On April 10 in Tokyo, at the Tokyo Shoto Museum of Art, an exhibition of traditional Turkmen national costumes, crafts, embroidery, and jewelry titled “Crafts of Central Asia” opened, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The exhibition will run from April 11 to June 14, 2026. It introduces visitors to Turkmen decorative and applied arts as well as the culture of Central Asia. The materials on display are drawn from the collection of the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. A total of about 200 exhibits are presented, including silver jewelry, traditional keteni fabric, embroidered women’s mantles known as “chyrpy,” and other handmade items. A separate section is dedicated to decorations and accessories for Turkmen horses, collected by international equestrian enthusiasts.
A United Nations Regional Centre for climate technology in Central Asia will begin operations in Ashgabat in the near future. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, according to TDH. According to him, Turkmenistan will support the activities of the new centre and create the necessary conditions for its operation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the country supports the development of regional cooperation, scientific research, and the implementation of modern climate technologies. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement was also reaffirmed. Separate emphasis was placed on support for “green” energy projects, including solar and wind power generation.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of greetings to the participants of the international tourism exhibition and conference “Turkmentravel – 2026,” which opened in Ashgabat, TDH reports. The head of state expressed confidence that the forum would become a significant event for the development of the tourism industry and the expansion of international cooperation. It was noted that consistent efforts are being made in the country to modernize the tourism sector and strengthen its legal and economic framework. The address emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the World Tourism Cities Federation. It was pointed out that the participation of foreign and domestic companies creates conditions for the exchange of experience and the implementation of new projects. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the country’s strong tourism potential. Key attractions mentioned include historical and cultural monuments and natural sites, such as Ancient Merv, Nisa, and Kunya-Urgench, as well as properties included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Special mention was made of the city of Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag, the Avaza National Tourist Zone, as well as the natural features of the Karakum Desert and the Koytendag mountains. The head of state underscored the importance of holding such events for promoting the country’s tourism potential and attracting foreign visitors. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan congratulated the participants on the opening of the forum and wished them success in developing the industry.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to Nizar Amedi on the occasion of his election as President of the Republic of Iraq. This was reported by the online outlet AsmanNews. The head of state wished Nizar Amedi good health, energy, and success in his public service aimed at the development and prosperity of the Republic of Iraq.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting via a digital system on April 13 with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev and regional governors (hyakims). The main focus was on agricultural campaigns and construction projects in the regions, according to TDH. During the meeting, it was noted that in the regions, wheat fertilization and irrigation are ongoing, along with cotton sowing and the cultivation of potatoes and melons and vegetables. Work is also underway in sericulture, including the provision of silkworm eggs to producers and the care of silkworms. Due to rising temperatures, fire-prevention measures are being carried out in pastures, agricultural lands, and forest areas. The hyakims of the Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary regions reported on current fieldwork and the progress of construction of social, cultural, and industrial facilities scheduled for commissioning this year. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported that agricultural work is being carried out in accordance with agrotechnical standards, and measures are being taken to ensure the timely completion of cotton sowing and the efficient use of machinery. Summing up the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan instructed to ensure that cotton sowing is carried out within the established сроки, proper care is provided for wheat and other crops, and strict control is maintained over the quality and deadlines of construction projects. The head of state emphasized the importance of adhering to agrotechnical requirements and introducing advanced practices in agriculture, instructing that these issues remain under constant supervision.
Last week saw high levels of investment activity on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan: 32 major deals were concluded, with petrochemical and industrial products accounting for the majority of foreign trade. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Buyers from the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan purchased ‘Türkmennebit’ base oil, whilst Afghan entrepreneurs also purchased ‘ECO-93’ eco-friendly fuel produced by the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. Demand from foreign partners also extended to the agricultural and textile sectors: companies from the UAE, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed contracts for the supply of flour, cotton yarn and fatty acids from cotton seed meal. The total value of export deals exceeded US$57.8 million. Growth was also recorded in the domestic market: Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, base oils, packaging film and textile products. The total value of transactions in national currency exceeded 61.1 million manats.
