Culture
Turkmenistan preserves and develops centuries-old traditions of metalworking
16.06.2025Turkmenistan demonstrates a unique symbiosis of centuries-old metalworking heritage and modern technologies, notes Ogulgul Geldiyeva, a lecturer at the Department of Metalworking Technology at the country's State Energy Institute, in an article published in the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, the Turkmenportal news resource reports. According to the expert, the tradition of metalworking in modern Turkmenistan dates back to the Eneolithic era and spans the heyday of ancient and medieval centres. Archaeological finds from Merv, Serakhs, Abiverd, Kunya-Urgench, Dehistan and Shehrislam testify to the high level of skill of local craftsmen, especially in the IX-XII centuries. A valuable contribution to the study of pre-Islamic culture was made by a complex of artefacts discovered in Gonur Depe, the capital of the ancient state of Margush. Bronze axes, daggers, spearheads and jewellery were found here, revealing the high level of development of metallurgy in the Bronze Age. The collections of Turkmenistan's museums illustrate the evolution of metalworking, from simple utilitarian objects to exquisite jewellery compositions, confirming the strong link between cultural heritage and modernity.
The premiere of the play ‘Gurbannazar Ezizov’ is being prepared in Turkmenistan
16.06.2025The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre is preparing the premiere of the play ‘Gurbannazar Ezizov,’ dedicated to the life and work of the outstanding Turkmen poet. The production, based on a play by brothers Hydyr and Ilyas Amangeldiyev, reveals Ezizov's fate through the prism of his poems, memories and mystical premonitions. This was reported by IIC. The Amangeldiyev brothers, who grew up next door to the poet's family, incorporated their personal impressions and stories heard first-hand into the play. Gurbannazar Ezizov was a happy man – talented, loved and recognised. But there was one unfulfilled dream in his life: a son. And fate decreed that a boy was born forty days after his father's death. Director Mekan Jumabayev, immersed in Ezizov's poetry, discovered disturbing hints of his early departure. This became the key idea of the play. The plot begins with a childhood episode when little Gurbannazar stopped his father from cutting up the funeral bier, a symbol of death kept in his grandfather's house, for firewood. This moment later resurfaces at the end of the poet's life when the angel of death appears before him, allowing him to review his entire life. Viewers will see key moments in Ezizov's life: his student years, military service, marriage, and warm family scenes with his daughters. Particularly impressive is the episode at the art council, where the poet is reprimanded for the dark themes in his work. But his friends, including composer Nury Halmammedov and singer Atageldi Garyagdyev, always supported him. The musical component of the performance plays a special role: instead of dialogue, we hear Ezizov's poems and songs, including the famous ‘Türkmen sährasy’ performed by Bayramhan Gayirov. This is not just a production – it is a poetic journey where life and creativity merge together.
The Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ was screened at a film festival in Bishkek
15.06.2025On 13 June, the Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ (‘Book’), produced by the Oguzhan Turkmenfilm Association in 2024, was screened at the TSUM cinema in Bishkek. The film was included in the competition programme of the III Bishkek International Film Festival in the Central Asian cinema section, according to the news website TerraNews. The film was directed by Hekim Alovov, and the screenplay is based on the novel of the same name by Nurmyrat Saryhanov. The music for the film was composed by Rovshen Nepesov. The plot tells the story of the elderly Velmyrat Aga, who lives a secluded life in the mountains. His journey is a reflection on spiritual values, labour and the meaning of life, reflecting the moral foundations of Turkmen culture. The film stars Muhammetmyrat Atayev, Chary Yakubov, Annageldi Orazgeldiyev and Suleyman Eminov. This year, the Bishkek Film Festival brought together participants from 33 countries. The programme includes 40 films and special screenings of French and German cinema. The closing ceremony and awards ceremony are scheduled for 15 June.
‘Obschepisatelskaya Literaturnaya Gazeta’ has allocated a section to poets of Turkmenistan
15.06.2025The second issue of the Russian publication ‘Obschepisatelskaya Literaturnaya Gazeta’ (‘General Writers' Literary Newspaper’) for 2025 has been released. This literary publication features new material about poets from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The section ‘Contemporary Poets of Turkmenistan’ features an article by poet and translator Andrei Novikov. In the publication, readers will find poems by various Turkmen authors translated into Russian, whose lyrics cover themes of homeland, friendship, brotherhood, human feelings and spiritual values. The appearance of this section has become a symbol of the strengthening of cultural dialogue between the countries. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, the publication confirms the growing interest in the poetic heritage of Turkmenistan and emphasises the importance of intercultural exchange in the field of literature. The publication opens up new opportunities for readers to become more familiar with the poetic tradition of Turkmenistan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a distinctive artistic school.
A Week of Culture will be held in the Ahal velayat
14.06.2025Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova reported on preparations for Culture Week, scheduled for 22–27 June in the Ahal velayat, during a government meeting on 13 June. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event is timed to coincide with the celebration of Culture and Arts Workers' Day and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The Culture Week will include an opening ceremony at the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ building in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley, concerts, song and music programmes, conferences, exhibitions, creative meetings, poetry evenings, film screenings and performances, as well as a production of the opera ‘Şasenem–Garyp’ at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. In addition, participants in Culture Week will lay flowers at the monument to the great poet in the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in the capital. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal for consideration by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of holding Culture Week at a high level, noting its significance in honour of the Day of Culture and Art Workers, as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure thorough preparation for the creative event in the Ahal velayat.
