Society
New Year celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag
02.01.2026Celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag to mark the New Year, held under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The festive events organised in the city took place in an atmosphere of celebration and spiritual uplift, according to TDH. The main celebrations began on the first day of the new year with a ceremony to raise the National Flag in the central square of Arkadag, built in accordance with the ‘smart’ city concept. The ceremony marked the symbolic start of the festive programme. Residents and guests of the city took part in the events. The release of colourful balloons, concert performances and musical performances created a festive atmosphere. The celebrations continued with a solemn procession through the streets of the city, which were decorated for the holiday. The festive programme covered various venues in the city and was accompanied by performances by cultural and artistic figures, as well as young artists. One of the central events was the event at the main New Year tree. It was attended by New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk, who joined the concert programme together with the children. The children sang songs and read poems dedicated to the New Year. Ayaz Baba congratulated the participants of the holiday on the arrival of the New Year, which is being celebrated under the announced motto. The festive events continued at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Arkadag. Children undergoing treatment at the centre were presented with New Year's gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As part of the celebration, the children were given sweets, school supplies, interactive tools and musical instruments. The event was accompanied by a concert programme.
The children of ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ received New Year gifts
02.01.2026A New Year's celebration was held at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace, during which its children were presented with holiday gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency AsmanNews. The festive programme took place in the children's town near the main New Year tree. Ayaz Baba, Garpamyk, the symbol of 2026 — the Horse, as well as representatives of state bodies and public organisations congratulated the children of the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace on the New Year. The young participants prepared a concert programme, demonstrating their vocal, choreographic and artistic abilities. Many elements of the festive decorations were made by the children themselves. The event ended with a dance around the Christmas tree with the participation of fairy-tale characters. The children were presented with New Year's gifts, including sweets, fruit, school supplies, interactive tools, and musical instruments.
Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year 2026 with large-scale celebrations
01.01.2026The people of Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year, 2026, with festive events across the country. The celebrations took place in the capital and regions, with the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre in Ashgabat serving as the central venue, according to TDH. New Year's trees were installed in places of mass celebrations, and concert programmes were held with the participation of pop artists, creative groups and theatres. Festive events also took place at the building of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. The new year, 2026, will mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The motto for the coming year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ reflects the priorities for further strengthening the country's statehood and international authority. The main New Year celebrations took place at the country's main New Year tree in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre. Festive decorations, music and dance performances created a festive atmosphere. The concert programme featured national music and New Year compositions. Residents of the country's regions joined the festive events in Ashgabat via a teleconference. Through video links with the administrative centres of the five velayats and the city of Arkadag, representatives of the older generation, regional leaders, young people and labour collectives sent New Year's greetings to the country's leadership and the people of Turkmenistan. The celebrations culminated in a New Year's address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to his compatriots. At the stroke of midnight, the National Anthem of Turkmenistan was played. The sky over Ashgabat was lit up by festive fireworks, marking the arrival of the New Year, 2026.
New Year's event for children held in Ashgabat
31.12.2025A festive event for children was held in Ashgabat at the ‘Maslahat köşgi’ Palace ahead of the New Year. The celebration was organised by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, according to AsmanNews. The participants of the celebration were children from the ‘Jahan’ creative centre and other children. New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk took part in the programme. R. Bazarov, Chief of Staff of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, delivered a congratulatory message to the children on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President of Turkmenistan. He noted the state's attention to the development of the creative abilities of the younger generation and wished the children success in their studies. The celebration continued with a concert programme featuring songs and musical performances by children from the ‘Jahan’ creative centre. At the end of the event, the children were presented with New Year gifts on behalf of the Charitable Foundation. The organisers emphasised that the foundation continues to work to support children in need of care and to provide assistance with medical treatment.
Semicenk concluded the pre-New Year concert series in Ashgabat
30.12.2025A series of pre-New Year concerts by foreign artists in Ashgabat ended with a performance by Turkish singer Semicenk. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The concert took place at the Winter Sports Complex and was the artist's first solo performance in Turkmenistan. The musical evenings attracted thousands of spectators. Semicenk presented a programme of well-known hits and new compositions. The repertoire also included works by other Turkish performers. During the concert, the singer communicated with the audience, thanked them for their welcome and noted the cultural proximity of Turkmenistan and Turkey. The artist expressed his willingness to continue creative cooperation. At the end of the performance, Cenk Bash congratulated the audience on the coming New Year, wishing them peace, health and prosperity.
Visa procedures in China will become easier for residents of Turkmenistan
29.12.2025The Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced the extension of a measure exempting applicants from providing fingerprints when applying for visas to the country. The new practice, aimed at simplifying visa procedures, comes into force immediately and will remain in effect until 31 December 2026, according to the Orient news agency. According to the diplomatic mission, the exemption from the biometric procedure applies to all applicants for short-term visas for up to 180 days. However, for visas of categories D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z, which involve the subsequent obtaining of a residence permit in China, fingerprinting remains mandatory and will be carried out in the usual manner. The embassy noted that the innovation is aimed at increasing the convenience and accessibility of obtaining a Chinese visa.
Semicenk will perform in Ashgabat for the first time as part of the pre-New Year concerts
29.12.2025Turkish singer Semicenk has arrived in Ashgabat and will perform at the Winter Sports Complex arena, continuing the series of pre-New Year's holiday concerts. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The artist's real name is Cenk Bash. He became famous after participating in the show ‘O Ses Türkiye’ in 2019, and his popularity was cemented by the hits ‘Düşer Aklıma’, ‘Al Sevgilim’ and ‘Yana Yana’. In 2023, Semicenk became the most listened to Turkish artist on Spotify and won the ‘Golden Butterfly Awards’. The singer expressed his joy at his first visit to Turkmenistan and invited everyone to the concert. The New Year's Eve celebrations in Ashgabat include performances by artists from different countries: on 27 December, Iranian-Swedish singer Arash gave a concert, and on 28 December, Russian performer Mot performed.
China has extended visa privileges for citizens of Turkmenistan until the end of 2026
29.12.2025China has extended the temporary reduction in visa fees for citizens of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The relevant statement was published on 27 December by the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan. The preferential rates will remain in effect until 31 December 2026. Visa fees: single entry – $41, double entry – $56, multiple entry for six months – $206, multiple entry for one year – $386.
Mot shared his impressions of the warm welcome he received in Ashgabat
28.12.2025Russian rapper Mot (Matvey Melnikov), who arrived in Ashgabat for a concert on 28 December, said that he felt ‘at home’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. ‘We already felt your hospitable, warm embrace when we were greeted with loaves of bread in traditional attire,’ the artist said. He also emphasised that in 15 years of creative activity, this was his first visit to Ashgabat and he was glad to rectify that. Mot promised the audience a vivid musical experience at his upcoming performance at the Winter Sports Complex.
Arash performed his first solo concert in Ashgabat
28.12.2025The first solo concert of popular Iranian singer Arash took place at the Winter Sports Complex in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Hundreds of fans gathered to listen to the author of such famous hits as ‘Boro Boro,’ ‘Broken Angel,’ ‘Pure Love,’ ‘One Night in Dubai,’ as well as the songs ‘Vostochnye skazki’ (Eastern fairy tales) and ‘Na morya’ (To the seas). The sports complex hall was overflowing with people: the audience enthusiastically welcomed the world-class artist.
WHO national meeting on pandemic influenza held in Awaza
28.12.2025The World Health Organisation's country office in Turkmenistan held its annual national meeting on the implementation of the ‘Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Mechanism’. This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal. The event was held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone with the support of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. The key objective of the meeting was to strengthen national capacity for epidemiological surveillance of influenza and to increase preparedness for possible pandemic threats. The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant medical institutions, specialists in epidemiology and virology, as well as experts from veterinary services. Participants discussed the results of the Mechanism's implementation for 2025 and the current indicators of its implementation. Particular attention was paid to issues of improving pandemic preparedness, updating national response plans, and exchanging experience on the development of surveillance systems and the improvement of influenza monitoring programmes. The meeting was held as part of the Partnership Contribution to the Implementation of the ‘Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Mechanism’ project.
Rare bats were exhibited in Turkmenistan
28.12.2025A new exhibition dedicated to rare species of bats has opened at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. Using 3D printing, models of the common long-winged bat, Blasius's horseshoe bat and the southern horseshoe bat, which inhabit the Kov-Ata cave, have been created, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. There are 19 species of bats in the country, which play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, the colony in the Baherden cave destroys about 1.5 million insects per night, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. These animals navigate in the dark using echolocation. Scientists note seasonal migrations: the colony in Kov-Ata stays from February to October, then moves to other regions. Blasius's horseshoe bats live in northern Khorasan in Iran in winter, about 100 km from the border. Bat populations are declining due to the use of chemicals in agriculture. Six species are already listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. Zoologists emphasise the importance of protecting them as part of the natural environment.
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