AGP Executive Report

Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy in the Netherlands: Turkmenistan’s “heavenly” horses took center stage at the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke beauty contest in Kronenberg, with a three-day mix of competition, a scientific breeding conference, and cultural performances—plus high-level meetings and a Dutch-language book presentation, all framed as culture diplomacy and international cooperation. Music & Mentorship: At the Danatar Ovezov Turkmen State Special Music School, composer Rovshen Nepesov met young aspiring composers, listened to their works, and urged them to draw inspiration from national musical heritage. Theatre Spotlight: The Pushkin-named State Russian Drama Theatre staged “Hear Me,” focusing on a young woman’s fight for education and choice amid generational conflict. Pop Culture in Ashgabat: The Tahir Atayev Orchestra is set to stage a Marvel vs. DC symphonic concert at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre on Sept. 17. Sports & Youth: Turkmenistan’s U20 team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 2–1 win over Iraq, while the VI World Nomad Games continued to feature Turkmen medal wins in traditional wrestling. Community Events: A free “Ozone Day” intellectual contest for ages 15–24 is scheduled for Sept. 16 at “Ish Nokady” coworking space in Ashgabat.

Akhal-Teke Culture Diplomacy in the Netherlands: From 4–6 September, the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg hosted the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest for Akhal-Teke horses, bringing 100+ horses and guests from 25 countries. The programme mixed competition with a scientific breeding conference, cultural performances, and international diplomacy, with Turkmenistan’s delegation highlighting traditions, craftsmanship, and the UNESCO-recognized heritage behind “heavenly” horses. Hero-Arkadag in Dutch Cultural Spotlight: Hero-Arkadag’s book presentation in Dutch—“The Horse: a symbol of loyalty and happiness”—and meetings during the visit framed the event as peace-and-friendship cultural outreach. Turkmen Arts on Stage (and Screen): The Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre staged “Hear Me,” focusing on youth rights and generational conflict, while in Ashgabat the Tahir Atayev Orchestra prepares a symphonic “Marvel vs DC” concert of superhero themes on 17 September. Sports with Cultural Roots: Turkmen athletes also featured at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, winning medals in goresh, kurash, and other traditional disciplines. Community & Learning: The French Institute in Ashgabat held an open day with language, media, and cultural events, including a new photo exhibition “Journey through Turkmen Lands.”

Akhal-Teke Horse Culture Diplomacy in the Netherlands: From 4–6 September, the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg hosted the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest for Akhal-Teke horses, with 100+ horses from 25 countries. Scientific & cultural programming: A multi-country breeding conference, international exhibitions, and performances by Turkmen artists framed the event as living heritage. Hero-Arkadag’s book launch: “The Horse – a symbol of loyalty and happiness” was presented in Dutch during the championships. High-level meetings: Hero-Arkadag met Çalik Holding’s Ahmet Çalık, underscoring Turkmen equestrian culture as a bridge for international cooperation. Turkmen sports on the move: Turkmenistan’s U20 beat Iraq 2–1 in AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in Thailand. World Nomad Games results: Turkmen athletes won medals across goresh, kurash, alysh, and khapsagay in Kyrgyzstan, keeping traditional sport in the spotlight. Arts & pop culture: A Tahir Atayev Orchestra concert in Ashgabat on 17 September will stage a “Marvel vs DC” symphonic program. Youth culture event: “Young Naturalist” and the Ozone Center invite 15–24-year-olds to a free ozone-layer intellectual contest on 16 September in Ashgabat.

Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy in Europe: From 4–6 September, Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke community took center stage at the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest in Kronenberg, Netherlands, with 100+ horses from 25 countries and a concert featuring Turkmen artists; National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended an open session of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, pushing plans for deeper scientific cooperation and international competitions. World Nomad Games Medal Rush: Turkmen athletes delivered early results at Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, winning gold and bronze across goresh, kurash, and khapsagay, with named podium finishes including Annagurban Allaberdiyev (goresh) and Kemal Kemalov (kurash). Superhero Music Night in Ashgabat: The Tahir Atayev Orchestra will stage a Marvel-vs-DC themed symphonic concert on 17 September at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, promising themes from Spider-Man, Thor, Batman and more. French Culture Open Day: The French Institute in Turkmenistan hosts an open day on 5 September (15:00–19:30) with language demos, DELF/DALF info, a new photo exhibition opening (“Journey through Turkmen Lands”), and student performances. Sports & Youth Football: Turkmenistan’s U20 team began AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 2–1 win over Iraq, while separate coverage highlights how youth development systems can make or break national teams.