UNFPA announces watercolor contest in Turkmenistan
14.06.2025In anticipation of World Population Day, celebrated on 11 July, the UNFPA Country Office in Turkmenistan has announced a watercolour painting competition. The theme of the creative competition, ‘Family begins with desire and support,’ aims to reflect the value of family relationships in modern society. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. Anyone over the age of 15 is welcome to participate. Each contestant may submit one original work that corresponds to the stated theme. The organisers ask that the author's contact details be indicated on the back of the drawing: full name, date of birth, telephone number and email address. Entries will be accepted until 30 June 2025 at the following address: UN building, 21 Archabil Ave., Ashgabat, 744036. Drawings can be submitted in person or sent by post. The entries will be judged by an independent panel of experts. The UNFPA initiative aims to creatively explore the importance of family values and support in modern society through the language of visual art. The best entries will receive special prizes from the competition organisers.
An art exhibition dedicated to Science Day has opened in Ashgabat
13.06.2025A thematic exhibition dedicated to Science Day has opened at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. The exhibition, which includes paintings and sculptures, reflects the contribution of scientists to the development of the country and glorifies scientific thought. This was reported by the IIC. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the famous painting by People's Artist of Turkmenistan Izzat Klychev, ‘Physicists’, depicting a group of researchers engaged in scientific work. Of particular interest is the abstract sculptural composition ‘Atomic Model’ and a miniature image of Avicenna by Mommy Seyitmuradov, depicting the famous scientist in deep thought. A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to portraits of outstanding Turkmen scientists: geologist Odek Odekov, physician Aysoltan Mametguliyeva, and plant breeders Ivan Maksimenko and Omurguly Ahmedov. The exhibition will run until the end of the month, offering visitors a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the artistic interpretation of scientific progress.
Bahram Doliev will give a solo concert in Ashgabat
13.06.2025On 5 July, violinist Bahram Doliev will give a solo concert at the Magtymguly Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme includes works by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Sarasate, Rimsky-Korsakov, as well as compositions by Turkmen composers Nury Halmammedov and Rovshen Nepesov. He will be accompanied by the ‘Camerata Ashgabat’ chamber orchestra conducted by Eziz Jumaniyazov. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. It promises to be a spectacular event, combining European classical music and Turkmen musical tradition.
The International Dance and Folklore Festival took place in Avaza
13.06.2025The resort town of Avaza on the Caspian coast turned into a venue for the International Dance and Folklore Festival for three days. The aim of the forum is to introduce foreign guests to Turkmen choreographic and folklore traditions, according to the news website TerraNews. The festival was attended by groups from Turkmenistan, as well as artists from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and India. They presented folk dances, songs and elements of their countries' cultural heritage. The dance ‘Kushtepdi’, added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2017, attracted particular attention from the audience. The festival became a platform for the exchange of cultural experiences, the strengthening of international ties and the promotion of traditional art. Participants noted the warm welcome and high level of organisation.
An international fashion show was held as part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition
12.06.2025As part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition, a spectacular fashion show was held, where Turkmen and foreign designers presented their best works. The ‘Miras’ fashion house demonstrated a collection that harmoniously combines national motifs with current trends. This was reported by IIC. Italian style was represented by Mariana Micheli (Mad Mood Milano), who masterfully combined classic and avant-garde styles. London couturier Omar Mansoor surprised the audience with evening dresses that blended Eastern aesthetics with European sophistication. Turkmen designer Govher Pirkuliyeva-Gouvernet showed unique works combining ancient Turkmen traditions and French chic. Singaporean Hayden Ng introduced the audience to the diversity of Asian fashion, while Kazakhstani fashion designer Aidarkhan Kaliyev (‘Asyl-design’) presented a new collection that has already gained international recognition. The event confirmed the status of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition in Turkmenistan as a platform for international cultural exchange in the world of fashion.
As part of the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ Festival, a prize named after Myrat Sadykov has been established
11.06.2025The 9th Moscow International Festival ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ named after Nury Halmamedov in 2025 will be held under the banner of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and in support of the International Year of Peace and Trust. As part of these memorable dates, the organisers have announced the creation of a new special award named after Myrat Sadykov, an outstanding Turkmen singer, People's Artist of the Turkmen SSR and prominent public figure. This was reported by the news resource TerraNews. The award will be given for the best performance of musical works dedicated to military themes or created by composers who participated in the Great Patriotic War. The award covers both vocal and ensemble-choir nominations and aims to preserve historical memory through music and promote cultural heritage related to the military pages of history. The festival's organising committee emphasised that the new award will harmoniously complement the existing system of awards, including the ‘Nadezhda’ scholarships for students and the named awards named after Nury Halmamedov, Medeniyet Shahberdiyeva and Maya Kuliyeva. The creation of the Sadykov Award will not only be an act of cultural remembrance, but also an incentive for new generations of performers, immortalising the artist's contribution to the development of musical art in Turkmenistan and the entire post-Soviet space.
An exhibition has opened in Turkmenistan ahead of Science Day
11.06.2025On the eve of Science Day, celebrated on 12 June, a unique exhibition entitled ‘Science – the wealth of mankind’ opened at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre in the capital of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the guests of honour at the exhibition were well-known figures from the worlds of science and culture: Professor Nuryagdy Shikhanov of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, Honoured Artist Azat Annayev and poet Oguljemal Charyeva. Visitors were particularly interested in rare geological samples, including deposits of limestone, marble onyx, chalcedony and other valuable minerals. The real gems of the exhibition were unique paleontological finds – fossilised remains of ancient sea creatures, as well as a golden bull's head from the famous Altyn-depe archaeological site. The exhibition concludes with a section devoted to modern scientific achievements, featuring the latest publications by scientists, including the latest issue of the journal ‘Ylym we tehnika’ (‘Science and Technology’). Special attention is paid to portraits of outstanding Turkmen scientists whose work has made a significant contribution to the development of national science. The exhibition clearly demonstrates the rich scientific heritage of Turkmenistan and its modern achievements, confirming the wisdom of Eastern thinkers about the value of knowledge.
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