AGP Executive Report

International Arts & Culture: Turkmen musicians earned top recognition at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Namangan, Uzbekistan, with bakhshi and music-school lecturers winning jury praise for folk repertoire and taking home an honorary statuette and cash prize. Performing Arts: As part of Turkmenistan Culture Week, the Great Main academic drama theatre staged “Love of Oguz,” bringing Gorkut ata’s epic to the stage with a bakhshi-led prologue and a story of Beyrek’s return. Equestrian Heritage: Turkmenistan is preparing for a major cultural-sport showcase in Europe: the Netherlands will host the World Equestrian Championships and the International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest on Sept 4–6, 2026, with Turkmen culture and horse-breeding expertise highlighted. Sports (Youth & Chess): Nineteen Turkmen players competed at the Central and Northern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Kyrgyzstan, winning multiple rapid medals, including two golds and two silvers. Arts & Nature (Exhibition): A family exhibition at the Turkmenistan Exhibition Center of Fine Arts pairs Natalya Kalugina’s sunlit nature paintings with Gennady Osipov’s abstract landscapes. Tourism & Leisure: Avaza’s summer season is in full swing, with resort entertainment, wellness options, and attractions like the “World of Ships” museum drawing visitors along the Caspian coast.

International Arts & Culture: Iran’s weeklong state funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is underway in Tehran, with ceremonies planned across Qom, Najaf, Karbala and Mashhad—featuring major foreign delegations including Turkmenistan, and a notable absence of successor Mojtaba Khamenei. Turkmen Fine Arts: A family exhibition in Ashgabat spotlights Natalya Kalugina’s sunlit landscapes and Gennady Osipov’s abstract “Dream,” blending impressionist influence with modern landscape abstraction. Equestrian Heritage: Turkmenistan’s “Türkmen atlary” is preparing a major European showcase: the World Equestrian Championships and International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in the Netherlands (Sept 4–6, 2026), with cultural and scientific programming. Music & Tradition: Turkmen performers earned top recognition at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Uzbekistan, presenting folk repertoire and joining expert discussions on the future of national musical traditions. Culture Week: Ashgabat hosted the opera “Leyli and Mejnun” (80th anniversary) as part of Culture Week celebrations, while Balkanabat’s Culture Week finale confirmed 2027 hosting in Dashoguz velayat. Sports & Arts Crossover: Turkmen belt wrestlers brought home nine medals at the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan.

Smart City Anniversary: Arkadag City Hall hosted a forum marking the third anniversary of the modern “smart” city, with an exhibition of local developments and international awards and a message tying Arkadag’s tech and architecture to national prosperity and public welfare. Water Infrastructure: New water management facilities were commissioned in Ahal Velayat (Gökdepe etrap) and Ashgabat on July 1, as part of wider efforts to modernize water supply and support agriculture. Akhal-Teke in Europe: Turkmenistan’s MFA briefed preparations for the Sept. 4–6, 2026 World Equestrian Championships and International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in the Netherlands—framed as a cultural showcase and a boost to the breed’s global prestige. Culture Week Momentum: Culture Week 2027 was confirmed for Dashoguz velayat, following the end of Culture Week 2026 in Balkanabat with concerts, poetry tributes to Magtymguly Fragi, and a handover of the Challenge Cup. Film & Arts Links: Azerbaijan’s cinema agency opened applications for a 2026 co-production support competition, listing Turkmenistan among priority partner countries. Sports & Talent: Turkmen athletes won nine medals at the Asian belt wrestling championships in Uzbekistan, while chess and rally-raid events highlighted growing local competition.

Equestrian & Culture Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s MFA briefed on a major European showcase: the World Equestrian Championships and the International Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest will run Sept 4–6, 2026, at Peelbergen in Kronenberg, Netherlands, with a Turkmen “Türkmen atlary” pavilion featuring exhibitions and an international program aimed at promoting Turkmen culture and the Akhal-Teke as a national treasure. Film Industry Support: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency (ARKA) opened a 2026 support competition for co-production films, naming Turkmenistan among priority partner countries and giving preference to projects tied to shared figures, history, traditions, values, and children’s stories. Culture Week Momentum: Turkmenistan confirmed Culture Week 2027 will be held in Dashoguz velayat (June 22–27), continuing the annual tradition tied to the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Summer Arts & Leisure: Avaza’s peak summer season is in full swing, with hotels, health resorts, family entertainment, and attractions like the “Gämiler dünýäsi” ship-model museum drawing visitors along the Caspian coast. Music Recognition: Turkmen musical art earned high recognition at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Uzbekistan, where Turkmen performers and experts were praised and awarded.

