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Erk-Kala: The historical gem of Turkmenistan
09.02.2026Erk-Kala, the oldest citadel of the legendary Merv, occupies a special place in the history of Turkmenistan. Founded in the 6th century BC during the Achaemenid era, Erk-Kala became the ‘foundation’ of the great metropolis known as the ‘Mother of Cities,’ according to the news website InfoAbad. The 20-hectare citadel preserves traces of various eras, from the Achaemenid to the Hellenistic, when the city was called Antioch of Margiana. The 30-metre-high mud-brick walls and archaeological finds — seals with images of mythical creatures, bronze arrows, luxury items — confirm the fortress's role as an administrative centre and an important outpost on the Great Silk Road. Archaeologists also note unique objects: thin-walled Achaemenid-type ceramic bowls, the complex layout of neighbourhoods and palace complexes with a well-thought-out water supply system, as well as the absence of traces of mass destruction, which indicates a tradition of diplomacy and the search for balance. Today, as part of government programmes, work is underway to conserve Erk-Kala in the Ancient Merv Reserve, ensuring the preservation of this UNESCO site for future generations.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed the results of the sustainable development programme
09.02.2026A meeting of the National Management and Coordination Group, established within the framework of the ‘Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the UN for 2021-2025’, was held at the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 3 February at the UN building in Ashgabat. It was attended by representatives of the country's state bodies, international and national experts, as well as employees of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the results of the programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with advanced international experience in this field. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in further fruitful cooperation and wished each other success in the implementation of important initiatives in the field of sustainable development.
The main melodies of Turkmen cinema will be presented in Ashgabat
09.02.2026The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan invites residents and guests of Ashgabat to a festive concert entitled ‘Golden Melodies of Turkmen Cinema.’ This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The evening's programme features music that has become symbolic of an entire era: beloved compositions from famous films that evoke the warmest memories. Artistic director and chief conductor, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Rasul Klychev, will personally present the concert. The audience can look forward to an unforgettable evening of live music, the magic of cinema and sincere emotions. The concert will take place on 21 February at 7 p.m. at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan.
Young wrestlers from Turkmenistan won medals at the ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’
09.02.2026Turkmen freestyle wrestlers showed impressive results at the international tournament ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’, which took place from 7 to 8 February in Grozny. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Athletes born between 2006 and 2008 participated in the competition, and Turkmen athletes won medals in five weight categories. Suleyman Musagulyev achieved the greatest success, becoming the winner in the heaviest category — up to 125 kg. Azatberdi Asyrgulyev won silver in the 65 kg category. Three bronze medals were won by Azimberdi Asyrgulyev (57 kg), Dagan Guvanchmyradov (61 kg) and Batyr Begenjov (74 kg). The results of the young athletes confirm the effectiveness of the reserve training system and the high level of work of the coaching staff. The successful performance in Grozny was further proof of the growing competitiveness of the Turkmen freestyle wrestling school.
Turkmenistan masters network protection technologies in transition to ‘green’ energy
09.02.2026The regional online presentation of the European Union's EU RECA project, implemented by GIZ, focused on the integration of solar and wind energy without compromising the stability of energy systems. Experts from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region were introduced to ‘smart’ GFM inverter technology, which can maintain frequency and voltage in the grid during failures and overloads, according to the news agency Orient. Against the backdrop of plans to develop renewable energy in Turkmenistan, such solutions are becoming critically important: variable solar and wind generation requires new approaches to grid management. GFM inverters do not shut down during instability, but imitate the operation of traditional power plants, ensuring the stability of the power system. The presentation was based on the experience of the GIZ training course previously held in Kazakhstan at the KEGOC system operator. The project will result in a technical report — a practical guide for Central Asian energy companies on the safe implementation of renewable energy sources.
Ashgabat and Bucharest expand cooperation in consumer protection
08.02.2026Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, held a meeting with Sorin Mierlea, Head of InfoCons, Romania's largest consumer protection organisation. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed issues related to the labelling of imported goods, mechanisms for protecting intellectual property rights, and measures to ensure transparency in trade processes between Turkmenistan and Romania. During the negotiations, InfoCons representatives proposed the creation of a single information space for citizens of both countries. The project aims to provide Turkmen citizens living in Romania with prompt access to legal protection of their consumer rights. At the same time, for Romanian entrepreneurs and tourists, the platform will become a source of information on the rules and regulations in force in Turkmenistan, which will increase the predictability of business and travel conditions.
