News
A record number of flamingos has been recorded on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea
03.02.2026The Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, with its wetlands, plays a key role in the migration, wintering and nesting of Eurasian waterbirds. In January, staff at the Hazar Reserve conducted their annual waterbird census. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The census revealed a record number of flamingos. The survey covered almost the entire water area of the Turkmen coast. Despite the drop in sea level and the reduction in the area of some wetlands, the weather conditions in January were favourable for birds. The total number of individuals recorded was 405,595, including 43 species and 4 species of unidentified identity. As usual, coots were the most numerous, with 179,904 individuals, followed by red-necked grebes (86,901) and mallards (30,772). Tufted ducks, red-crested pochards and various species of swans were also recorded. A particular success of the census was the 33,373 pink flamingos recorded, which is the best result in the history of observations. Continuing such census activities is important for the management of protected areas, the conservation of key ornithological zones and the confirmation of international Ramsar status.
Turkmen schoolchildren presented their paintings at an exhibition in Tokyo
02.02.2026Twenty-six young talents from Turkmenistan presented their works at the ‘Art Beyond Boundaries’ school art exhibition, which took place from 22 January to 1 February in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The works of Turkmen artists were presented on the country's thematic wall. The exhibition was organised by the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society in conjunction with the SUMI International Association. In addition, on 31 January, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo National Art Centre to present certificates of appreciation to the participants of the exhibition. The event was attended by representatives of foreign embassies in Japan, leaders of the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society, the SUMI International Association, artists and guests of the exhibition. At the end of the ceremony, all participants received certificates of appreciation.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Iran met with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute
02.02.2026On 29 January, Ilyas Gayipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with Muhammad Hassan, the newly appointed President of the ECO Cultural Institute. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting took place in Tehran on the premises of the university. During the negotiation process, the prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. In addition, the participants discussed the possibility of jointly organising events under the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan delegation promotes technology and business in Eswatini
02.02.2026Meetings were held in the Kingdom of Eswatini with the participation of a Turkmen business delegation led by the founder of the ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ holding company, Hydyrberdi Abdyrahmanov. The visit continued the agreements reached during last year's visit by King Mswati III to Ashgabat, reports AsmanNews. On 27 January, the delegation was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe. The high level of representatives underscored the strategic importance of the visit and the readiness to cooperate with Turkmen companies. On 29 January, a key meeting was held with the head of the Eswatini Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Savannah Maziya, who noted ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ as a strategic partner. Last year, the minister visited the Turkmen ICT and electronics holding's factory. Eswatini plans to become a regional innovation hub, and Turkmenistan's experience can contribute to digital transformation and job creation for young people. The Turkmen delegation was also received by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The parties discussed commercial contracts, including sugar purchases by the Turkmen side, which will strengthen the trade balance between the countries. The visit confirmed the successful implementation of the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations signed in August 2025. Joint work is focused on technology, the implementation of Turkmen IT solutions, the exchange of climate-resilient practices and the creation of conditions for private capital. The trip demonstrates the formation of a new ‘South-South’ cooperation axis and the positioning of Turkmenistan as an exporter of technology and industrial solutions.
Rasul Klychev will present the concert ‘Symphonic Pictures’ in Ashgabat
02.02.2026On 17 February, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Rasul Klychev, will present a concert entitled ‘Symphonic Pictures’ to Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The event will take place at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. The programme will feature well-known works by Russian composers: Modest Mussorgsky's ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, combining a variety of musical images and the mood of artistic works; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic picture ‘The Three Wonders’ and symphonic suite ‘Scheherazade’, the third part of which is called ‘The Young Prince and Princess’; Anatoly Lyadov's symphonic picture ‘Baba Yaga’, based on Russian folklore and legends. The concert will allow the audience to hear vivid symphonic works, filled with characteristic imagery, colour and musical drama, which reveal the richness of orchestral sound.
Turkmen specialists achieve success at the ‘Atabay’ gas field
02.02.2026The oil and gas industry continues to develop actively in Turkmenistan, remaining one of the key sectors of the national economy. One of the significant achievements was the successful drilling of the ‘Atabay-1’ appraisal well at the ‘Atabay’ field in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, which is part of the Central Karakum gas-bearing region, reports AsmanNews. The well reached a design depth of 1,200 metres, and during exploration and testing of nine formations of the upper and lower Cretaceous period, eight were found to be gas-bearing. Particular attention was paid to the industrially significant inflow of environmentally friendly, sulphur-free natural gas with a flow rate of 284,000 cubic metres per day at a depth of 1,136-1,134 metres. It is planned to transfer the well to production management for commissioning, which will expand the supply of ‘blue fuel’ to consumers, strengthen the country's energy security and increase its export potential. The introduction of modern technology and equipment increases the efficiency of gas field development and confirms the consistent development of Turkmenistan's oil and gas and geological sectors.