Akhal-Teke in the spotlight: Turkmenistan says the Netherlands will host the World Beauty Championship and an equestrian competition featuring Akhal-Teke horses on Sept. 4–6, with a program spanning breeding, science, and a culture-and-traditions exhibition. Summer culture & leisure: Avaza National Tourist Zone is in full swing, drawing thousands to hotels, health resorts, and kids’ centers, with a water park, amusement parks, excursions, and the “World of Ships” museum. Maqom recognition: Turkmen musicians won top honors at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Namangan, presenting folk repertoire that earned an honorary statuette and cash prize. Culture Week momentum: Ashgabat hosted the opera “Leyli and Mejnun” as part of Culture Week, while Balkan velayat wrapped up its own Culture Week program and confirmed Culture Week 2027 will be held in Dashoguz. Youth & healthy living: UNODC in Turkmenistan launched a “Prevention Starts with Me” youth awareness week at the UN building in Ashgabat, focused on drug-abuse prevention. Sports on the rise: Turkmen belt wrestlers brought home nine medals at the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan, and the national rally raid championship concluded with a 358 km Garagum Desert route.

Summer Tourism at Avaza: Turkmenistan’s Caspian resort “Avaza” is in full swing, with thousands of visitors enjoying hotels, health resorts, children’s centers, and a packed entertainment-and-wellness lineup including a water park, amusement parks, boat trips, cycling excursions, and the “World of Ships” museum. Maqom Recognition: Turkmen musicians won prizes at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Namangan, Uzbekistan, presenting folk repertoire and earning an honorary statuette and cash award, with experts also discussing the future of national musical traditions. Culture Week Momentum: The Culture Week in Balkan velayat wrapped up with concerts and poetry events for Magtymguly Pyragy, and a key announcement set Culture Week 2027 for Dashoguz velayat. Opera Spotlight: Ashgabat marked Culture Week with the 80th-anniversary opera “Leyli and Mejnun,” staged at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. Youth & Healthy Living: UNODC in Ashgabat launched a “Prevention Starts with Me” Youth Awareness & Healthy Lifestyle Week, featuring peer education and a theatrical performance. Sports on the Cultural Page: Turkmen belt wrestlers brought home nine medals at the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan, underlining how sport keeps feeding national pride.

Maqom Spotlight: Turkmen musicians won top recognition at the Third International Maqom Art Forum in Namangan, with performances of “Jan-Jan,” “Arzurum,” “Balsayat,” and “Yar Senin” earning praise and awards. Culture Week Momentum: The Culture Week finale in Balkan velayat wrapped with concerts and poetry events for Magtymguly Fragi, and officials announced Culture Week 2027 will be held in Dashoguz. Opera Anniversary: Ashgabat hosted “Leyli and Mejnun” at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, marking the 80th anniversary of Danatar Ovezov and Yuliy Meitus’s opera. International Arts Diplomacy: Turkmen cultural and art workers were commemorated in Kyiv with a flower-laying ceremony at the Magtymguly Fragi monument and an embassy reception. Equestrian Heritage: A new feature highlights the Akhal-Teke’s role in Turkmen identity and international recognition, tying the breed to the “purposeful winged horses” national motto. Youth & Lifestyle: UNODC launched a “Prevention Starts with Me” youth awareness week in Ashgabat, including a theatrical performance.

Chess & Youth Sports: The first Championship of Central and Northern Asia in chess for boys and girls runs June 30–July 9 in Korumdu, Issyk-Kul, with 500+ players from six countries including Turkmenistan, plus titled competitors. Drug Prevention Through Culture & Community: UNODC in Turkmenistan launched “Prevention Starts with Me” (June 25–July 2) at the UN building in Ashgabat, training youth 13–18 with peer-to-peer sessions and a theatrical performance. Culture Week Momentum: Culture Week wrapped up in Balkan velayat with flower-laying at Magtymguly Fragi’s monument, a concert for Culture and Art Workers Day, and news that Culture Week 2027 will be held in Dashoguz. Opera Spotlight: Ashgabat hosted “Leyli and Mejnun” at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, marking the opera’s 80th anniversary and showcasing a major theatrical exhibition. Next Year’s Plan: A presidential resolution sets Culture Week 2027 in Dashoguz (June 22–27), with an organizing committee formed. International Arts Links: Turkmen cultural workers and Magtymguly Fragi celebrations were held in Kyiv, including a solemn flower-laying ceremony and reception at the embassy. Eco-Festival for Families: “Young Naturalist” invites Ashgabat residents to a July 4 event (16:00–19:00) with live music, eco-games, STEM zones, and art masterclasses—plus a clothing and bottle swap.