International media outlets are following the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in Ashgabat
08.02.2026On 11 February 2026, the Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, will host the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between local team ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’. The independent portal ‘Georgia Online’, together with distinguished Georgian journalist Tengiz Pachkoria, presented an overview of the upcoming football event in Ashgabat, reports IIC. The main news story was the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Sadio Mané, João Félix and Kingsley Coman will also take to the field. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia noted that the Portuguese player's visit is an important milestone for the development of football in the country. The ‘Arkadag’ club was founded in early 2023. Under the leadership of coach Vladimir Bayramov, the team won the national championship, the Cup and the Super Cup of Turkmenistan three times, and in May 2025 won its first trophy on the continental arena — the AFC Challenge League. In Group B of the current season, the club advanced to the playoffs from second place.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the leadership of Pakistan
08.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in connection with the explosion at a mosque in Islamabad, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan strongly condemns any manifestations of terrorism and extremism and fully supports the efforts of the international community to combat this evil. On behalf of the Turkmen people, the government of the country and on his own behalf, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia on receiving an international award
08.02.2026On 7 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations via a digital system on the occasion of the presentation of the Zayed International Award for Human Fraternity to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message emphasises that the award is a clear confirmation of the importance of the principles of mutual understanding, trust and inter-state dialogue as effective mechanisms for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Noting the high level of relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Hero Arkadag pointed out that these states are united by centuries-old historical, political, economic and cultural-humanitarian ties, and that modern cooperation is developing on the basis of equality, good neighbourliness and mutual benefit. He particularly emphasised the role of the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia in ensuring stability and harmony in the South Caucasus. According to him, their wisdom and responsibility are key factors in the prosperity of both countries. The congratulatory message expresses confidence that the award will serve as an incentive to promote the values of peace and trust at the global level. It also notes that Turkmenistan, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, is ready to provide comprehensive support to international initiatives for peacebuilding and the protection of international law. In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed his confidence that this decision is of historical significance and wished the leaders and peoples of neighbouring countries stability and prosperity.
A book by the President of Turkmenistan on neutrality was presented in India
07.02.2026On 6 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in India hosted an event dedicated to the motto of the year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, and a presentation of the book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to India, Shalar Geldinazarov, spoke about the international conferences of 2025 and announced the key events of 2026 in Turkmenistan. The Diplomat emphasised the importance of the new book as a source for studying the country's neutrality and promoting its peaceful foreign policy. The participants congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the publication of the book and expressed their gratitude for creating conditions for quality education for Turkmen youth.
The ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant has increased its production of urea and ammonia
07.02.2026In January 2026, the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant in the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan produced 95,000 tonnes of urea, which exceeded the plan by 25,000 tonnes and amounted to 136% of the planned volume. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Since the beginning of the year, the enterprise has also produced more than 54,000 tonnes of ammonia against a target of 40,000 tonnes, achieving 135% of the target. Most of the production is exported to the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan, Singapore and European countries. The plant's design capacity allows it to produce up to 1.155 million tonnes of urea and 660,000 tonnes of ammonia annually.
In January, Turkmenistan received 30 delegations and sent 65 abroad
07.02.2026In January, Turkmenistan was visited by 30 foreign delegations, and the country sent 65 delegations abroad. This was announced by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which reviewed the results of work for January 2026, reports TDH. According to Meredov, in international cooperation, special attention is paid to visits and meetings at the highest level. Cooperation with international organisations remains a priority of foreign policy. In January, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations visited the country. During the month, 21 digital meetings and 116 official negotiations with foreign countries and international organisations were held. Twelve documents were added to the legal framework. R. Meredov also noted that political consultations with the foreign ministries of other states continued. Issues were discussed with Austria in digital format, and consultations with India, Morocco and Russia were held in Ashgabat. Diplomatic relations continued to develop through embassies. In January, the credentials of the new representative of the Republic of Chad in Turkmenistan were accepted.
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