Culture
The folk song contest ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ has come to an end in Turkmenistan
21.08.2025The final round of the folk musicians' competition ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ (‘Play, Bakshy!’) held as part of the state creative competition ‘Golden age of Turkmen’ has ended in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC. Twenty-eight performers aged 18 to 35 from all velayats of the country took part in the competition. The competition was held in two stages: first, the participants demonstrated their skills in playing the dutar (a Turkmen two-stringed instrument), then they performed folk songs in the traditional bakshy genre. The jury, consisting of renowned master musicians, evaluated the performance technique and preservation of ancient traditions. At the end of the competition, 14 winners were awarded valuable prizes — national Turkmen carpets and gold chains on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan. The event was accompanied by a thematic exhibition of antique musical instruments, carpets and works of art, and ended with a collective performance of the song ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’
Young talents from Turkmenistan took part in an international arts festival in Kazakhstan
21.08.2025The International Children's Arts Festival organised by the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) has come to an end in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Turkmenistan was represented by young artists from the Balkan, Mary, Lebap and Ahal velayats. The children's dance group ‘Abatjyk’ from the Balkan velayat, as well as students Dovletgeldi Orazdurdyev (Turkmenbashi), Soyench Mashadov and Shamyrat Myratjanov (Balkanabat) won prizes in the categories of choreography and instrumental performance. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In the competition for young artists ‘Traditional Children's Games of the Turkic World,’ the Grand Prix was won by Bibinabat Ashyrova from the Mary velayat, and the prize winners were Aysel Semenderova (Lebap velayat) and Vepa Geldimuhammedov (Ahal velayat). The festival ended with a gala concert featuring performances by the best ensembles from the participating countries. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev noted the importance of such events for strengthening cultural ties between the Turkic peoples.
The Guseynov family presents the musical art of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan
20.08.2025As part of the 5th Caspian Seasons International Classical Arts Festival, the Astrakhan Philharmonic Hall will host a concert by the renowned Guseynov family dedicated to the musical culture of Turkmenistan on 24 August. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Opera singer Daria Guseynova, composer and pianist Mamed Guseynov, and their 11-year-old son Dariy, who has already established himself as a young singer and pianist, will perform on stage. Despite their different creative pursuits, the family is united by a love of art and a desire to build bridges between cultures. Daria Guseynova is well known to audiences in Russia and abroad, Mamed Guseynov combines European and national musical traditions in his works, and Dariy Guseynov has already won awards at a number of prestigious music competitions. The performance of the Guseynov family will be one of the key events of the festival and will showcase the richness and diversity of Turkmenistan's musical heritage. The Caspian Seasons festival takes place in Astrakhan from 19 to 30 August and brings together creative groups and performers from the Caspian region.
A carpet was made in Turkmenistan in honour of the International Year of Peace and Trust
20.08.2025The Baherden Artistic Carpet Weaving Enterprise of the State Association ‘Türkmenhaly’ presented a round carpet dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. The product is made in a classic style: the central medallion is framed by ornaments on a white background, symbolising happiness and prosperity. The carpet is distinguished by its rich velvety sheen. The company has already received awards, including the Presidential competition prize, and Turkmen carpets are traditionally valued for their high quality all over the world.
Turkmenistan to be included in historical research by the RGO
20.08.2025The Russian Geographical Society (RGO) plans to conduct expeditions to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in 2026. They will be part of a programme dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, according to the news website Asmannews. This outstanding 19th-century scientist was the first to conduct detailed research in the Tien Shan, as well as the regions of Transcaspia and Turkestan, leaving a significant mark on geography, geology and biology. In 2024, the RGO has already repeated part of Semenov-Tyan-Shansky's route — from Bishkek to Karakol — studying the relief, seismic activity and archaeological sites. The project brings together specialists from various fields, including historians, geographers, ecologists and cultural experts. The result of the work will be a monograph entitled ‘Historical and Cultural Atlas of the Semenov-Tyan-Shansky Expeditions’ and an interactive map of the routes, which will be useful for science, tourism and local history. The organisers emphasise that the expeditions will not only allow researchers to study the dynamics of change in the region, but also draw attention to its cultural heritage and strengthen international scientific cooperation.
Turkmen artists won prizes at TURKSOY competition in Aktau
19.08.2025The award ceremony for the winners of a competition for young artists dedicated to traditional children's games was held in Aktau. The Grand Prix was awarded to Bibinamat Ashirova from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. In addition, Aysel Semenderova and Vepa Geldimuhammedov from Turkmenistan took second and third place, respectively. More than 40 participants from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkey, selected from 2,000 contestants, reached the final. Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, noted the importance of such projects for strengthening cultural ties between peoples. The winners were awarded diplomas and gifts from TURKSOY and the authorities of Aktau.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the Silk Way Star competition in Astana
18.08.2025The first Silk Way Star Asian singing competition will kick off in Astana, with performers from 12 countries, including Azerbaijan and South Korea, taking part. Turkmenistan will be represented on stage by singer and composer Dovran Shammiev, according to the news agency Orient. Filming for the project will begin on 20 August, and the final live show will take place on 22 November. The broadcast will be available on television channels in the participating countries, including Turkmenistan. The competition consists of 10 episodes dedicated to the musical traditions and contemporary trends of Asia. The results will be determined by a mixed system: 50% of the votes will be cast by an international jury and the other 50% by viewers. Turkmen conductor Rasul Klychev is a member of the expert commission. D. Shammiev himself is known as a performer in the genres of jazz, pop, rock, blues and classical music, a composer and a participant in social initiatives. The organisers position Silk Way Star as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue through music. The winner will receive the title and the opportunity to perform on the world stage.