Culture Week wrap-up: Balkan velayat’s Culture Week ended with flower-laying at the Magtymguly Fragi monument, a concert at “Türkmeniň ak öýi,” and the official announcement that Culture Week 2027 will be hosted in Dashoguz velayat. Opera & theatre spotlight: Ashgabat audiences saw “Leyli and Mejnun” staged by the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, marking the opera’s 80th anniversary and featuring a full conservatory-and-theatre ensemble. Poetry & cultural diplomacy: Turkmen cultural workers and Magtymguly Fragi celebrations continued abroad, with solemn Kyiv events at the poet’s monument and an embassy reception. Next year’s cultural planning: A presidential resolution sets Culture Week 2027 in Dashoguz from June 22–27, with an organizing committee formed. Science-meets-creativity: An interview profiles Emre Erdur’s take on Central Asia’s visual storytelling codes, while Ahmet Penjiyev’s path turns science fiction ideas into real research. Eco-events for families: “Yash tebigatchy” invites Ashgabat residents to a July 4 environmental festival with music, eco-games, STEM zones, and art masterclasses. Arts for children: The inclusive theatre group premiered “Emerald city” at the Pushkin Russian drama theatre, bringing a classic fairy tale to young audiences.

Culture Week Spotlight: Ashgabat’s Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre staged the opera “Leyli and Mejnun” for Culture Week 2026, marking the work’s 80th anniversary with performances by singers and musicians from the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory and a pre-show exhibition of theatrical art. Next Year’s Plan: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution to hold Culture Week 2027 in Dashoguz velayat (June 22–27, 2027), with an organizing committee set up for the event. Poetry & Diplomacy: Turkmen cultural workers and Magtymguly Fragi celebrations continued abroad, including solemn flower-laying in Kyiv and related embassy events honoring the poet’s legacy. Arts for Young Audiences: Ashgabat’s children’s inclusive theatre premiered “Emerald city” at the Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre, bringing a fairy-tale message of intelligence, heart, and courage. Community & Environment: “Young Naturalist” invites Ashgabat residents to a July 4 eco-festival with live music, eco-games, STEM activities, and a recycling/clothing swap at the “Ashgabat” S&E Center. International Film: The CIS Film Forum Central Asia+ opened in Almaty with screenings and business sessions, including Turkmen film industry participation.

Culture Week Spotlight: Ashgabat’s Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre staged “Leyli and Mejnun” for Culture Week 2026, marking the opera’s 80th anniversary with performances by singers and musicians from the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory, plus a pre-show exhibition of theatrical art. Next Year’s Plan: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution to hold Culture Week 2027 in Dashoguz velayat (June 22–27), timed with the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Poetry Abroad: Turkmen cultural and art workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s Poetry Day were marked in Kyiv with a flower-laying ceremony at the poet’s monument and a reception at the Turkmen embassy. Local Arts & Libraries: Ashgabat’s libraries and cultural venues ran Culture Week events and book exhibitions dedicated to Magtymguly Fragi, while an inclusive children’s theatre group premiered “Emerald city” at the Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre. Eco-Entertainment: “Young Naturalist” invites Ashgabat residents to a July 4 environmental festival at the “Ashgabat” S&E Center featuring live music, eco-games, STEM zones, and art masterclasses—plus a bottle/clothing swap.

Culture Week 2027 (Dashoguz): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution to hold Culture Week in Dashoguz velayat from June 22–27, 2027, timed with the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry, with an organizing committee set up to run the program. Culture Week 2026 (Balkanabat & beyond): The Week of culture continued in Balkan velayat with forums and heritage-focused sessions, including field seminars on modern methods for studying and restoring historical monuments. Magtymguly in Kyiv: Turkmenistan’s embassy in Ukraine marked the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Poetry Day with a flower-laying ceremony at Magtymguly Fragi’s Kyiv monument and a reception highlighting cultural ties. Local arts & youth: Ashgabat’s children’s inclusive theatre group premiered the fairy tale play “Emerald city” at the Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre, while library branches staged book exhibitions and events celebrating Culture Week and Magtymguly. Fashion on the move: Turkmen designer Govher Pirkulyyeva-Guverne debuted a new collection on the Tangier Fashion Week catwalk, blending Turkmen embroidery and ornaments with global fashion trends. Film cooperation: The CIS Film Forum Central Asia+ opened in Almaty with screenings and business sessions featuring Turkmenistan alongside regional partners. Eco event in Ashgabat: “Young Naturalist” invites residents to a July 4 environmental festival at the Ashgabat S&E Center, with live music, eco-games, STEM zones, art masterclasses, and a clothing/plastic swap.

