Culture
UNESCO announces the photo contest ‘Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads’
03.07.2025UNESCO invites talented young people from around the world to participate in the 2025 International Photo Contest ‘Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads’. This year's theme is the role of women as guardians of the intangible heritage of this legendary route. This was reported by the IIC. Participants are invited to capture women who preserve traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, ceramics, pottery and other types of art. Other important subjects include traditional dances, music, oral creativity, culinary traditions and even ancient sports passed down from generation to generation. Special attention will be paid to women who contribute to cultural exchange: teachers, artists, scientists and organisers of festivals that bring different peoples together. Portraits that reveal the cultural identity, wisdom and joy of life of women from different regions of the Silk Road are welcome. Entries will be accepted until 20 July 2025.
A Russian-Turkmen concert will be held in Turkmenistan to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day
30.06.2025On 15 August, a Russian-Turkmen concert will be held in the Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the International Year of Peace and Trust. The event is organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation in conjunction with the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ Foundation as part of the XIX International Festival ‘Gathering of Friends.’ This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The concert was inspired by the book ‘Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood’ by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which reveals the richness of Turkmen musical art. Renowned Turkmen performers, whose mastery has been recognised worldwide, will come to Moscow. In addition to the musical programme, guests will be treated to art and book exhibitions showcasing the diversity of Turkmen culture. Last year, the same hall hosted a successful concert dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy, confirming the strong cultural ties between Russia and Turkmenistan.
Turkish pop star Simge Sagin performed in Arkadag
30.06.2025The celebrations marking the second anniversary of the ‘smart’ Turkmen city of Arkadag were graced by a spectacular performance by Turkish pop star Simge Sagin, which was a real treat for her fans. This was reported by IIC. Simge Sagin is one of the most sought-after performers on the contemporary Turkish pop scene. Her hits, including such well-known songs as ‘Miş Miş’, ‘Yankı’ and ‘Ben Bazen’, have won popularity among millions of listeners. The singer's unique musical style, which combines energetic dance-pop arrangements and emotional vocals, creates a special atmosphere at each of her performances. The singer has received numerous prestigious music awards, including the ‘Altın Kelebek’ Award. Her work has been recognised both in Turkey and abroad. Simge Sagin's performance in Arkadag was an important cultural event and attracted great interest from the Turkmen public.
Uzbek star Jasurbek Mavlonov performed at the celebration of Arkadag's anniversary
30.06.2025Popular Uzbek singer Jasurbek Mavlonov arrived in Ashgabat on a creative visit to take part in the celebrations marking the second anniversary of the city of Arkadag. His performance was one of the highlights of the holiday, demonstrating the strong cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by IIC. J. Mavlonov is one of the most recognisable performers in Central Asia, whose work, combining modern rhythms with folk motifs, has won the love of millions of listeners. His soulful vocals and heartfelt compositions in the genres of pop music, folk and dance electronica create a special, unique atmosphere that is always enjoyed by audiences. The artist's repertoire includes rousing hits and lyrical, touching compositions. The Uzbek artist's bright and original performance gave the residents and guests of Arkadag unforgettable emotions, confirming once again that art unites peoples.
Turkmenistan widely celebrated Culture and Art Workers' Day
28.06.2025On 27 June, Turkmenistan celebrated the Day of Workers of Culture and Art and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The week of culture dedicated to this date ended with a gala concert of masters of the arts in the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ building in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley of the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, according to the state news agency TDH. Throughout the week, exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, conferences, seminars and creative evenings were held in different parts of the country. Both stage artists and young representatives of the cultural sphere took part in them. Special attention was paid to the creative legacy of the great poet and humanist Magtymguly Pyragy. At the foot of the monument built in Ashgabat, a flower-laying ceremony was held with the participation of members of the Mejlis, representatives of public associations, the media and students. The central event was a festive concert featuring performances by folk and distinguished artists, folklore and dance groups. A special place in the programme was given to compositions based on poems by Magtymguly Pyragy and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as the traditional dance kushtdepdi, included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
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.
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