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The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ has come to an end in Rome
13.04.2026On 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.
A Turkmen wrestler has won a medal at the Asian Championships
13.04.2026Turkmen 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.
Christine Fonlupt held a masterclass in Ashgabat
13.04.2026A 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.
Turkmenistan took first place at the maths Olympiad
13.04.2026The 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.
Ashgabat to host an exhibition to mark Turkmen Horse Day
13.04.2026On 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.
An event to mark Cosmonautics Day was held in Ashgabat
13.04.2026A 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.
Representatives from Turkmenistan spoke at the EU forum in Tashkent
13.04.2026Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the third regional parliamentary dialogue on the development of the circular economy. The event took place on 9–10 April in Tashkent as part of the European Union’s ‘SWITCH-Asia’ initiative. This was reported by the press service of the National Parliament of Turkmenistan. The forum served as a platform for discussing sustainable development issues and exchanging experiences among participants. During the dialogue, a representative of the Mejlis delivered a presentation on the implementation of ‘green economy’ principles in Turkmenistan. The use of international experience and the implementation of reforms aimed at transitioning to a circular model were highlighted. Particular attention was paid to measures to improve the environmental situation. These include fostering an environmental culture, reducing waste, introducing innovative technologies and attracting investment. The need for further development of state policy in the field of sustainable development and the rational use of resources was emphasised.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful status of the Caspian Sea
12.04.2026During the Middle East conflict, strikes have been recorded on territories in the Caspian region. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, commented on Turkmenistan’s position in an interview with Turkmen media, reports TDH. It was noted that for over 30 years, Turkmenistan, together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia, has been developing Caspian cooperation. In 2018, the countries signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which enshrined the region’s status as a zone of peace, harmony and good-neighbourliness. The document prohibits the deployment of armed forces and military activity by states that are not Caspian littoral states. This is regarded as the foundation of regional security. In this regard, Turkmenistan expressed concern over strikes on the territory of one of the Caspian littoral states and stated that military action in the region is unacceptable. It was noted that the country is considering a draft joint statement by the Caspian states. The document states that the spread of the conflict to the Caspian region intensifies the escalation and poses a threat to security. Turkmenistan will decide on its support after analysing the draft.
Turkmenistan has called for a ban on weapons of mass destruction
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, commented on the situation in the Middle East in an interview with the Turkmen media. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is concerned about developments in the region due to its geographical proximity. According to him, a possible escalation, including the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction, could affect neighbouring countries and the entire region. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, advocates the resolution of conflicts solely through political and diplomatic means. This position remains unchanged. It was also noted that the country is a party to international arms control treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Turkmenistan is a party to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia. It was stated separately that Turkmenistan advocates a total ban on weapons of mass destruction. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a doctor by training, emphasised that their use could lead to serious consequences for the population, the environment and the socio-economic sphere, and requires the utmost responsibility.
Hero Arkadag outlined new approaches to the climate agenda
12.04.2026At the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined Turkmenistan’s consistent and practical approach to the climate agenda. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the country’s full commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and noted its readiness to develop projects in the field of ‘green energy’, including the use of wind and solar power. The National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the start of practical work on the development of hydrogen energy based on natural gas. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to cooperate with international partners in this area. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy for a ten-year period and to discuss its parameters with the UN. The importance of regional cooperation, scientific research and the introduction of new technologies was highlighted separately. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia will soon begin operations in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan will provide the necessary conditions for its activities. The topic of support for vulnerable countries, including landlocked states, was raised. It was emphasised that these countries must be guaranteed equal access to water resources and waterways as an important condition for sustainable development. It was noted that in August 2025, Turkmenistan hosted the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries. The adopted Awaza Declaration has been granted the status of an official UN document. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. It was also emphasised that the country continues to work with the UN to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to promote previously initiated General Assembly resolutions in the fields of energy, the environment and transport. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag thanked the forum organisers and expressed his confidence in the need for practical results. The forum moderator noted the significance of the initiatives presented. Turkmenistan’s initiatives have identified new directions in addressing global environmental and energy challenges and confirmed the country’s commitment to participating in shaping the international sustainable development agenda.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Austria to visit Ashgabat
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, invited the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, to visit Ashgabat at his convenience. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is open to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with Austria. Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his gratitude for the invitation. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are taking on a new dimension and developing in the interests of the friendly peoples. It was specifically emphasised that, in the current circumstances, disagreements must be resolved solely through political and diplomatic means. Austria’s support for Turkmenistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032 was also noted. This reflects the high level of trust between the countries. In the humanitarian sphere, cooperation is developing through academic exchanges. Turkmen universities are collaborating with Graz University of Technology and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. This forms the basis for training a new generation of specialists.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the construction of a market in the Lebap velayat
12.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved the construction of a new modern market in the Farap etrap of the Lebap velayat. The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations. Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev has been tasked with overseeing the project. The decision was taken following an on-site government meeting, reports TDH. At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the state of the retail sector in the region. The supply of essential goods to the population is ensured by the Ministry’s enterprises and the structures of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. In total, there are 860 retail, manufacturing and catering establishments operating in the velayat. The modernisation of the retail infrastructure is continuing. New shopping centres, shops and markets are being introduced. E-commerce and delivery services are expanding. The region is also home to textile industry enterprises and carpet manufacturing facilities. The ‘Türkmenhaly’ association and its workshops operate in the Halach etrap. Overall, dozens of private enterprises in the manufacturing, trade and service sectors operate in the velayat. As part of the presidential programme, there are plans to open 12 new private manufacturing facilities, which will create 311 jobs. The President has instructed that the supply of goods to the domestic market be kept under control and that the range of retail services for the population of Lebap velayat be expanded.
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