World Nomad Games: Turkmenistan’s athletes are making noise at Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, with goresh and kurash medals early on and more results rolling in across wrestling disciplines. Ahal-Teke in the spotlight: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Ahal-teke horse as a symbol of Turkmen sovereignty and cultural diplomacy, pointing to equestrian events and UNESCO-listed traditions. Music & pop culture: Ashgabat’s Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater hosts a Marvel vs. DC themed concert by the Tahir Atayev Orchestra on Sept. 17, promising symphonic “confrontation” with superhero soundtrack themes. Education & culture: Turkmenistan opened new university campuses with high-tech labs and international certifications, while the French Institute in Ashgabat held an open day featuring language, media library activities, and a new photo exhibition. Sports roundup: In the Turkmenistan Football Championship, Arkadag beat Shagadam 3–0, Merv edged Ashgabat 3–2, and Kopetdag drew Nebitçi 2–2. Community event: A free “Young Naturalist” ozone-layer intellectual contest is set for Sept. 16 at Ish Nokady, for ages 15–24.

World Nomad Games: Turkmen athletes kept the spotlight on traditional sport in Kyrgyzstan, with goresh and kurash medals reported across the opening days, while the wider Games continue to mix ethnosport and culture on an international stage. Football & youth development: Turkmenistan’s U20 side began AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 2–1 win over Iraq, and an Iraq youth coach criticized youth pathways and fitness systems after the loss to Turkmenistan. Music & pop culture: Ashgabat’s Tahir Atayev Orchestra is set to stage a Marvel-vs-DC themed symphonic concert on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater. Arts education & language: The French Institute in Ashgabat announced an Open Day with talks, DELF/DALF info, a photo exhibition opening, and student performances. Community learning: A free “Young Naturalist” ozone-layer intellectual contest is scheduled for Sept. 16 at “Ish Nokady,” targeting ages 15–24. Sports results roundup: Turkmenistan’s domestic league delivered a 3–0 away win for “Arkadag,” plus dramatic results for “Merv” and “Kopetdag.”

Football & League Buzz: “Arkadag” extended its dominance with a 3–0 away win over “Shagadam,” while “Merv” staged a late comeback to beat “Ashgabat” 3–2, and “Kopetdag” drew 2–2 with “Nebitçi.” Sports Diplomacy & Traditional Games: Turkmenistan’s presence at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan continues to stand out, with Turkmen athletes taking medals across goresh, kurash, and other wrestling disciplines. Equestrian Heritage: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Ahal-teke horse as a symbol of sovereignty and noted its growing international profile, including UNESCO recognition and upcoming equestrian events. Music & Pop Culture: A Turkmen string orchestra is set to stage a “Marvel vs. DC” themed symphonic concert in Ashgabat on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater. Community & Learning: The “Young Naturalist” and the Ozone Center invite youth aged 15–24 to a free intellectual contest on Sept. 16 about protecting the ozone layer and tackling climate change. Culture in the City: The French Institute in Ashgabat hosts an Open Day on Sept. 5, featuring a new photo exhibition opening and a packed program of language, arts, and performances.

Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Diplomacy: Uzbekistan marked its 35th independence anniversary with a reception in Ashgabat, where the Uzbek ambassador and Turkmen officials highlighted “New Uzbekistan” reforms and growing good-neighbourliness. World Nomad Games Spotlight: Turkmen athletes started strong at Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, winning goresh gold (Annagurban Allaberdiyev) and kurash bronze (Kemal Kemalov), while other Turkmen wrestlers and teams also placed across disciplines. Equestrian Heritage Goes Global: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov praised the Ahal-teke horse as a symbol of sovereignty and noted its UNESCO intangible heritage status, with major equestrian events planned at home and abroad. Sports Diplomacy, Tennis Edition: In New York, Turkmenistan’s UN representative met World Tennis president David Haggerty to discuss a 2027 plan for junior tournaments in Turkmenistan and expanded professional exchanges. Arts & Pop Culture: A Turkmen string orchestra will stage a Marvel vs. DC musical “symphonic confrontation” in Ashgabat on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater. French Culture in Ashgabat: The French Institute held an open day with language activities, DELF/DALF info, and a new photo exhibition space for “Journey through Turkmen Lands” by Paul Nadar. Carpet Scholarship: Hajji Baba Club named 2026–2027 research fellows Cosima Stewart and Adela Foo to advance studies of carpets and textiles.

