, was held in the spirit of promoting Turkmenistan's national heritage and policy of neutrality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. A methodological conference was held at the Central Library of the Ak Bugday etrap, where experts discussed the implementation of the library development programme for 2025-2029. The main focus was on digitalisation, the formation of modern collections and increasing reader activity. A conference on peace and trust was held at the Palace of Culture in Yzgant, attended by media representatives. Participants emphasized the role of media in strengthening public harmony and international relations, and discussed the importance of cultural and public diplomacy. A festive concert was held in the city of Anau with the participation of artists from the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats, reflecting the richness of regional traditions and the continuity of Turkmen culture. The day ended with a performance of the opera ‘Shasenem and Garyp’ at the Turkmen National Music and Drama Theatre, which emphasised the values of honour, love and loyalty. The theatre continues to preserve and promote the country's cultural heritage. The events of the third day highlight the role of culture and art in the social and state life of Turkmenistan.
An international film crew is preparing a feature on the jewellery art of Turkmenistan
25.06.2025As part of a joint project between Russian film company ‘Vechnyy Zov’ and Serbian television channel Balkan Trip TV, a creative visit took place to the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. An international film crew worked on a documentary about the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Turkmen people. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Special attention was paid to the ancient art of Turkmen zerger (jewellers), which is carefully preserved and passed on to new generations. Guests were able to observe how students of the Academy, under the guidance of experienced masters, master traditional techniques: chasing, silver blackening and the art of inlaying. A meaningful discussion on the peculiarities of national jewellery art took place in the museum of the art centre, where unique methods of working with metals, tools and materials were demonstrated. The highlight of the visit was a practical master class, during which the film crew learned about the symbolic meaning of traditional jewellery – ‘gulyaka’, ‘tumar’ and ‘bilezik’. Balkan Trip TV, known for its informative programmes on the culture of different peoples, plans to show the world the uniqueness of Turkmen jewellery art. This project is a new step in strengthening Turkmenistan's cultural ties with the international community.
Annual Culture Week starts in Turkmenistan
23.06.2025In the picturesque valley of the Ahal velayat, in the area of ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ in the Ak Bugday etrap, the annual Culture Week was officially opened on 22 June. The event was held at ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ and was dedicated to the Day of Workers of Culture and Art, as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The opening ceremony brought together representatives of the government, cultural institutions, universities, the media and the creative intelligentsia. An exhibition of works of art, artefacts and household items reflecting the rich history and traditions of the Turkmen people was held in the foyer. The festive concert featured performances by folk artists, young talents and folk groups. At the end of the concert, a traditional feast, toy-sadaka, was held. The programme continued at the ‘Ak bugdaý’ National Museum, where a conference was held on the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage. Issues such as the modernisation of museum work, digitisation, scientific study of artefacts and the protection of historical and cultural monuments were discussed. A meeting of theatre workers was held at the House of Culture in Kaka etrap, followed by a performance of the play ‘Şükür bagşy’ in the evening. A concert by creative groups from children's art schools was held in the city of Anau. Throughout the week, concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, poetry evenings, seminars and creative meetings are planned in various cultural institutions of the Ahal velayat.
The Ashgabat House of Models presented its own interpretation of the national costume
20.06.2025The capital of Turkmenistan hosted a fashion show of the summer collection of national costumes, which became part of the city's cultural programme as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the ‘Design’ category. The event highlighted the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a modern format. This was reported by IIC. The collection combined elements of traditional tailoring with contemporary design solutions. The organisers paid particular attention to demonstrating hand embroidery techniques and local textile traditions, deliberately avoiding any emphasis on the commercial aspect. Ashgabat, which was awarded the status of ‘Creative City’ in 2021, continues to develop a dialogue between national heritage and contemporary art. The show was another step in the implementation of this mission, bringing together the professional community and lovers of traditional culture.
