Culture
Turkmen film ‘Daragt’ wins award at film festival in Tajikistan
21.10.2025The Turkmen film ‘Daragt’ (‘Tree of Destiny’), directed by Sahysalyh Bayramov, was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 2nd ‘Tojik Somoni’ International Film Festival, held from 15 to 20 October in Dushanbe. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The film, shot at the Oguzhan ‘Turkmenfilm’ studio, was presented in the festival's competition programme. The jury, which included experts from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, highly praised the film for its profound exploration of the themes of loyalty and family values. The film tells the story of a Turkmen woman, Nazik, who sees her husband off to the front during the Great Patriotic War and, despite years of waiting, remains hopeful that he will return. The plot is based on real events and eyewitness accounts. The award was a recognition of the attention paid in Turkmenistan to the preservation of spiritual and family traditions. Directors from more than 20 countries took part in the festival, which was timed to coincide with Tajik Cinema Day. The festival also featured the film ‘Composer’ by director Maksat Gylyjov, produced by ‘Turkmenfilm’ with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The Oguzhan ‘Turkmenfilm’ studio remains the leading producer of feature films in the country, presenting viewers with new films that reflect the history, culture and modern life of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan has presented cultural exhibits to the Asian Culture Centre in Seoul
19.10.2025On 17 October, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea hosted a ceremony to transfer cultural exhibits provided by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan to the National Asian Culture Center of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was attended by Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, and Kim Sang-wook, Director of the National Asian Culture Center. The donated exhibits include items of traditional applied art, books and publications on the culture and history of the Turkmen people. Among them are works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The collection will be presented at the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the National Asian Culture Center, scheduled for 25 November. After the ceremony, the parties discussed the further development of cultural cooperation, including the exchange of exhibitions and the organisation of joint events.
Turkmenistan and Romania develop dialogue in the field of art
19.10.2025A meeting was held in Bucharest between Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, and Anna Ungureanu, conductor of the ‘Madrigal-Marin Constantin’ National Chamber Choir. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The negotiations, which were held in the choir's building, were devoted to the development of cultural cooperation in the field of music and art. The parties discussed the implementation of joint projects aimed at promoting the musical and spiritual heritage of Turkmenistan and Romania. The Romanian side presented the Ambassador with a collection of choral works from Central Asian countries, which included the National Anthem of Turkmenistan. The participants of the meeting noted the importance of this contact for strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Central Asia and Europe. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to continue active cultural dialogue, emphasising that art and music serve as an important bridge of friendship between peoples.
Turkmenistan presented the distinctive features of its culture in Azerbaijan
17.10.2025The Days of Turkmenistan Culture were successfully held in Azerbaijan, becoming an important step in strengthening friendly ties between the two countries based on common historical and spiritual traditions. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The programme included exhibitions, concerts and meetings of cultural figures. The main events took place in Baku and ended with a grand concert in the city of Ganja. The Turkmen delegation presented exhibitions of decorative and applied arts — carpets, jewellery, national clothing — and discussed prospects for cooperation between cultural and scientific institutions. The highlight of the festival was a concert in Ganja, where the audience enthusiastically welcomed the performances of Turkmen artists, who performed folk dances, vocal numbers and pieces on national instruments. Compositions reflecting the unity of the musical traditions of the Turkic world attracted particular attention. The Culture Days became part of the programme to expand humanitarian ties and confirmed the desire of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to develop cooperation within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States.
TRT Avaz presented films about Magtymguly and the city of Arkadag in Ashgabat
15.10.2025In Ashgabat, the premiere screening of TRT Avaz documentaries ‘The Wise Turkmen Magtymguly’ and ‘City of the future Arkadag’ was held at the cinema. The screening was timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The films, produced by the Turkish international television channel, combine the historical heritage and modern development of Turkmenistan. The film about the poet Magtymguly reveals the spiritual world of the Turkmen people, while the film about the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag demonstrates the harmonious combination of history and modern technology. The premiere was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok, representatives of diplomatic missions, employees of ‘Turkmenfilm’, journalists and students. The Head of TRT's representative office in Turkmenistan, Ugur Sami Gezer, emphasised that the channel's goal is to use cinema to unite the country's past and future and to introduce the international audience to the cultural and social life of Turkmenistan. Both films are part of the ‘Atavatan Turkmenistan’ project, which has previously produced films about Ashgabat, Merv and Koneurgench, as well as short documentaries about the spiritual and cultural values of the region. Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting, and Cinematography, noted the importance of further cooperation with TRT, including joint projects, exchange of experience and internships for young Turkmen specialists. TRT Avaz's motto, ‘Unity in Language, Thought, and Action,’ reflects the desire to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ wins special prize at film festival in Aktau
09.10.2025The ‘Korkut Ata’ International Film Festival of Turkic World, which brought together directors, actors and producers from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary and Kazakhstan, has come to an end in Aktau. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The special jury prize went to the film ‘Kitap’ (‘Book’) by Turkmen director Hekim Alovov. The film, produced by the ‘Türkmenfilm’ studio, tells the story of the value of spiritual heritage: the main character once exchanged a camel for a book, which became a symbol of eternal values for him. The film is based on the story of the same name by Nurmyrat Saryhanov and was first shown in Ashgabat in 2024. The festival included a TURKSOY Cinema Summit dedicated to cooperation in the field of cinema. Participants discussed opportunities for international co-production, joint projects and strengthening cultural ties through the art of cinema. Sahysalyh Bayramov, Deputy Chairman of ‘Türkmenfilm’, spoke about the importance of cinema as a carrier of spiritual heritage.
