Culture
Turkmenistan prepares for the premiere of a play adapted from Aytmatov's work
22.07.2025To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, the Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre is preparing the premiere of the play ‘Face to Face’ based on the work of Chingiz Aytmatov. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The tragic story of the deserter Ismail and his wife Seyde will leave no one indifferent. In the spirit of Aytmatov, the characters are sharply divided into weak-spirited traitors and strong, pure-hearted people. The author of the stage adaptation is Gadam Kakabayev, who has preserved the depth of the original, and the director is Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Handurdy Berdiyev. The names of the actors playing the leading roles have not yet been revealed. This is not the first time the theatre has turned to Aytmatov: audiences remember the success of the productions of ‘The Girl with the Red Scarf’ and ‘The White Ship’. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, the classic will once again touch the hearts of Turkmen audiences.
Turkmenistan will be represented at IV International Film Festival ‘One Sixth’
22.07.2025From 25 to 30 September, Yekaterinburg will host the IV International Film Festival ‘One Sixth,’ whose main theme will be the use of artificial intelligence in cinema. Turkmenistan will participate in the festival, along with other countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme includes premieres of feature films and documentaries, as well as lectures, master classes and creative meetings. Applications for participation are being accepted until 11 August. ‘One Sixth’ is the only festival in Eurasia dedicated to debut feature films. Since its founding in 2022, it has brought together more than 3,000 viewers, presenting 30 films from different countries.
Turkmen artists take part in the 7th International Festival in China
21.07.2025On 20 July this year, the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival was officially opened in Urumqi, with creative groups from nine countries, including Turkmenistan, taking part. The festival brought together artists from Central Asia, Europe and Southeast Asia, creating a unique platform for cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. Turkmen performers had the opportunity to showcase the richness of their national dance art alongside groups from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the United States, Italy and Cambodia. In addition to the main programme in Urumqi, festival events will be held in several cities of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and Hotan. The organisers have prepared a rich programme that includes street shows dedicated to the Silk Road, an international dance carnival and a week of traditional opera. The festival, which has been held since 2008, has already become a significant event in cultural cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. Over the years, more than 130 groups from 70 countries around the world have participated in the festival.
Turkmen filmmakers discussed cooperation with Turkic countries at meeting in Istanbul
21.07.2025The second meeting of representatives of the film industry of Turkic countries, organised by the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), was held in Istanbul. Delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey took part in the event. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The Turkmen side was represented by the Deputy Head of the Türkmenfilm Association named after Oguzhan Sahysalyh Bayramov and the Head of the international relations department of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography Annageldi Atanazarov. The meeting was devoted to the implementation of the decisions of the 40th meeting of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY. The participants discussed key areas of cooperation, including the creation of a Turkic world film library, joint film projects, the development of national film festivals and the holding of the ‘Gorkut Ata’ festival. Following the talks, a final declaration was signed, confirming the agreements reached. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Aktau, which this year holds the status of cultural capital of the Turkic world. It should be recalled that the first meeting of filmmakers took place in Tashkent, where it was decided to establish the TURKFILM association to coordinate joint work in the field of cinema.
Ashgabat will host an American-Turkmen book fair
18.07.2025On 24 July 2025, the State Library of Turkmenistan will host a joint book fair organised by the US Embassy. The event will open at 11:00 and will present literary works from both countries, creating a space for cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. The fair will feature literary readings with representatives of the diplomatic mission, English language competitions, and creative activities for visitors of all ages. Special attention will be paid to developing an interest in reading and learning English among the Turkmen audience. The initiative reflects the desire of both sides to strengthen cultural ties and create new opportunities for intercultural exchange. The event is open to all and promises to be a significant event in the cultural life of the capital of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat is preparing to host the Second International Kids Expo 2025
16.07.2025Preparations are in full swing for the Second International Kids Expo 2025 exhibition and fair, which will be held in the capital of Turkmenistan from 21 to 23 August. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The organisers note a steady growth in interest from domestic and foreign companies, which is confirmed by the rapid reduction in the number of available exhibition spaces. The forum promises to be a large-scale and eventful event with a varied interactive programme. Among the key events are spectacular shows, including international dance performances and a children's fashion show by the ‘Miras’ fashion house. Visitors will have access to themed areas: - VR space with educational tours; - A science laboratory with practical experiments in physics, chemistry and biology; - A cyber zone with robotics demonstrations, 3D projects and AI interactives; - Master classes in decorative and applied arts, toy making, make-up and hairdressing; - Sports area with mini-football and archery; - Culinary fair with master classes from ‘Melburn’ and ‘Dolce Mia’; - Ethnographic village with live music and craft presentations. Kids Expo 2025 will cover a wide range of industries, including baby food and healthy lifestyles, literature and reading, furniture and interiors, marketing and export, educational products, fashion and style, leisure, toys, ancillary products, insurance and online services, as well as advertising and marketing solutions. The Kids Expo international exhibition is being held for the second time. The first exhibition, held in 2024, brought together 80 participants from China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United States, Canada, Portugal, Italy and Bahrain, and attracted over 10,000 visitors.
