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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.
Turkmenistan announces international film competition on horse breeding
01.02.2026Turkmenistan has announced an interstate television competition for CIS countries entitled ‘The Flight of the Horse: Strength and Grace’, dedicated to the role of horses in the history and culture of the region’s peoples. This was reported by IIC. The choice of theme is linked to the Ahal-Teke breed, one of the oldest in the world, bred by the Turkmen people more than five thousand years ago and which has become a symbol of the country's national identity. The Ahal-Teke occupies a special place in the history, culture and state symbolism of Turkmenistan and embodies the independence and dignity of the people. In 2026, this theme is also reflected in the country's official motto. The development of horse breeding remains a priority of state policy: racetracks are being built in the country, scientific and educational facilities are being developed, and international cooperation is expanding. The competition is aimed at authors from CIS countries, which is logical in the year of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the Commonwealth and its commitment to strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. Television companies and independent authors of any age can participate. Films lasting 15-30 minutes in any language with subtitles in Russian or English, dedicated to the history of horse breeds, their cultural role and equestrian sports, are accepted.
Turkmenistan creates national strategy for artificial intelligence development
01.02.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev reported on measures to digitise economic sectors and introduce innovative technologies. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In accordance with the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028, a draft State Programme and an Action Plan for its implementation have been prepared. The documents are aimed at the transition to a digital economy, the development of a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence, the introduction of AI technologies in the industry, as well as the training and professional development of specialists. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft resolution. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the document and gave a number of instructions on the further development of digital technologies.
The ‘Single Window’ system speeds up exports and imports in Turkmenistan
01.02.2026In 2025, 189,954 licences and permits for export and import operations were issued in Turkmenistan through the ‘Single Window’ system. This is 2.7 times more than in 2024. This was reported by the website of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. More than 12,000 participants in foreign economic activity are registered in the system. The number of users continues to grow. The work of the ‘Single Window’ is coordinated by the Control and Analytical Centre of the Central Office of the State Customs Service. The system reduces the time required to process documents and speeds up foreign trade operations. The platform involves 19 ministries and departments, which provide 29 types of services. The service operates around the clock and processes about 1,000 permits per day.
An online scientific journal will be launched at Magtymguly TSU
01.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has approved the creation of an electronic popular science magazine called ‘Scientific Research and Innovation’. The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The new publication will be based at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The journal will be published in electronic format. Publications are planned to be available in Turkmen, English and Russian. The platform will be open to professors, teachers and students. The topics will cover the humanities and social sciences, as well as research in the field of national heritage and the cultural contribution of prominent figures. Special attention will be paid to the practical results of cooperation between science, education and the economy. The materials will be devoted to the implementation of developments and modern teaching methods.
The International Academy of Horse Breeding of Turkmenistan has signed an agreement with Qatar
01.02.2026The Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Qatar Equestrian Federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The document was signed during a working visit by a delegation from the academy to the State of Qatar, which took place from 29 to 31 January at the invitation of the Equestrian Federation. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Bader Mohammed Al-Darwish, the Deputy Executive Director of the Emir of Qatar's ‘Al Shaqab’ Equestrian Center, Khalid Abdullah Al-Hitmi, and the Rector of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, People's Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan Pygy Hojamuhammedov. The parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of equestrian sports, science and education. The Memorandum is expected to strengthen the legal basis for cooperation, create conditions for the exchange of experience and training of specialists, and contribute to the expansion of bilateral ties.
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