Turkmenistan to host Culture Week on occasion of Cultural Workers Day
19.06.2025From 22 to 27 June, the traditional Culture Week will be held in the Ahal velayat of Turkmenistan, timed to coincide with the Day of Workers of Culture and Art and dedicated to the legacy of the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The grand opening of the event will take place in the picturesque valley of ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’, in the ‘White Yurt’ of the Turkmen. During the week, guests will enjoy an extensive programme of musical concerts, scientific conferences, art exhibitions, creative meetings, poetry evenings, film screenings and theatre performances. This format will allow the richness of national culture to be revealed from different angles. The highlight of the week will be the premiere of the opera ‘Shasenem-Garyp’, which will be staged at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. This event promises to be one of the most memorable moments of the festival. In addition, participants will pay tribute to Magtymguly Pyragy by laying flowers at his monument in the Ashgabat cultural and park complex.
Turkmen composer wins Grand Prix at international competition in Aktau
19.06.2025The results of the ‘Маңғыстау мақамдары’ (‘Mangystau Makams’) International Composers' Competition, one of the most important events of the ‘Cultural Capital of the Turkic World’ programme, were announced in the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Grand Prix, the highest award, was unanimously awarded to Rovshen Nepesov, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan. This information was reported by the IIC. The competition, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of People's Artist of the USSR Nurgisa Tlendiyev, was held under the slogan of preserving the musical heritage of Turkic peoples. A distinctive feature of the competition was its completely anonymous evaluation system: The jury members, including renowned musicians from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and a representative of TÜRKSOY, selected the best works without knowing the names or countries of the authors. Alongside Rovshen Nepesov, Kazakhstani composers also received high honours. Aytkali Jayimov (Astana) won the Grand Prix award, while the top spots were taken by Sanjar Bayterekov and Yermurat Usenov (Almaty). Special awards from TÜRKSOY and the competition organisers were presented to Yermek Omirov and Nurlan Bekenov. The Turkmen composer's victory highlighted the importance of cultural exchange within the Turkic world and demonstrated the high level of Turkmenistan's musical art. The organisers noted that the competition represents an important step in supporting young artists and promoting folk art.
Turkmen culture was showcased at ‘Samovarfest-2025’ in Moscow
17.06.2025On 15 June, Moscow's VDNH All-Russia Exhibition Centre hosted the large-scale ‘Samovarfest-2025’ ethnic and cultural festival, which brought together representatives of over 160 nationalities. The performance of Turkmenistan attracted particular attention — its musical heritage was presented by Maya Klycheva, a teacher of the Turkmen language and candidate of philological sciences, according to the news resource Orient. Her performance was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great poet Magtymguly Pyragy. Klycheva performed the song ‘Boylaryna’ to the lyrics of the classic, winning the hearts of the audience with the depth and sincerity of her performance. At the end of the festival, she received a diploma from the ‘Culture of Nations’ Foundation for her significant contribution to the development of ethnocultural heritage. This year, more than 1,000 artists from different regions of Russia took part in a 12-hour concert marathon.
Turkmenistan preserves and develops centuries-old traditions of metalworking
16.06.2025Turkmenistan demonstrates a unique symbiosis of centuries-old metalworking heritage and modern technologies, notes Ogulgul Geldiyeva, a lecturer at the Department of Metalworking Technology at the country's State Energy Institute, in an article published in the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, the Turkmenportal news resource reports. According to the expert, the tradition of metalworking in modern Turkmenistan dates back to the Eneolithic era and spans the heyday of ancient and medieval centres. Archaeological finds from Merv, Serakhs, Abiverd, Kunya-Urgench, Dehistan and Shehrislam testify to the high level of skill of local craftsmen, especially in the IX-XII centuries. A valuable contribution to the study of pre-Islamic culture was made by a complex of artefacts discovered in Gonur Depe, the capital of the ancient state of Margush. Bronze axes, daggers, spearheads and jewellery were found here, revealing the high level of development of metallurgy in the Bronze Age. The collections of Turkmenistan's museums illustrate the evolution of metalworking, from simple utilitarian objects to exquisite jewellery compositions, confirming the strong link between cultural heritage and modernity.