Turkmenistan presented its initiatives and culture at a reception in Vienna
08.10.2025On 2 October, a ceremony was held at the ‘Grand Hotel Wien’ in Vienna to mark the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria with the support of the Austrian-Turkmen Society. The reception was attended by representatives of the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Vienna City Hall, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, as well as heads of Austrian departments, businesses, Turkmen students and the media. Hemra Amannazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria, spoke about the country's achievements during its years of independence and the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres. Representatives of Austria emphasised the importance of friendship and mutual understanding in relations with Turkmenistan. Neda Berger, President of the Austrian-Turkmen Society, noted the significance of Turkmenistan's neutrality, confirmed by the UN, and compared it with Austria's experience. The evening was accompanied by a musical programme by Turkmen performers, an exhibition of national art and a tasting of Turkmen cuisine.
Dancers from Turkmenistan surprised the audience in Almaty
06.10.2025From 22 September to 3 October, Turkmen dancers took part in an intercultural dance event in Almaty at the ‘Jolda Dance Theatre’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The project was a continuation of the cooperation previously initiated by the French Institute in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture: at the beginning of the year, they presented a performance dedicated to the folk dance kushtdepdi, with the participation of international choreographers and state ensembles. The artists who stood out in the production were sent to Kazakhstan for an exchange of experience and creative interaction. In Almaty, they attended master classes, met representatives of the theatre and music scene, and worked on their own numbers under the guidance of a curator. The final performance took place on 3 October at the ‘Jolda Dance Theatre’.
Ashgabat residents discover Korean culture
05.10.2025The grand opening of Korean Culture Week, organised with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan, took place at the ‘Arkach’ shopping and entertainment centre in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. Visitors to the event had a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of South Korea. One of the key elements of the programme was master classes in Korean calligraphy. The ‘Journey to Korea’ zone attracted a lot of interest, where guests could try on Hanbok, a traditional Korean costume, and experience the atmosphere of Korean culture. The opening of Korean Culture Week was a highlight for Ashgabat, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about South Korea's rich heritage.
Turkmenistan on the red carpet at the ‘Korkut Ata’ International Film Festival
03.10.2025On 1 October, the ‘Korkut Ata’ International Film Festival of Turkic World kicked off in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan. Filmmakers and artists from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary and Kazakhstan appeared on the red carpet. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The delegation of the Turkmen association ‘Turkmenfilm’ named after Oguz Han presented directors, actors, screenwriters and cinematographers, as well as new films of Turkmen cinema: feature films ‘Kämillige ýol 2: Erjellik’, ‘Kitap’, ‘Ismim düşdi ilden-ile’ and the documentary film ‘...Senet däldir, ol sungatdyr’. Festival guests will also see the works ‘Gürgenç gözeli Törebeg’ and ‘Ynsan syrdaşy’. The jury for the feature film competition includes the Deputy Chairman of ‘Turkmenfilm’, Sahysalyh Bayramov, while Dovletgeldi Hudayberdiyev is responsible for the documentary works. The winners will be determined in the categories ‘Best Feature Film’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Screenplay’, ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Actor’, and a special TURKSOY award will be presented for ‘Contribution to Turkic Culture’. The opening ceremony was attended by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Chairman of the State Centre for the Support of National Cinema Kurmanbek Zhumagali and Turkish actor Burak Ozchivit.
Turkmenistan opens its cultural doors to Europe
01.10.2025A ‘Turkmen Corner’ has opened in Brussels, at the COMET centre, to mark Turkmenistan's Independence Day. The project was implemented with the support of ‘BinyamProject’ and aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy between Turkmenistan and Europe, according to the Orient news agency. COMET, known as a venue for international forums, now has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the UN's International Year of Peace and Trust. The main attraction is a large map of Turkmenistan made from fragments of traditional textiles, created by Turkmen craftswomen and reflecting the country's cultural diversity. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, noted: ‘This panel is not only an artistic project, but also a vivid metaphor: the world consists of different elements that, when combined, form a single harmonious whole.’ The opening was an important outcome of the Second Central Asian European Creative Forum and highlighted the role of cultural diversity in strengthening dialogue between peoples. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan thanked the COMET management, emphasising that the exhibition will help the European audience to better understand the cultural code of Turkmenistan and promote mutual understanding.
Turkmenistan designers set the trend in European fashion
30.09.2025On 29 September, a cultural evening entitled ‘Treasures of Independence: A Celebration of Turkmen Heritage’ was held in Brussels to mark Turkmenistan's Independence Day. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The event, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan, brought together representatives of the EU, diplomats, ambassadors of Central Asian countries, cultural figures and the media. The focus was on Turkmen designers, whose works were included in the programme prepared by Elena Kharitonova, founder of the Central Asian European Creative Alliance. Of particular interest was the fashion show by the ‘Göwher Gouvernet’ brand of Turkmen artist Govher Gouvernet-Pirkuliyeva, accompanied by music created with the help of artificial intelligence by embassy employee Maral Rahimova. EU Cultural Advisor Gaia Daneza emphasised the role of cultural exchange in strengthening mutual understanding. In his speech, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, noted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting interaction between world cultures, maintaining the country's neutrality and using creative approaches to develop international dialogue. The evening was an important step in strengthening cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Europe, demonstrating the unifying power of art.
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