AGP Executive Report

Art and Environment: Ashgabat opened the MAMA “Mother Nature” international exhibition on October 20, bringing together 116 artworks by 62 artists around nature and environmental care. Carpet Heritage: Leyla Aliyeva, Oguljahan Atabayeva and Saida Mirziyoyeva visited the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, whose collection includes nearly 2,000 rare and antique pieces; a show of traditional silk and embroidered clothing followed. Cultural Exchange: The visit also highlighted cooperation between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, with Uzbekistan’s Days of Culture and Cinema planned for Turkmenistan. Creative Arts: Turkmenistan has announced a new competition for the Presidential Prize “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry,” while Turkmen artists recently took part in the Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art.

Art and Environment: In Arkadag, Oguljahan Atabayeva and Leyla Aliyeva discussed shared cultural ties and the MAMA “Mother Nature” exhibition, set to open Oct. 20 and spotlight environmental issues including the Caspian Sea’s decline. Cultural Exchange: Amina Makhmudova was honored in Tashkent after winning the “Tatar Kyzy–2026” contest, whose final took place in Turkmenbashi; speakers praised its role in supporting young talent and preserving heritage. Turkmen Arts Abroad: Artists from Turkmenistan took part in Tashkent’s 11th International Biennale of Contemporary Art, while the play “Bedew Sarpasy” won an award at a TURKSOY student theatre festival. Literary Heritage: Turkmen scholars presented research on Magtymguly’s legacy at an international symposium.

Cultural Exchange: A Turkmen journalist joined the Liangzhu Forum in China, where speakers highlighted international cooperation to preserve cultural heritage. Turkmen journalists also toured Türkiye’s Balıkesir and Çanakkale regions, visiting natural and historic sites. Creative Arts: Turkmenistan’s 36th “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” competition is open to writers, artists, young performers and gifted children, with dedicated contests for dutar players and bagshy musicians. Turkmen artists also took part in the Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art. Stage and Heritage: The Turkmen student play “Bedew sarpasy” won a prize at the TURKSOY international student theatre festival. Turkmen researchers presented work on Magtymguly’s legacy at an international symposium. Sport: Turkmen athletes are competing at the Asian Para Games in Japan, while the country’s 16th Student Universiade and national school and college Spartakiads have begun.

Turkmenistan in Türkiye: A press tour gave Turkmen journalists a chance to photograph Balıkesir’s landscapes and Çanakkale’s historic sites, including Gallipoli and ancient Troy. Sport: Turkmen athletes are competing at the Asian Para Games in Japan, while the women’s handball team won silver at a regional tournament in Tashkent. Creative Arts: Turkmenistan has opened entries for its Türkmeniň Altyn asyry prize, including contests for young performers, dutar musicians and gifted children. Turkmen artists also presented more than 30 paintings at Tashkent’s contemporary art biennale, exploring national heritage through a modern lens. Youth: The 16th Student Universiade and national school and college games have begun, bringing together students from 23 universities. Health and Lifestyle: An Ashgabat event led by UNFPA and the EU shared breast cancer screening advice and self-examination guidance; a separate feature highlights traditional Turkmen foods for supporting gut health.

Cultural Exchange: Turkmen media representatives toured Türkiye’s Balıkesir and Çanakkale regions, visiting natural landmarks, Gallipoli memorials and ancient Troy. Women’s Handball: Turkmenistan took silver at the Asia Zone III Nations Trophy in Tashkent, finishing behind hosts Uzbekistan; Pakistan won bronze. Creative Arts: Turkmenistan announced a new Türkmeniň Altyn asyry competition, including contests for young performers, dutar musicians and gifted children. On Stage: Newly named People’s Artist Berdimyrat Berdiyev reflected on his career, including competing in Moscow’s 1987 Golden Tuning Fork contest. Youth Sport: The 16th Student Universiade and national school and college Spartakiads opened in Ashgabat, bringing together students from 23 universities. Visual Arts: Turkmen artists presented more than 30 works at the Tashkent International Biennale, exploring national heritage and contemporary life. Women’s Health: A UNFPA and EU event in Ashgabat shared guidance on breast cancer prevention, screening and emotional support.