Prospects for academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed
02.02.2026On 1 February, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, held a meeting with the President of Lusail University, Nitham Mohammed Hindi. This was reported by Orient. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between universities in the two countries and the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Lusail University and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. The meeting was also attended by Fatma Mansur Al-Mesleh, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Lusail University, and Adam Mohammed Ali Fadlallah, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The Ambassador provided information on Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy. He also announced that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and spoke about the international scientific conferences planned to mark the 35th anniversary of independence.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of CIS Ambassadors with Sergey Lavrov
02.02.2026On 27 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, took part in a meeting between Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ambassadors of CIS member states accredited in Moscow. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of executive bodies of other Eurasian organisations. During the conversation, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, key international issues were discussed and the results of multilateral cooperation for 2025 were summarised. The participants identified priority tasks for the near future: strengthening foreign policy coordination, developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as joint measures to ensure regional security.
Hero Arkadag inspected the readiness of Ashgabat Olympic Stadium for the match
02.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat and familiarised himself with the preparations for the Olympic Stadium for the international football match. The arena will host the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ Football Club and ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag inspected the playing field, stands and infrastructure. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that all organisational issues must be resolved on time and every detail taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions for fans, athletes, coaches and the work of the media. The Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, D. Orazov, reported that the field is fully ready. According to him, it complies with international standards and is suitable for year-round use. During the off-season, the turf is covered with a protective cover. Hero Arkadag also instructed to coordinate the work of all involved structures, ensure security, logistics and information support for the match. The Olympic Village was built on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. It hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, the World Weightlifting Championships in 2018, the World Kurash Championships in 2023 and other international tournaments. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 spectators and is the largest in Central Asia. Hero Arkadag noted that the match is of great importance for the development of football and international sports cooperation. At the end of his visit, he wished the ‘Arkadag’ team a successful and fair game.
Students from Turkmenistan won 46 medals at the Olympiads in Bukhara
02.02.2026Students from Turkmen universities won 46 medals at the BIMO-2026 and BIChO-2026 International Olympiads, which took place from 25 to 28 January at Bukhara State University. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The Olympiads were held in mathematics and chemistry. More than 500 students and 100 teams from 10 countries took part in the competitions. The championships included individual and team rounds, as well as meetings with teachers and excursions to historical monuments in Bukhara. Participants from Turkmenistan won 17 gold, 17 silver and 12 bronze medals, demonstrating a high level of preparation. The topics of the Olympiads covered mathematical analysis, linear algebra, combinatorics, as well as organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. For students, participation was not only a test of their knowledge, but also an opportunity to make international acquaintances and exchange experiences.
Turkmenistan participates in ADB climate resilience project
02.02.2026Turkmenistan will join a regional project of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at strengthening transboundary cooperation in water resource management and increasing their resilience to climate change. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The project also covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and is being implemented as part of the water component of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme. The technical assistance budget is $750,000, funded by the ADB Special Fund. There are plans to create a regional platform for coordinated water resource management and the exchange of strategic decisions. The ADB emphasised that the project will strengthen institutional mechanisms for cooperation and introduce tools for climate-resilient water management. The bank has been cooperating with Turkmenistan since 2000, supporting the diversification of export markets and the strengthening of regional ties.