Culture Week 2027 (Dashoguz): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution to hold Culture Week in Dashoguz velayat from June 22–27, 2027, with an organizing committee set up to coordinate events aimed at promoting Turkmen culture, art, and Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry. Culture Week 2026 (Balkanabat): The 2026 Culture Week opened in Balkanabat alongside the Day of Culture and Art Workers and Magtymguly Pyragy Poetry, featuring exhibitions and a broad cultural forum. Local cultural programming (Ashgabat): Ashgabat library branches and cultural venues marked the holiday with book exhibitions and events focused on Magtymguly Fragi, including “The Flourishing of Culture, Art, and Literature.” International arts diplomacy (Kyiv): Turkmenistan’s embassy in Ukraine held solemn flower-laying and reception events for the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Poetry Day, honoring Magtymguly Fragi. Fashion on the move: Designer Govher Pirkulyyeva-Guverne debuted a new collection on Tangier Fashion Week, blending Turkmen keshde embroidery and ornaments with contemporary runway demands. Eco-arts community event: “Young Naturalist” and Yash tebigatchy invite residents to a July 4 environmental festival in Ashgabat with live music, eco-games, STEM zones, and art masterclasses—plus a recycling and clothing swap.

Eco-Festival in Ashgabat: “Yash tebigatchy” is inviting residents to a July 4, 16:00–19:00 environmental event at the Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center (Bilelik Hub), with live music, eco-games, STEM zones, and art masterclasses—plus a recycling and clothing swap (bring a plastic bottle or pre-loved items). Culture & Poetry Abroad: Turkmenistan’s Embassy in Ukraine marked the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Magtymguly Pyragy Poetry Day with a Kyiv flower-laying ceremony at the poet’s monument and a reception highlighting ties between the two countries. Culture Week, Day-by-Day: In Balkan velayat, Culture Week continues with seminars on restoring historical monuments and a packed program celebrating Turkmen spiritual values, while Ashgabat libraries and cultural venues host exhibitions and readings focused on Magtymguly Fragi. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen judoka Maysa Pardayeva won gold after a golden-score final at the Qingdao Grand Prix, adding another high-profile moment for Turkmen sport. Fashion on the Move: Designer Govher Pirkulyyeva-Guverne debuted a new collection on Tangier Fashion Week, blending Turkmen keshde embroidery and ancient ornaments for an international audience.

Culture Diplomacy in Kyiv: Turkmenistan’s Embassy in Ukraine marked the Day of Cultural and Art Workers and Poetry Day of Magtymguly Fragi with a flower-laying ceremony at his Kyiv monument and a reception, stressing long-standing Turkmen-Ukrainian cultural ties. Ashgabat Library Outreach: The Choganly branch of Ashgabat’s library system hosted an outreach exhibition and event at the Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural and Park Complex, spotlighting Fragi’s legacy and the holiday’s role in promoting national culture. Culture Week, Balkan Velayat: The Week of culture continued with heritage-focused seminars on restoring historical monuments and a packed program of song, music, and performances tied to Magtymguly Fragi celebrations. International Film Cooperation: The CIS Film Forum Central Asia+ opened in Almaty, bringing together film industry representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for screenings and cooperation talks. Fashion on the Move: Turkmen designer Govher Pirkulyyeva-Guverne debuted a new collection on the Tangier Fashion Week catwalk, blending Turkmen keshde embroidery and ancient ornaments with global fashion demands. Sport & Culture Crossovers: Turkmenistan Cup quarterfinals are nearing the semifinals, with Arkadag and Altyn Asyr posting big first-leg wins.

Culture Week & Magtymguly in Kyiv: Turkmenistan marked the Day of Culture and Art with a flower-laying ceremony at the Magtymguly Fragi monument in Kyiv, followed by an embassy reception, spotlighting the poet’s role in shared spiritual culture. Culture Week in Ashgabat: An Ashgabat library event and book exhibition, “The Flourishing of Culture, Art, and Literature,” tied Culture Week to Magtymguly’s poetry and the push to promote Turkmen culture at home and abroad. International humanitarian arts-adjacent spotlight: The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov charity foundation met UNDP and diplomats from China and Palestine to expand medical and social support for children, reinforcing Turkmenistan’s cultural diplomacy through people-to-people ties. Film & regional screen culture: The CIS Film Forum Central Asia+ opened in Almaty with screenings and business sessions bringing together film industries including Turkmenistan. Fashion on the move: Turkmen designer Govher Pirkulyyeva-Guverne debuted a new collection at Tangier Fashion Week, blending keshde embroidery and ancient ornaments for global audiences. Sports-culture crossover: Turkmenistan Cup quarterfinals are heating up, with Arkadag and Altyn Asyr posting big first-leg wins.