Culture
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended the celebrations in the city of Meghri
21.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in events marking the designation of the Armenian city of Meghri as the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the celebrations held in Meghri from 14 to 18 April, representatives of the Turkmen side took part in the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a new public garden. In addition, the guests explored the city’s historical landmarks and the cultural heritage of the Armenian people. The visit concluded with the delegation attending a festive gala concert, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is stepping up its efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage
20.04.2026In Turkmenistan, as part of International Day for Monuments and Sites, greater emphasis is being placed on the preservation and study of cultural heritage, with this being regarded as a priority of state policy in the fields of science, culture and tourism. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The country has a programme for 2022–2028, approved by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which provides for archaeological research, the restoration of monuments and their integration into tourist routes. The work is being carried out by specialist institutions and the Academy of Sciences. Among the key sites is Paryz-depe, where excavations, studies of ancient irrigation systems and digital reconstruction are continuing. At the mausoleum of Abu Said Abul Khair, restoration of medieval mosaics is underway. Research is also continuing at the Dandanakan site, where new elements of the mosque’s decoration have been discovered. International partners, including research centres in the US and the UK, are participating in the projects. The list of significant sites also includes the Akcha-Kala caravanserai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where conservation work is ongoing. International cooperation is developing: projects are being implemented with the participation of specialists from France and Italy, including research at Ulug-depe and the introduction of 3D scanning technologies. Experts note that Turkmenistan is strengthening scientific ties and creating conditions for the study and promotion of its historical and cultural heritage.
Turkmenistan is organising cultural events in collaboration with TURKSOY
20.04.2026On 18 April, at a Cabinet meeting on the digital system, Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova reported on cooperation with TURKSOY. This was reported by TDH. It was noted that Turkmenistan is participating in the organisation’s projects aimed at developing ties between Turkic peoples, preserving shared cultural heritage and promoting the work of cultural figures. It was reported that events are being prepared in Ashgabat for May. Plans include an opera concert to mark the 110th anniversary of composer Veli Muhadov and the TURKSOY Opera Days. The proposal has been submitted to the Head of State for consideration. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to expand cooperation with TURKSOY and instructed that a high standard of preparation and execution of the events be ensured.
A collection of works by an outstanding Turkmen composer has been published in Moscow
17.04.2026A collection of selected works for violin and piano by the Turkmen composer Nury Halmammedov has been published in Moscow. The publication was prepared by the ‘Sounds of Dutar’ Foundation as part of a project to publish rarely performed works and marks the 10th anniversary of the festival of the same name, reports IIC. The book includes the composer’s key works, edited by violinist Leonora Dmyterko, which represent the pinnacle of his violin legacy. The collection brings together both well-known and previously unpublished works, reflecting a synthesis of national traditions and the European musical school. A special place is given to a new transcription of the fantasia from the ballet ‘The Decisive Step’, adapted for the first time for violin and piano. The publication is aimed at professional musicians, students and lovers of instrumental music. Work on the project took several years and was Leonora Dmyterko’s final undertaking: the collection was published in March 2026, and the violinist passed away in April. It has been decided to dedicate the concert at ‘Mosconcert’ on 29 April to her memory and to the presentation of this publication.
An exhibition of works by People's Artists is to be held in Ashgabat
16.04.2026On 20 April, a joint exhibition by People’s Artists Babasary Annamyradov and Ada Gutlyev will open in the exhibition hall of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 16:00. Cultural figures, students from relevant universities and art enthusiasts are expected to attend. The exhibition is entitled ‘Saña at diýmerin, gardaş diýerin!’ (‘I won’t call you a horse, I’ll call you a brother!’). In their works, the artists draw on the image of the Ahal-Teke horse as a symbol of cultural tradition, historical memory and the bond between man and his native land. The project brings together works by two masters with different artistic styles, both focused on exploring national heritage within contemporary art. The exhibition showcases the creative dialogue between the artists, whose works hold a significant place in the artistic culture of Turkmenistan.
A Turkmen designer took part in the “Maroc Fashion Week 2026” in Marrakech
14.04.2026Turkmen designer Govkher Guvernet-Pirkulyeva took part in the “Maroc Fashion Week 2026” in Marrakech, where she presented her own collection on an international runway. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The show brought together designers, buyers, and representatives of the fashion industry from various countries, serving as a platform to promote Morocco’s fashion sector on the global stage. As part of the fashion week, designers from China, France, and Turkmenistan showcased their work, along with Moroccan brands. Participants also included well-known fashion houses such as Max Mara and Gérard Darel. “Maroc Fashion Week” is positioned as the country’s first fashion week and aims to develop the creative industry and promote both traditional and contemporary Moroccan fashion.
