News
Indian Film Festival to be held in Ashgabat from 20 to 24 January
16.01.2026From 20 to 24 January 2026, the Ashgabat cinema will host the Indian Film Festival. This was reported by the IIC. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India. The festival aims to develop humanitarian ties and cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme includes nine films from different years, representing more than 50 years of Indian cinema. Viewers will be shown both classic Bollywood films and contemporary films that have received international recognition. Admission to all screenings is free. Seating in the hall is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Turkmenistan presented an exhibition at the OTS Culture Week in Vienna
16.01.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria took part in the Culture Week of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) at the United Nations Centre in Vienna. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event featured an exhibition dedicated to 2026 under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The exhibition included traditional fabrics, national costumes, carpets, handicrafts, silver jewellery and artistic images of Ahal-Teke horses, demonstrating the richness of Turkmen craftsmanship and the cultural significance of horses. The opening was attended by the Secretary General of the OTS, representatives of the UN in Vienna, diplomats and invited guests. The embassy emphasised Turkmenistan's desire to develop cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation in the Turkic world.
Iranian representatives presented Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian
15.01.2026Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi presented the State Library of Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During a meeting with the library's director, Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, the parties discussed cooperation in the field of culture and education. The Iranian guests also familiarised themselves with the library's rare and modern publications. The Ambassador presented the library with a Persian translation of the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Enä tagzym – mukaddeslige tagzym’ (‘Worshipping a Mother - Worshipping a Sacredness’) and the advisor presented more than 40 other books in Persian.
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Ambassador of India
15.01.2026On 14 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev met with Indian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed ways to intensify trade and economic cooperation and expand mutual trade. The priorities of the negotiations were the textile industry, logistics, the digital economy, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Particular attention was paid to new joint projects that could open up additional opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries. The Indian Ambassador confirmed his readiness for deeper cooperation and emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan for India's foreign policy. The Turkmen side noted the high level of trust between the countries and expressed confidence that the agreements reached would strengthen bilateral industrial dialogue.
Representatives from the University of Westminster visited Magtymguly TSU
15.01.2026From 12 to 13 January, representatives of the University of Westminster (United Kingdom) — Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Science and Educational Exchange Andrew Linn and Research Fellow, Doctor of Philosophy Anastasiya Bezborodova — visited Magtymguly Turkmen State University as part of a programme to accelerate English language learning in Central Asia. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. During the visit, a meeting was held with the university's management to discuss issues related to the development of science and education, raising professional standards and expanding cooperation. Teachers and students of the Faculty of English Language and Literature attended professional development courses on modern methods of teaching English and intensifying language learning, including its study as a second language.
Ancient Merv: Central Asia's open-air museum
15.01.2026The Merv Oasis is one of the key monuments of world civilisation, a unique archaeological complex where, for more than five thousand years, cities have successively emerged, reflecting the development of humanity from early agriculture to the era of empires. This was reported by the IIC. The phenomenon of ‘wandering cities’ associated with changes in the course of the Murgab River has turned Merv into a kind of open-air museum. The sites of the Ancient Merv Reserve, included in the UNESCO list, occupy an important place in the cultural policy of Turkmenistan. Archaeological discoveries by Viktor Sarianidi, Mikhail Masson and other scientists have confirmed the global significance of the region as a centre of Bronze Age civilisation. Today, the preservation and international presentation of this heritage are seen as the basis of cultural diplomacy and a symbol of the continuity of the country's historical development.
Turkmenistan modernises its fleet of high-tech agricultural machinery
15.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to actively upgrade its agricultural machinery with a view to improving the efficiency of field work and implementing agro-industrial projects. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In 2025, 400 sprayers and 400 mineral fertiliser spreaders from ‘John Deere’ were purchased to modernise the agricultural sector. New ploughing tractors and grain harvesters from various manufacturers are also expected to be delivered in the near future. Today, modern grain and cotton harvesters, tractors and trailer equipment are used in Turkmen fields, ensuring the smooth running of sowing and harvesting campaigns. The machine and tractor fleet is based on multifunctional ‘John Deere’ models and ‘Claas’ harvesters. The renewal of the technical base and the introduction of automation and telematics reduce the burden on farmers and increase productivity, which is considered one of the strategic directions for the development of agriculture in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for upcoming visits
15.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Beata Peksa, the European Union's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, was held on 14 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for upcoming visits at the high levels. In addition, an exchange of views was held on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The meeting also discussed the implementation of current and future joint projects in the fields of high technology, transport, economics, energy, environmental protection and vocational education.
Turkmen services rescued the crew of a dry cargo ship in the Caspian Sea
15.01.2026On 14 January 2026, the coast guard of Turkmenistan received an SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was in distress in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In accordance with international maritime regulations, the Turkmenistan state authorities involved in responding to emergencies took measures to rescue the crew. As a result of the operation, all 14 people on board were rescued. According to preliminary data, they are citizens of Iran and India. The Turkmen side is currently carrying out the procedures required by international rules.
Environmental transformation: Turkmenbashi Port implements ‘smart’ technologies
15.01.2026The Turkmenbashi International Seaport will be part of a large-scale environmental transformation. As part of a five-year OSCE project, the Italian company RINA and the German company ‘HPC Hamburg Port Consulting’ will help the port implement ‘smart’ and ‘green’ technologies, according to the news agency Orient. The programme provides for a transition to renewable energy, digital monitoring of environmental impact, improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure, and training Turkmen specialists in international environmental management standards. The growth of transit flows along the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ and ‘North-South’ routes makes the port's environmental status a competitive advantage, attracting carriers focused on sustainable development. Similar projects are being implemented in the ports of Baku, Aktau, Kuryk and Batumi to create a single ‘green’ transport corridor between Asia and Europe.
Turkmen artefacts reveal the secrets of the East to the Roman public
15.01.2026The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ continues at the Capitoline Museums in Rome and will end on 12 April. The Italian press notes that the exhibition is perceived not only as a collection of artefacts, but also as a symbolic return of Parthia, a powerful rival of Ancient Rome, according to the news agency Orient. For the Romans, Parthia was a formidable force in the East, known for its horsemen and the legendary ‘Parthian shot’. Now, on Capitoline Hill, where triumphs over enemies were once celebrated, rivals meet again — but in an atmosphere of admiration rather than war. Of particular interest are the ivory rhytons from Old Nisa: they combine Hellenistic art and Eastern luxury, creating a unique style that is unparalleled in Rome. The preservation of these treasures inspires European viewers with respect for cultural continuity. Opened in October 2025, the exhibition continues to impress researchers and the public, demonstrating that Turkmenistan's heritage is an important part of world history. The meeting between the ‘invincible Parthia’ and Rome at the Palazzo Caffarelli was a truly unique experience.
FC ‘Arkadag’ continues its training camp in Turkey with a match against a Bulgarian club
15.01.2026On 16 January, the ‘Arkadag’ football club will play a friendly match against the Bulgarian club ‘Septemvri’. The game will be held as part of the team’s training camp in Antalya, Turkey, according to Turkmenportal, citing the club’s press service. ‘Arkadag’ is holding its training camp from 12 January to 2 February. Several friendly matches are planned as part of the programme. Earlier it was reported that on 31 January, the Turkmen team will play against the reigning champions of Uzbekistan, Fergana’s ‘Neftchi’. ‘Septemvri’ represents Sofia and plays in the Bulgarian First League. After 19 rounds, the team has scored 15 points and is in second-to-last place in the table.
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