Kunya-Urgench — A Priceless Treasure of the Centuries-Old History of the Turkmen People and World Culture
01.02.2026The Turkmen people are among the ancient nations that have left a profound mark on the course of world history since early times. During the Middle Ages, Turkmens established states, khanates, beyliks, and atabegates not only within their historical homeland but also across various regions of Asia, Europe, and North Africa, playing a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural life of these territories. In that historical period, the Turkmen state of Kunya-Urgench emerged as one of the major centers that exerted considerable influence not only on the region itself but also on the cultural, economic, and political development of Southern and Central Asia. Kunya-Urgench is located in the northern part of Turkmenistan, within the territory of Dashoguz velayat, near the ancient course of the Amu Darya River, and represents a unique center where ancient urban planning traditions and historical-architectural monuments are concentrated. The state of the Turkmen Khwarazmshahs (Kunya-Urgench) appeared on the historical stage following the decline of the Great Seljuk Turkmen Empire. Until the thirteenth century, the city served as the capital of the Khwarazmshah state. Although its foundation dates back to the eighth–ninth centuries, the period of its widest expansion and greatest prosperity occurred between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries. Beginning with the reign of Sultan Malik Shah, this center gained strength and gradually transformed into an important hub of trade and cultural exchange. From the tenth century onward, Kunya-Urgench’s location along caravan routes passing through cities such as Urgench and Kichiurgench turned it into a major trading center between Asia and Western Europe. Cotton, textile products, wool, precious stones, and metal goods were produced here and exported to international markets. Its position at one of the key crossroads of the Great Silk Road further enhanced the city’s economic potential. Kunya-Urgench is an integral part of the unparalleled cultural heritage of the Turkmen people and of humanity as a whole, being an ancient city that encompasses rare examples of Islamic architecture. Its domed mausoleums, madrasahs, and the harmonious composition of architectural structures reflect a high level of artistic mastery. In the Middle Ages, Kunya-Urgench was recognized as a major scientific, cultural, and economic center and was referred to as the “Heart of Islam.” Throughout its history, the city experienced periods of flourishing as well as severe destruction; nevertheless, its architectural monuments have survived as a unique artistic legacy passed down to the present day. Culture and art occupied a special place in the state of Kunya-Urgench Turkmens. Historical sources particularly emphasize the hospitality, diligence, bravery, and strong civic engagement of the city’s inhabitants. In the fourteenth century, Urgench, through cooperation with the Golden Horde, achieved even greater cultural and economic development, leading to the establishment of madrasahs, libraries, and scientific centers. A clear testament to this is the Mamunid Palace, which, as a gathering place for scholars, came to be known as an “Academy.” The architectural art of Kunya-Urgench was distinguished by advanced construction techniques and a high aesthetic level. In the domed mausoleums and madrasahs built during the thirteenth–fourteenth centuries, original architectural solutions were widely employed. The Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh stands out in particular for its tent-shaped dome, square plan, and geometric ornamentation. The ribs integrated into the inner structure of the dome, the harmonious brickwork, and the use of blue-glazed bricks on the exterior surfaces attest to the high level of architectural craftsmanship of that era. At that time, architecture functioned not merely as construction activity, but as an important art form that united society in religious, social, and aesthetic dimensions. Spiritual and religious heritage also held special significance in the state of Kunya-Urgench Turkmens. The mausoleums of Sultan Ali and Najm al-Din Kubra were recognized as important centers of learning, and religious art. These structures were created not only as burial sites, but also as comprehensive cultural and spiritual complexes, distinguished by their geometric ornamentation, decorative painting, and domed architecture. The integrated harmony of the city’s water management system, markets, and caravan routes transformed Kunya-Urgench into a strategically important center of trade, culture, and politics. In 2005, Kunya-Urgench was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This ancient city stands not only as a historical center of the past, but also as one of the significant cultural, political, and tourist symbols of Turkmenistan in the modern era. The preserved architectural monuments and caravan routes serve to present Kunya-Urgench to the world as the heart of the Great Silk Road. Moreover, in October 2015, at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CIS countries held in Astrakhan, the city of Dashoguz in Turkmenistan was declared the “Cultural Capital of the CIS” for 2016. Based on this decision, the program “Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth” was implemented in Turkmenistan. The program is aimed at strengthening cultural ties among the CIS member states, expanding cooperation, and creating favorable conditions for the development of economic and political relations. Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the preservation, study, and promotion of historical and cultural heritage constitute one of the priority directions of state policy. In this regard, consistent efforts are being undertaken in world-significant historical centers such as Kunya-Urgench to restore architectural monuments, conduct scientific research, and present them at the international level. The measures implemented by the state not only ensure the protection of national heritage, but also further strengthen its place within the system of universal human culture. Thus, the history of the Turkmen state of Kunya-Urgench has entered the annals not only as the history of an ancient polity, but also as that of a major center that made a substantial contribution to the cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage of Central Asia. This sacred land, which preserved the scientific traditions of great scholars such as Al-Biruni and Ibn Sina, continues today to attract the attention of international researchers and tourists alike through its distinctive architecture, economic potential, and historical role associated with the Great Silk Road.
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