“TurkmenTravel 2026” has opened a platform for international dialogue in the field of tourism
14.04.2026The international exhibition and forum “TurkmenTravel 2026” has begun at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event has brought together representatives of government agencies, the tourism sector, the investment community, as well as international experts and technology developers, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum has become a platform for professional dialogue, exchange of experience, and the development of international cooperation in the field of tourism. The discussions focus on strengthening Turkmenistan’s position in the global tourism market and promoting the national tourism brand. Special attention is being paid to issues of sustainable development in the industry, environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage, and the introduction of international standards for the management of tourist facilities. The exhibition features digital solutions for the industry, including online booking systems, virtual tours, and analytical platforms. Issues related to infrastructure development and investment attraction are also being discussed, including through public-private partnership mechanisms. The agenda also includes international cooperation with UN Tourism and UNESCO, as well as training personnel and developing academic mobility in the hospitality sector. Participation in the forum provides industry professionals with opportunities to establish business contacts and shape strategic directions for tourism development.
Turkmen crafts are featured in an exhibition in Tokyo
14.04.2026On April 10 in Tokyo, at the Tokyo Shoto Museum of Art, an exhibition of traditional Turkmen national costumes, crafts, embroidery, and jewelry titled “Crafts of Central Asia” opened, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The exhibition will run from April 11 to June 14, 2026. It introduces visitors to Turkmen decorative and applied arts as well as the culture of Central Asia. The materials on display are drawn from the collection of the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. A total of about 200 exhibits are presented, including silver jewelry, traditional keteni fabric, embroidered women’s mantles known as “chyrpy,” and other handmade items. A separate section is dedicated to decorations and accessories for Turkmen horses, collected by international equestrian enthusiasts.
Christine Fonlupt held a masterclass in Ashgabat
13.04.2026A master class by French pianist and teacher at the Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, Christine Fonlupt, was held in the small hall of the Special Music Boarding School at the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Maya Kuliyeva. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event took place as part of the ‘Francophonie Spring’ festival, which is being held across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Students from the conservatoire took part in the masterclass. They performed works by Claude Debussy, Sergey Rachmaninoff, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt and Sergey Prokofiev. Each performance was accompanied by commentary from Christine Fonlupt. The pianist offered advice on performance technique and interpretation of the works. On 10 April, pupils from the boarding school also attended a concert by Christine Fonlupt at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. The pianist performed with the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The events took place as part of a cultural exchange and were aimed at developing the professional skills of young musicians.
Ashgabat to host an exhibition to mark Turkmen Horse Day
13.04.2026On 15 April, an exhibition marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse will open at the gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The exhibition will feature the best works by students and lecturers of the academy. The theme of the exhibition is dedicated to the image of the Turkmen horse and its role in culture and national art. Particular emphasis is placed on creative interpretations of this theme in painting and graphic art.
A French pianist will perform a programme of European classics in Ashgabat
09.04.2026On 10 April, French pianist Christine Fonlupt will give a concert in Ashgabat at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. This will be her first performance for a Turkmen audience. This information comes from IIC. The event is organised by the French Institute in Turkmenistan as part of the ‘Francophonie 2026’ programme. The concert forms part of the artist’s tour of Central Asian countries. The programme features works of European classical music accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The pianist will perform pieces by French composers, including Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Georges Bizet, Cécile Chaminade and Mel Bonis, showcasing the diversity of France’s musical traditions.
France hosted a concert by master artists from Turkmenistan
07.04.2026On 4 April, a concert featuring masters of culture and the arts from Turkmenistan took place in the French town of Gretz-Armainvilliers, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The event was held to mark the theme for 2026, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The evening brought together representatives of local authorities, the diplomatic corps, the cultural community and residents of the region. Maksat Charyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to France, highlighted the importance of cultural dialogue in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between nations. As part of the programme, guests were introduced to the musical and vocal arts of Turkmenistan, an exhibition of national cultural heritage, and samples of traditional cuisine. Particular attention was paid to the Ahal-Teke horse — the country’s national symbol. The concert marked another step in the development of cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and France.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