Ashgabat Culture: The capital’s program includes theatre performances on October 18 and the opening of the “MAMA NATURE” art exhibition on October 19. A solo exhibition by artist Hoshgeldi Shahberdiyev is also on view at the Museum of Fine Arts. Turkmen Art Abroad: More than 30 paintings by Azat Muradov, Guncha Muradova and Toyli Chopanov are showing at Tashkent’s 11th International Biennale of Contemporary Art, exploring Turkmen heritage and everyday life through contemporary art. Women’s Health: UNFPA and the European Union brought women and community voices together in Ashgabat to discuss breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection, with guidance from medical specialists and a survivor’s perspective. Family Support: A UNICEF-backed pilot in Ashgabat and Dashoguz has wrapped up, offering parents practical sessions on child development, stress management and non-violent discipline, while training professionals to lead support groups.

Arts in Ashgabat: A concert of Viennese classics and theatre performances are scheduled for October 17–18, with a “Mother Nature” art exhibition opening on October 19. A youth blitz chess tournament is also taking place at Ashgabat International School. Health & Family: UNFPA and the EU brought women together in Ashgabat on October 16 for breast cancer information, screening advice and a self-examination demonstration. A UNICEF parenting pilot in Ashgabat and Dashoguz has also wrapped up, sharing lessons for stronger family support. Turkmen Art Abroad: Works by Azat Muradov, Guncha Muradova and Toyli Chopanov are on display at Tashkent’s contemporary art biennale, presenting Turkmen heritage through modern painting. Youth & Cultural Ties: At the CICA summit in Baku, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed a network of young trust ambassadors to promote peace and intercultural dialogue. Turkmenistan and the Philippines also discussed expanding cultural, educational and humanitarian ties.

Arts & Events: Ashgabat’s cultural calendar features a Viennese music concert and theatre performances on Oct. 17, followed by the “Mother Nature” exhibition opening on Oct. 19. Actress Anastasia Balandina, a nearly 20-year veteran of the Pushkin Theatre, has received Turkmenistan’s “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” State Prize. Women’s Health: UNFPA and the European Union brought women together in Ashgabat for breast cancer awareness, with expert guidance on prevention, screening and self-examination. Family Life: A three-month parenting-support pilot in Ashgabat and Dashoguz shared practical lessons on child development, stress management and non-violent discipline. Turkmen Heritage: Turkmen scholars presented research on translating the poetry of Magtymguly and Azerbaijani poet Samad Vurgun at an international symposium in Bishkek. Sport: Ahal FC began its AFC Challenge League group campaign in Bhutan, opening against host club Paro.

Stage and Screen: Pushkin Theatre actress Anastasia Balandina received Turkmenistan’s “Türkmeniň Altyn asyry” State Prize after nearly 20 years on stage, continuing a family connection to theatre that began at her birth. Music Abroad: A New York concert featured winners of the fifth International Composers Competition, a project promoting Azerbaijani music and the folk heritage of Turkic peoples. What’s On: Ashgabat’s cultural calendar includes a Viennese music concert on October 17, a new theatre premiere and an international art exhibition opening October 19. Heritage: Turkmen scholars presented research on translating the poetry of Magtymguly and Azerbaijani poet Samed Vurgun at a symposium in Bishkek; Turkmenistan also joined a UNESCO workshop in Jakarta on preserving documentary heritage. Family and Wellbeing: A UNICEF-supported parenting pilot in Ashgabat and Dashoguz shared guidance on child development and positive parenting, while a new guide highlights local Turkmen foods as part of a healthy diet.

Korea in Ashgabat: South Korea’s ambassador hosted a reception on October 15 marking the country’s National Foundation and Armed Forces Days, with Turkmen officials and diplomats attending. Family Support: A three-month UNICEF-backed parenting pilot in Ashgabat and Dashoguz has wrapped up, offering lessons for support groups in schools, clinics and social centres. Youth Chess: A blitz tournament for players under 18 is scheduled for October 17 at Ashgabat International School, in partnership with the Chess Federation. Documentary Heritage: Turkmen representatives joined a UNESCO workshop in Jakarta on preserving and nominating valuable historical records. Turkmen Theatre: The play “Bedew sarpasy,” about Ahal-Teke horses, won an award at an international student theatre festival in Kazakhstan. Cotton Harvest: A turkmen.news report says civil servants across the country are being sent to pick cotton or pay for substitutes, with children among some of the pickers.