Superhero Music Night in Ashgabat: The Tahir Atayev Orchestra will stage a Marvel vs. DC-themed concert on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, with symphonic takes on Spider-Man, Thor, Batman and more. Equestrian Heritage Goes Global: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Ahal-teke horse as a symbol of Turkmen sovereignty and cultural diplomacy, while a major Akhal-Teke championship is set to run in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, spotlighting dressage, show-jumping and horse beauty culture. Carpets & Textiles Scholarship: Hajji Baba Club named 2026–2027 Research Fellows Cosima Stewart and Adela Foo to advance original research on carpets and weaving traditions. World Nomad Games: Turkmen in the Medal Mix: Turkmen athletes won goresh and kurash medals at Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, including Annagurban Allaberdiev (goresh gold) and Kemal Kemalov (kurash bronze), as the Games’ cultural program continues across Issyk-Kul. French Culture Day in Ashgabat: The French Institute’s Sept. 5 Open Day will feature language activities, DELF/DALF info, a new photo exhibition location (“Journey through Turkmen Lands”), and student performances. Education & Youth Focus: New university campuses and Knowledge Day events marked the start of the 2026–2027 year, with fresh facilities and tech upgrades for students.

Akhal-Teke in Europe: Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horse community heads to the World Akhal-Teke Championship in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, starting Sept. 4, with classes for young stallions through adult horses and a world-champion selection—plus dressage, show-jumping, and a beauty contest spotlighting Turkmen horse adornment and heritage. Nomad Games spotlight: Turkmen athletes opened the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with medals across goresh, kurash, and heavyweight wrestling—Annagurban Allaberdiev taking goresh gold and Kemal Kemalov earning kurash bronze—while Kyrgyz and other teams also stacked early podiums. Music pop culture: A Turkmen string orchestra is set to stage a Marvel vs. DC musical showdown in Ashgabat on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, promising symphonic superhero theme music. French culture day: The French Institute in Ashgabat hosts an open day Sept. 5 with language activities, DELF/DALF info, and a new photo exhibition location for “Journey through Turkmen Lands.” Education & youth arts: Knowledge Day celebrations included new school openings and first-bell ceremonies, with children’s performances and music featuring Turkmen and Russian instruments.

French Institute Open Day in Ashgabat: The French Institute invites families to an Open Day on Sept. 5 (15:00–19:30), with French courses, DELF/DALF info and demos, a new photo exhibition opening (“Journey through Turkmen Lands,” by Paul Nadar), plus music, theater, flash mobs, and a kids’ film and chess program. Marvel vs. DC in Turkmenistan: Ashgabat’s Tahir Atayev Orchestra will stage a superhero-themed concert on Sept. 17 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, pairing orchestral themes from Spider-Man, Thor, Batman and more. World Nomad Games spotlight: Turkmen athletes started strong in Kyrgyzstan’s VI World Nomad Games, taking gold and bronze in goresh and kurash on day one. Education and youth culture: New university campuses and Knowledge Day events marked the start of the 2026–2027 year, with modern labs and robotics facilities highlighted. Fashion abroad: Turkmen designers head to Who’s Next in Paris (Sept. 5–7) under an EU-backed initiative, bringing denim, ikat, embroidery, and traditional craft-inspired looks. Equestrian adventure for women: A feature highlights female-led horseback trips across Central Asia, including journeys that began in Turkmenistan.

World Nomad Games (Sports & Culture): Turkmenistan’s goresh star Annagurban Allaberdiev won gold on day one in Cholpon-Ata, while Kemal Kemalov took bronze in kurash; the Games also opened with Mongolian wrestling medals going to Anar Dorj (gold), Monge Ertine Kuular (silver), and Surlige Surlige plus Orozbek Ashirov (bronze). Diplomacy Meets Entertainment: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s sudden Bishkek appearance alongside Senator Steve Daines—during the World Nomad Games and amid the SCO summit—sparked questions about broader “commercial diplomacy” in Central Asia. Education & Youth Culture: Turkmenistan marked Knowledge Day with new school openings and first bells, plus the inauguration of modern university campuses in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat featuring high-tech labs and international ISO certifications. Arts & Community Programming: In Ashgabat, pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov staged an interactive children’s concert-story, “The Musical Detective,” turning classical pieces into a mystery-solving adventure. Fashion & Craft Export: Turkmen designers are set to showcase ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris under an EU-backed initiative, spotlighting denim, ikat, silk embroidery, and traditional techniques. Theatre on Film: Turkmenfilm is producing a feature on national theatre history, “Theatre – my destiny!”, with filming across major stages nationwide.

