From 1 to 6 March, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, members of the ‘Arkadag’ Football Club fan club climbed Turkey's highest peak, Mount Ararat. This was reported by IIC.

The expedition was timed to coincide with the announcement of 2026 under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The initiative is aimed at developing sports diplomacy and promoting an active lifestyle.

The group was led by Turkmen student and mountaineer Agajan Ovlyakuliyev. Over six days, the participants conquered a difficult high-altitude route and reached the summit of Ararat at an altitude of 5,137 metres, where they unfurled the national flag of Turkmenistan, the logo of FC ‘Arkadag’ and the symbol of 2026.

In addition, with the assistance of the Embassy and on the initiative of Turkmen students, ‘Arkadag’ fan clubs were established in Ankara and Antalya. According to the organisers, this demonstrates the growing interest in the Turkmen club abroad and the active participation of young people in the development of cultural and sporting ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey.