Culture
Ashgabat hosts event to mark Uzbekistan's Independence Day
04.09.2025A reception organised by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in the capital to mark the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Turkmen government, politicians, businessmen and cultural figures, as well as diplomats and international guests. In his welcoming speech, Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, noted the country's achievements in the economic and social spheres and emphasised the strengthening of its position in the international arena. On behalf of the Turkmen side, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev delivered congratulations from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and wishes for prosperity to Uzbekistan. The guests also got acquainted with the rich Uzbek culture at an exhibition of folk art and national clothing, while a stand on tourism showcased the country's historic cities and traditions. The event was yet another confirmation of the development of friendly and strategic relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The section of the IHCF magazine ‘Forum Plus’ is devoted to Turkmen carpet weaving
03.09.2025The fourth issue of the information and analytical journal Forum Plus, published by the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund (IHCF), has been released. The issue covers key events in the Commonwealth countries during the summer of this year. This was reported by IIC. The central place in the issue is taken by the ‘Collection’ section, dedicated to the art of Turkmen carpet weaving. The materials in this section reveal the history and cultural significance of this unique national craft, emphasising its role as a symbol of the identity of the Turkmen people. Among the main materials of the publication is coverage of CIS educational initiatives, including a volunteer forum in Tajikistan and a school for young scientists in Belarus. The magazine also features reports from the festival of new Olympic sports. Special attention is given to the winners of the international awards ‘Stars of the Commonwealth’ and ‘Commonwealth of Debuts’, while the ‘Dynasty’ section introduces the history of the family of artist Martiros Saryan. The full version of the magazine is available on the official IHCF portal.
The play ‘Pursat’ about the thinker Magtymguly was shown in Turkmenistan
03.09.2025The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre opened its season with a performance of ‘Pursat’ (‘Moment’), which won the Grand Prix at the Second International Theatre Festival of TURKSOY countries. Jury member Zhanysh Kulumbetov noted the innovative nature of the production, which has no analogues in the performing arts. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: The Golden age’. Director Mekan Jumabayev rejected the traditional biographical approach, creating a performance based on the poetry of Magtymguly. Specialists from the Institute of Manuscripts and cinematographer Rahymberdi Annagullyev participated in the production, giving the play the character of a scientific and poetic treatise. The central theme of the play was Magtymguly's reflections on his own destiny and mission as a poet. The director used mysticism and symbolism to reveal the inner world of the thinker. Actor Dovlet Berdiyev was invited to play the role of Magtymguly, creating a multifaceted image of the poet. According to the artist, working on this role was the most difficult in his career, requiring a deep immersion in Magtymguly's philosophical heritage. The final scene of the play, where Magtymguly walks along a parapet in the dark, symbolises the poet's life journey, each step of which is compared to walking on a knife edge.
Turkmenistan represented at the first Asian vocal competition ‘Silk Way Star’
03.09.2025Filming has begun in Astana for the first Asian singing competition, ‘Silk Way Star’, which brings together talented performers from 12 countries. Turkmenistan is represented in this prestigious international project by singer and composer Dovran Shammiyev, a well-known soloist in Kovus Byashimov's jazz orchestra and winner of the ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Presidential Award. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The jury of the competition includes Rasul Klychev, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan and outstanding conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra, whose Youth Chamber Orchestra won the gold award at the World Festival in Vienna. The ‘Silk Way Star’ project is conceived as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthening friendly ties. The broadcast of 10 episodes of the competition in Kazakh, Chinese and English will reach more than a billion viewers. The grand finale with the seven best performers will be held on 22 November and will be broadcast live.
The Turkmen State Museum will celebrate Amu Darya River Day
03.09.2025An official event to mark Amu Darya River Day is scheduled to take place in Ashgabat on 4 September. The celebration will be held at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The central theme of the upcoming event will be the centuries-old historical role of the Amu Darya as a natural artery uniting the peoples of the Central Asian region. The organisers intend to emphasise the importance of protecting water resources and promoting the principles of environmental responsibility. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a collection of drawings dedicated to the Amu Darya, as well as an exhibition of photographs. In addition, guests of the State Museum will be able to view an exhibition of items made from recycled materials. During the ceremony, the winners of thematic competitions will be honoured. This initiative is seen as a way to encourage talented young people and creative professionals, as well as a platform for promoting ideas about caring for natural resources.
The anniversary of independence was celebrated at the Turkmenistan pavilion at EXPO-2025
03.09.2025On 1 September, a ceremony was held at the National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka to mark the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. The ceremony was aimed at demonstrating the unique cultural heritage of the Turkmen people to the international community, including the art of carpet weaving and the beauty of national costumes. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants and guests of the exhibition were able to learn about the art of creating Turkmen carpets, the symbolism of ornaments and the high level of development of the textile industry. The highlight of the event was a show of national costumes from the Fashion House of the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. A significant element of the programme was a master class dedicated to the intricacies of Turkmen carpet art, during which the meanings of the ornaments and ancient traditions of the craft were revealed. The events made a significant contribution to strengthening international cultural dialogue and promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people in the world community.
Turkmenistan approves large-scale programme to celebrate 34th anniversary of independence
31.08.2025At a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Deputy Prime Minister Bahar Seyidova presented a comprehensive plan of cultural events for September 2025. The programme, developed as part of the UN's International Year of Peace and Trust, includes a variety of events, from professional conferences to mass celebrations. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The cultural calendar for the month includes two significant competitive events: the final of the national children's talent contest ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’ in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley and the television contest ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’ at the capital's song and music centre. Events dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence occupy an important place in the programme. The celebration plan includes a concert with the participation of leading cultural figures, a ceremony of laying flowers at the Independence Monument, the solemn raising of the national flag in the central squares of Arkadag and all velayats of the country, as well as a parade in front of the State Tribune. The President of Turkmenistan, emphasising the importance of high-quality preparation for the upcoming events, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high level of organisation for the festive events and ceremonies to open new social and cultural facilities.
Conductor from Turkmenistan joins jury of music show ‘Silk Way Star’
29.08.2025Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan, conductor and artistic director of the country's State Symphony Orchestra Rasul Klychev has joined the jury of the first Asian vocal competition ‘Silk Way Star’, which started in Astana. This was reported by IIC. His participation highlights the high level of Turkmen musical art, recently confirmed by the victory of the Youth Orchestra of Turkmenistan at a festival in Vienna, where the ensemble won the gold award and R. Klychev was recognised as the ‘Best Conductor’. Turkmenistan will be represented at the competition by singer and composer Dovran Shammiyev, winner of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ award. He will perform alongside participants from 11 countries. The show started on 20 August, and the final will take place on 22 November. The winner will be determined by the votes of the jury and viewers. ‘Silk Way Star’ is positioned as an international cultural platform that brings artists together and discovers new talent.
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Youth Camp of the CIS Countries’
29.08.2025In Lachin, declared the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2025, a ceremonial closing of the ‘Youth Camp of the CIS Countries’ took place. The event, timed to coincide with City Day, brought together young representatives from Turkmenistan, as well as from a number of other Commonwealth countries. This was reported by IIC. The closing ceremony served as a platform for summarising the results of intercultural dialogue. Masim Mamedov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Lachin District, focused on the transformations taking place in the city, emphasising that the infrastructure being created in the city opens up new opportunities for young people to realise their potential. Farruh Jumayev, representative of the Ministry of Culture, described the project as a catalyst for the restoration of the region's cultural landscape. The key theme of the speeches by representatives of youth organisations and international foundations was the importance of continuing joint projects. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and a gala concert featuring creative groups. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of youth camps as a tool for strengthening humanitarian ties within the Commonwealth.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan organise cross-cultural Days
27.08.2025Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will hold cross-cultural days. The events will take place in October 2025 in Azerbaijan and in April 2026 in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The events will be part of the agreements reached on 22 August at a trilateral meeting in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In a joint statement, the parties emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation, including the development of ties between cultural and scientific institutions, the media, creative associations and universities in the region.
A film about the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy will be shown in Kazan
27.08.2025As part of the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival ‘Altyn Minbar’, there will be a special screening of the film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’. The film, directed by Muzaffarjon Erkinov, is included in the non-competitive programme ‘Russia – Islamic World’. This was reported by IIC. A joint project by filmmakers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, created in 2024, the film tells the story of the life and work of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, who was active in the 18th century. The film highlights important stages in the thinker’s biography, including his studies at the Kukeldash madrasah in Buhara and the Shergozihan madrasah in Hiva. The film is scheduled to be shown at the ‘Rodina’ cinema in Kazan on 9 September. The screening is organized as part of the festival programme aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
A Turkmen film about Magtymguly Pyragy was presented in Astrakhan in honour of the 30th anniversary of neutrality
22.08.2025On 21 August, the ‘Illusion’ cinema in Astrakhan hosted a special screening of the Turkmen film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The event was attended by the Consul of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan, a delegation of Turkmen media specialists who arrived at the Caspian Media Forum, Turkmen students from Astrakhan universities and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. A. Atayev, representative of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech to the audience. He emphasised the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy's work for national culture and the importance of strengthening humanitarian cooperation between the Caspian countries. The screening of the film was part of a programme of events dedicated to the anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and aimed at promoting Turkmen cultural heritage abroad.
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