Youth Chess: Ashgabat International School and Turkmenistan’s Chess Federation will hold an under-18 blitz tournament on October 17. Registration closes today, October 15, with six age and gender categories. Heritage: Turkmenistan joined a UNESCO workshop in Jakarta on preserving documentary heritage and preparing records for international recognition. Stage Arts: Turkmen theatre students won a prize at the TURKSOY student festival in Kazakhstan for “Bedew sarpasy,” a play celebrating Ahal-Teke horses. Young Talent: Violinist Seyran Atanyazov won silver for Turkmenistan at the CIS Youth Delphic Games, repeating his previous result. Sport for All: The 2026 chess championship’s regional qualifying rounds drew a record 401 players, including 130 girls; a Mary judo championship also brought together 85 young athletes from Mary and Ashgabat.

Documentary Heritage: Turkmenistan is taking part in a UNESCO workshop in Jakarta on preserving important archives and preparing them for international recognition. Student Theatre: Turkmenistan’s play “Bedew sarpasy,” inspired by the legendary Ahal-Teke horse, won a prize at the TURKSOY student theatre festival in Kazakhstan. Music: Conservatory violinist Seyran Atanyazov earned silver at the CIS Delphic Games for the second time, while Turkmen performers exchanged music with artists from across the region. Chess: The national championship’s second-league qualifiers drew a record 401 players across four cities, including 126 women competitors.

Academic Ties: Turkmenistan and Russia are expanding educational cooperation, including a new agreement between the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and Moscow State University, with training and study opportunities for Turkmen students. Theatre: Turkmen students won a prize at the TURKSOY festival in Kazakhstan for Bedew sarpasy, a play inspired by Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmen heritage. Young Talent: Violinist Seyran Atanyazov earned silver for Turkmenistan at the CIS Youth Delphic Games, while the national chess championship’s second league drew a record 401 players across four cities. Public Health: An Ashgabat forum discussed improving cervical cancer screening, including primary HPV testing, vaccination and public awareness.

Theatre: Turkmenistan’s State Institute of Culture students won a prize at TURKSOY’s international student theatre festival for Bedew sarpasy, a play inspired by the legendary Ahal-teke horse. Cultural Ties: At the CIS summit in Avaza, Vladimir Putin described Russian as a force uniting member states, while voicing concern about the erosion of Russia’s cultural influence. Public Health: An Ashgabat forum examined cervical cancer screening, including primary HPV testing and Turkmenistan’s move to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. Young Talent: Violinist Seyran Atanyazov won silver at the CIS Delphic Games for the second time, as Turkmen students exchanged music with peers from across the region. Chess: More than 400 players took part in the national championship’s second-league qualifiers, with women’s events drawing about a third of participants.

Media and Culture: Turkmenistan presented its media digitalisation experience at an OSCE conference in Bishkek, where participants discussed trust, ethics and the challenges digital platforms pose for journalism. Regional Ties: In a 13 October call, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised growing cooperation, including cultural and humanitarian ties. Health and Wellbeing: An Ashgabat forum explored primary HPV testing, vaccination and ways to raise awareness of cervical cancer screening. Young Talent: Violinist Seyran Atanyazov won silver at the CIS Delphic Games for the second time, while Turkmen music drew interest from performers across the region. Chess: A record 401 players competed in regional qualifying rounds for Turkmenistan’s second league championship, expanding opportunities for young players beyond Ashgabat. Living Traditions: At the recent summit, bread wrapped in a camel-wool saçak welcomed visiting leaders—a gesture symbolising hospitality and abundance.

Young Musicians: Turkmen violinist Seyran Atanyazov won silver at the CIS Youth Delphic Games in Dushanbe for the second time. Conservatory students also exchanged music and ideas with performers from across the region. Chess for All: The 2026 second-league qualifiers drew a record 401 players across four cities, including 126 women and girls, with many young competitors taking part. Arts and Heritage: A concert of CIS performers in Avaza brought regional artists together during the leaders’ summit. Turkmen children welcomed visiting leaders with bread wrapped in saçak, a traditional camel-wool cloth associated with hospitality and abundance. Education and Dialogue: An Ashgabat forum on healthcare, education and sport opened with participants from more than 45 countries and new university cooperation agreements. Earlier in Avaza, an international women’s dialogue focused on women’s roles in peace and sustainable development.