The premiere of the play ‘Gurbannazar Ezizov’ is being prepared in Turkmenistan
16.06.2025The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre is preparing the premiere of the play ‘Gurbannazar Ezizov,’ dedicated to the life and work of the outstanding Turkmen poet. The production, based on a play by brothers Hydyr and Ilyas Amangeldiyev, reveals Ezizov's fate through the prism of his poems, memories and mystical premonitions. This was reported by IIC. The Amangeldiyev brothers, who grew up next door to the poet's family, incorporated their personal impressions and stories heard first-hand into the play. Gurbannazar Ezizov was a happy man – talented, loved and recognised. But there was one unfulfilled dream in his life: a son. And fate decreed that a boy was born forty days after his father's death. Director Mekan Jumabayev, immersed in Ezizov's poetry, discovered disturbing hints of his early departure. This became the key idea of the play. The plot begins with a childhood episode when little Gurbannazar stopped his father from cutting up the funeral bier, a symbol of death kept in his grandfather's house, for firewood. This moment later resurfaces at the end of the poet's life when the angel of death appears before him, allowing him to review his entire life. Viewers will see key moments in Ezizov's life: his student years, military service, marriage, and warm family scenes with his daughters. Particularly impressive is the episode at the art council, where the poet is reprimanded for the dark themes in his work. But his friends, including composer Nury Halmammedov and singer Atageldi Garyagdyev, always supported him. The musical component of the performance plays a special role: instead of dialogue, we hear Ezizov's poems and songs, including the famous ‘Türkmen sährasy’ performed by Bayramhan Gayirov. This is not just a production – it is a poetic journey where life and creativity merge together.
The Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ was screened at a film festival in Bishkek
15.06.2025On 13 June, the Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ (‘Book’), produced by the Oguzhan Turkmenfilm Association in 2024, was screened at the TSUM cinema in Bishkek. The film was included in the competition programme of the III Bishkek International Film Festival in the Central Asian cinema section, according to the news website TerraNews. The film was directed by Hekim Alovov, and the screenplay is based on the novel of the same name by Nurmyrat Saryhanov. The music for the film was composed by Rovshen Nepesov. The plot tells the story of the elderly Velmyrat Aga, who lives a secluded life in the mountains. His journey is a reflection on spiritual values, labour and the meaning of life, reflecting the moral foundations of Turkmen culture. The film stars Muhammetmyrat Atayev, Chary Yakubov, Annageldi Orazgeldiyev and Suleyman Eminov. This year, the Bishkek Film Festival brought together participants from 33 countries. The programme includes 40 films and special screenings of French and German cinema. The closing ceremony and awards ceremony are scheduled for 15 June.
‘Obschepisatelskaya Literaturnaya Gazeta’ has allocated a section to poets of Turkmenistan
15.06.2025The second issue of the Russian publication ‘Obschepisatelskaya Literaturnaya Gazeta’ (‘General Writers' Literary Newspaper’) for 2025 has been released. This literary publication features new material about poets from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The section ‘Contemporary Poets of Turkmenistan’ features an article by poet and translator Andrei Novikov. In the publication, readers will find poems by various Turkmen authors translated into Russian, whose lyrics cover themes of homeland, friendship, brotherhood, human feelings and spiritual values. The appearance of this section has become a symbol of the strengthening of cultural dialogue between the countries. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, the publication confirms the growing interest in the poetic heritage of Turkmenistan and emphasises the importance of intercultural exchange in the field of literature. The publication opens up new opportunities for readers to become more familiar with the poetic tradition of Turkmenistan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a distinctive artistic school.
A Week of Culture will be held in the Ahal velayat
14.06.2025Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova reported on preparations for Culture Week, scheduled for 22–27 June in the Ahal velayat, during a government meeting on 13 June. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event is timed to coincide with the celebration of Culture and Arts Workers' Day and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The Culture Week will include an opening ceremony at the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ building in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley, concerts, song and music programmes, conferences, exhibitions, creative meetings, poetry evenings, film screenings and performances, as well as a production of the opera ‘Şasenem–Garyp’ at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. In addition, participants in Culture Week will lay flowers at the monument to the great poet in the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in the capital. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal for consideration by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of holding Culture Week at a high level, noting its significance in honour of the Day of Culture and Art Workers, as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure thorough preparation for the creative event in the Ahal velayat.
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