Turkmen-Russian concert ‘Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood’ was held in Moscow
16.08.2025On 15 August, a joint concert by Turkmen and Russian musicians dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust was held in the Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The concert featured renowned Turkmen and Russian musicians who performed classical pieces and folk melodies of the two countries. Works by N. Halmammedov, Ch. Nurymov, V. Bogdanov-Berezovsky, A. Mosolov and M. Weinberg were performed. The event was organised by the Scientific and Creative Center ‘Musical Cultures of the World’ with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia and the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ Foundation. Before the concert, musicologists from Turkmenistan and Russia gave lectures on the cultural ties between the countries. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, representatives of the United Nations and the management of the Moscow Conservatory addressed the guests with welcoming remarks. The speakers noted the importance of such events for strengthening international cooperation. An exhibition was held in the foyer of the conservatory, presenting concert guests with literary and artistic works reflecting the centuries-old dialogue between the cultures of Turkmenistan and Russia.
Young artists from Turkmenistan participate in international festival in Aktau
16.08.2025Young artists from Turkmenistan are participating in the international children's creativity festival ‘Өнерлі өрен’ as part of the ‘Aktau – the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World’ project. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Children from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Tuva and Bashkortostan are also participating in the event. The competition includes four categories: folk instruments, folk and pop singing, and choreography. The festival aims to preserve creative traditions and strengthen cultural ties between Turkic countries. The event is being held at the Abai Cultural and Leisure Complex and will end on 18 August.
A documentary film is being prepared in Turkmenistan to mark the 100th anniversary of Turkmen cinema
16.08.2025In anticipation of the centenary of the ‘Oguzhan Turkmenfilm Association’, which will be celebrated in 2026, work has begun on a large-scale documentary and journalistic project entitled ‘Keşplerde yaşayan ykballar’. The film, written by Ore Dashgynov and directed by Rahymberdi Annagulyev, will be a cinematic journey through the key milestones of national cinema, from the first newsreels of 1926 to contemporary films. This was reported by the IIC. The film will be based on rare archive material, supplemented by dramatised scenes that will recreate the atmosphere of the creative process in different eras. Special attention will be paid to legendary films such as Dursun (1940) by Yevgeniy Ivanov-Barkov, and outstanding personalities such as Alty Garliyev, Mojek Charyev and others. Filming will take place in Ashgabat, Ahal and Balkan velayats, and the final part of the project will focus on the current stage of development of the industry. As screenwriter Ore Dashgynov notes, despite all the historical difficulties, Turkmen filmmakers have always created films that resonated with audiences and gained international recognition. This film will be a tribute to their work and an inspiration for new generations of filmmakers.
Works of Turkmen composer presented at exhibition in Moscow
13.08.2025An exhibition dedicated to the 130th anniversary of Sergey Yesenin has opened at the Russian State Library, with special attention paid to the work of Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The exhibition presents the notes of his vocal cycle “Persian Motifs” based on Yesenin’s poems, created in 1969–1971. This six-part cycle combines European and Eastern musical traditions, using plot features of Turkmen folk legends, which gives the work emotional depth. ‘Persian Motifs’ is considered an outstanding example of 20th-century vocal music and is regularly performed on Russian stages, including the Moscow International Festival of Arts ‘Sounds of Dutar.’ In 2018, the cycle was performed in the Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in honour of the composer's 80th birthday. Nury Halmamedov is a significant figure in Turkmen and Soviet musical culture, whose work connects the cultures of Turkmenistan and Russia, and whose ‘Persian Motifs’ convey the beauty of Yesenin's poetry through the prism of national colour and Eastern lyricism.
Russian-Turkmen concert will be held in Moscow
13.08.2025On 15 August this year, a joint Russian-Turkmen concert will be held in the Russian capital, symbolising mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. The concert, entitled ‘Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood,’ is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the IIC. Cultural figures and diplomats from both countries delivered welcoming speeches, noting the importance of cultural dialogue and the unifying role of musical art. Russian and Turkmen performers will present musical numbers at the concert. The concert will feature music by composers of the past and present, including Moscow Conservatory graduate Nury Halmamedov, whose work links the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan and Russia. The title of the concert was inspired by a work by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the storyteller Shukur-bagshy, who preferred music to war.
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