World Nomad Games: The VI World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with major international attention, and Turkmenistan’s delegation is competing across traditional disciplines. VIK-2026 Results: On Sept. 1 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz athletes started strong—winning a silver and two bronzes in Mongolian wrestling, goresh, and kurash—while Turkmen goresh and kurash medalists also stood out. Education & Youth Culture: Turkmenistan marked Knowledge Day with new university campuses in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, plus “first bell” ceremonies nationwide, including a joint Turkmen-Russian school performance featuring dutar and balalaika. Arts & Film: “Turkmenfilm” is preparing a 30-minute feature on the origins and modern achievements of national theatre art, with filming across major stages and archival material. Fashion Abroad: Turkmen designers are set to present ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris, bringing textiles and traditional techniques to an international runway. Diplomacy via Culture/Sport: US envoy Sergio Gor’s sudden Bishkek visit during the Games and SCO summit sparked questions about broader “commercial diplomacy” beyond sports.

World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan: The 6th World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with 100+ countries taking part across 43 traditional disciplines, blending ethnosport, culture and science—while Turkmen athletes competed in events including guresh and kurash. Diplomacy meets sport: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s sudden Bishkek appearance during the SCO summit raised eyebrows, with meetings pointing to broader “commercial diplomacy” beyond the Games. Turkmen education culture moments: Knowledge Day celebrations rolled out nationwide, including first-bell ceremonies for 186 first-graders at the A.S. Pushkin Turkmen-Russian School in Ashgabat, featuring a joint music performance with dutar and balalaika. Arts for kids: Pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov staged an interactive “Musical Detective” concert-story at Ashgabat’s Culture and Recreation Park, turning classical pieces into a mystery-solving game for children and parents. Fashion abroad: Turkmen designers are set to show ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris under an EU-backed initiative, spotlighting denim, embroidery and traditional textile techniques. Equestrian heritage: Preparations continue for the Ahal‑teke world championship in the Netherlands, bringing Turkmen horse culture to a European stage. Green push in Ashgabat: “Green Partnership” drew youth to eco-ideas, upcycling and flash-mob activities at the Bilelik Hub creative center.

World Nomad Games: The 6th “nomadic Olympics” opened in Bishkek with delegations from 100+ countries and 21 heads of state, as equestrian and steppe traditions took center stage ahead of the Sept. 6 finish. Youth Sports: Turkmenistan’s karate pipeline stays in focus as national teams prepare for the AKF Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships. Music for Kids: In Ashgabat’s “About Music. Children” series, pianist Vladimir Mkrtumov staged “The Musical Detective,” turning classical pieces into an interactive mystery for children and parents. Turkmen Culture on Film: “Turkmenfilm” is producing a 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the roots and modern achievements of Turkmen stage art across regions. Fashion Abroad: Turkmen designers are set to show ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris (Sept. 5–7), bringing denim, ikat, silk and embroidery to an international runway. Green & Learning: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education opened a solar power station at Mary’s School No. 36, powering sports grounds and serving as a hands-on renewable energy classroom. Equestrian Spotlight: Preparations continue for the Ahal-teke world championship in Cronenberg, Netherlands (Sept. 4–6), billed as a landmark global event for the breed. Turkmen in International Media: Syria’s Turkmen community received official accreditation for “Turkmen TV,” positioning it as the first licensed channel carrying the community’s name.

Cultural Diplomacy & Tourism Media: Turkmenistan joined CIS heads of state information agencies in Cholpon-Ata, where the focus was boosting tourism through coordinated media support, shared best practices, and joint events like exhibitions and festivals. Eco-Event in Ashgabat: “Green Partnership” brought youth to the Bilelik Hub creative center for eco-innovations, waste-reduction and upcycling activities, and a flashmob plus trivia on environmental knowledge, backed by the Israeli embassy in Turkmenistan. Education & Clean Energy: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education opened a 12.5 kW solar power station at Mary’s Secondary School No. 36, pairing panels with 48 kWh battery storage to power school facilities and serve as a hands-on renewable energy learning base. Turkmen Arts on Film: Turkmenfilm is producing a 30-minute feature, “Theatre – my destiny!”, tracing the roots and modern achievements of national stage art across the country. Fashion Abroad: Turkmen designers are set to show ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris (Sept 5–7) under an EU-funded initiative. Sports Spotlight: Arkadag extended its domestic dominance with a 100th consecutive championship win, while Ahal climbed back to second after a key victory.