Young talents of Turkmenistan are invited to participate in the exhibition event
16.07.2025The China Center for International People-to-People Exchange under the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, in collaboration with the editorial board of the magazine ‘Class and Beyond’, has announced that it will hold an international exhibition entitled “2025 ‘China-Europe Cultural Train’ World’s Most Beautiful Children’s Painting Exhibition”. Young talents from Turkmenistan are invited to participate. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The project will be part of a large-scale initiative called ‘China-Europe Humanitarian Express’ and will be implemented using the international logistics route of the ‘China-Europe’ train. Its aim is to unite the cultures of different countries through the art and creativity of children aged 3 to 18. Participants are invited to submit their artwork — paintings, calligraphy, design, sculpture and photography — on the themes: ‘China-Europe Train’, ‘Silk Road Impressions’, ‘Civilization Dialogue’ and ‘Our Shared Home’. The best works will be included in the permanent exhibition of the project's digital cloud exhibition hall. In addition, the authors of outstanding works will have the opportunity to take part in an international tour along the China-Europe train route, where they will be able to present their works to a wide audience.
Friendship Festival brings peoples together ahead of LLDC 3 conference in ‘Avaza’
13.07.2025In anticipation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will take place in August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Turkmenistan is preparing a rich cultural programme. The key element of the programme will be the Festival of Friendship, aimed at strengthening international ties through art, according to the news website TerraNews. The idea of holding the festival was presented by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who announced it during a working trip to the Balkan velayat. The programme of the event includes performances by foreign artists and is dedicated to the themes of peace, sustainable development and international trust. The festival will serve as a symbolic accompaniment to the forum and an expression of Turkmenistan's commitment to cultural diplomacy and the development of inter-state dialogue.
Turkmen cuisine captivates guests at Expo 2025 in Japan
12.07.2025The Turkmen pavilion at the Expo 2025 international exhibition in Osaka has a restaurant that has become a real gastronomic attraction. Every day from 11:00 to 19:00, visitors can learn about the rich culinary traditions of Turkmenistan by tasting aromatic tea, fresh chorek bread, homemade meat dishes and exquisite oriental sweets. This was reported by the IIC. Decorated in the national style, the restaurant demonstrates the principles of true Turkmen hospitality. According to the organisers, it is not just a place to eat, but a cultural space where the country's centuries-old traditions are revealed through gastronomy. The Turkmen pavilion has already become one of the most visited among the Central Asian participants in the exhibition. Guests note not only the original flavours of the dishes, but also the special friendly atmosphere characteristic of Turkmen culture. The restaurant is open every day, offering Expo 2025 visitors a unique opportunity to take a gastronomic journey to Turkmenistan without leaving the exhibition grounds in Osaka.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan took part in the Asian Culture Festival in Ploiesti
10.07.2025On 9 July this year, the Palace of Culture in Ploiesti hosted the Asian Culture Festival, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Prahova County with the support of the diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, heads of foreign diplomatic missions, public figures, residents of Prahova and journalists. In their speeches, the President of the Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aurelian Gogulescu, and other participants emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and strengthening international cooperation. Festival guests were able to see a demonstration of traditional Asian costumes reflecting the ethnic diversity of the participating countries. As part of the business programme, the ambassadors met with representatives of the Prahova administration to discuss prospects for the development of bilateral relations. The Turkmen exhibition included national costumes, carpets, handicrafts, musical instruments, works of the classic Turkmen writer Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as books by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The festival concluded with a tasting of Asian cuisine.
American country rock band of Jessica Lynn triumphantly performed in Ashgabat
07.07.2025The ‘Türkmenistan’ cinema and concert hall hosted a sold-out concert by American country rock singer Jessica Lynn, organised with the support of the US Embassy in Turkmenistan and the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Before the performance, the musicians held a press conference where Jessica talked about her creative career. She noted that although she grew up in New York, where country music is not the most popular genre, her father instilled in her a love for this music. In its 10 years of existence, the band has performed in 20 countries, and Turkmenistan has become a new and warm discovery for them, particularly impressing them with the cleanliness and beauty of Ashgabat. A special moment of the evening was Jessica's reunion with her student, Turkmen musician Dovran Shammyev, who trained at her online academy. Their joint performance of a medley of hits by Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Ray Charles was met with thunderous applause from the audience. The concert turned into a real celebration, with the audience dancing in the aisles and Jessica keeping up their energetic mood by accompanying them on the drums. The evening ended with a joint performance with the famous Turkmen jazz singer Maysa Niyazova, who performed Shania Twain's hit song. Jessica Lynn's concert was a highlight of Turkmenistan's cultural life, strengthening the creative ties between the two countries.
Turkmenistan will host archaeological exhibition in Rome
05.07.2025On 4 July, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova reported on preparations for a large-scale archaeological exhibition entitled ‘The Flourishing of Cultures: The Bronze Age Margiana and the Parthian Kingdom. Archaeological Discoveries in Turkmenistan’ during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The initiative to organise the exhibition was put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during the First ‘Central Asia – Italy’ Summit held in Astana. In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister said that practical steps are currently being taken in Turkmenistan to modernise museums in line with contemporary requirements. For example, the largest museums have introduced a digital platform called ‘Virtual Museum’, which allows visitors to take remote tours and view exhibits online. The Museum of History and Local Lore in the city of Arkadag has introduced a QR code system that allows visitors to obtain information about the exhibits directly from their mobile devices. After listening to the report, the Head of State emphasised that museums play a key role in preserving, studying and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan internationally. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to continue work on identifying and scientifically analysing national values with a view to preserving them for future generations.
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