On 12 April, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ came to a close at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, having spent six months transforming the halls of the Palazzo dei Conservatori into a space for symbolic dialogue between Rome and Parthia. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The historical rivalry between the two powers gave way to a cultural exchange that aroused considerable interest in the academic and artistic circles of the Italian capital. The exhibition, organised with the participation of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and Italian archaeological centres, presented around 150 unique artefacts and served as an important revelation of little-studied pages of Central Asian history for a European audience. The exhibition spanned the period from prehistoric Margiana to the Parthian era. Among the key exhibits was a composite statue from Gonur-Depe (3rd–2nd millennium BC), bearing witness to early trade links between East and West. Particular attention was drawn to the ivory rhytons from Old Nisa, combining Greek and Eastern motifs, as well as the clay heads, presumably depicting Parthian rulers. The statue of Aphrodite Anadyomene from Nisa became a symbol of cultural synthesis, reflecting the influence of ancient traditions on the art of Parthia. Visitors also praised the curators’ work, noting the informative nature of the exhibition and its ability to reveal the level of development of ancient societies in the territory of modern-day Turkmenistan. As the exhibition drew to a close, the focus in the Italian press shifted from sensational announcements to a deeper reflection on its significance. According to experts, the project was a rare cultural event that highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the world’s historical heritage.
Turkmen wrestler Alp Arslan Begenjov has won a bronze medal at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships. The tournament took place from 6 to 12 April in Bishkek. The athlete competed in the under-86kg weight category. This was reported by Turkmenportal. In the qualifying round, Begenjov defeated Mongolia’s Byambadorj Bat Erdene with a score of 10–0. In the quarter-finals, he also secured an early victory over Bakhodur Kodirov of Tajikistan — 10–0. In the semi-finals, the Turkmen wrestler lost to Iran’s Kamran Ghorban Ghasempour 0–11 and went on to compete for the bronze medal. In the match for third place, Begenjov defeated Japan’s Yudai Takahashi 10–5 to secure a podium finish. The gold medal was won by Kamran Ghorban Ghasempour, who defeated India’s Mukul Dahiya 7–0 in the final.
A master class by French pianist and teacher at the Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, Christine Fonlupt, was held in the small hall of the Special Music Boarding School at the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Maya Kuliyeva. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event took place as part of the ‘Francophonie Spring’ festival, which is being held across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Students from the conservatoire took part in the masterclass. They performed works by Claude Debussy, Sergey Rachmaninoff, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt and Sergey Prokofiev. Each performance was accompanied by commentary from Christine Fonlupt. The pianist offered advice on performance technique and interpretation of the works. On 10 April, pupils from the boarding school also attended a concert by Christine Fonlupt at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. The pianist performed with the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The events took place as part of a cultural exchange and were aimed at developing the professional skills of young musicians.
The 3rd International Mathematics Olympiad for school students has come to a close in Ashgabat. The closing ceremony took place at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A total of 170 school students took part in the competition: 58 from Turkmenistan and 112 from 10 countries, including Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, China, Belarus, Turkey, Iran, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. At the end of the Olympiad, the Turkmen school students won 29 medals — 6 gold, 10 silver and 13 bronze — and took first place in the overall team standings. Second place went to the team from Uzbekistan (16 medals), and third to Tajikistan (15 medals). The winners and prize-winners were presented with medals, certificates and commemorative gifts, including the book by the President of Turkmenistan, ‘Ýaşlar – Watanyň daýanjy’ (Youth is the support of the Motherland). Representatives from the education sector, members of the jury, participants and their mentors spoke during the ceremony. It was noted that the Olympiad had served as a platform for exchanging experiences and supporting talented young people. Foreign delegations thanked the Turkmen side for organising the event. The Olympiad concluded with a concert programme featuring creative ensembles from the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
On 15 April, an exhibition marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse will open at the gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The exhibition will feature the best works by students and lecturers of the academy. The theme of the exhibition is dedicated to the image of the Turkmen horse and its role in culture and national art. Particular emphasis is placed on creative interpretations of this theme in painting and graphic art.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Russian House in Ashgabat, where a bust of Yuri Gagarin stands. The event was held to mark Cosmonautics Day, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, representatives of civil society, scientists and schoolchildren. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight. According to him, this event gave impetus to the development of global science. The Ambassador also spoke about the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the space sector. This involves projects in the fields of satellites, navigation technologies and scientific research. The training of a Turkmen cosmonaut is not ruled out, provided there is interest from the country. Special mention was made of Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenabat and Hero of Turkmenistan and Russia, who is the head of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. His next flight is scheduled for the autumn. The cosmonaut holds the world record for the longest stay in orbit – 1,110 days. During the event, the participants’ attention was drawn to a schoolboy who had come dressed in a homemade cosmonaut’s suit. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the participants laid flowers at the bust of Yuri Gagarin.