AGP Executive Report

Ashgabat Earthquake Commemoration: On the 78th anniversary of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, the Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre staged “Halk hakydasy,” a Grand Prix-winning play honoring victims through documentary-style staging of the tragedy’s impact on students and families. Arkadaş City Update: National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the second phase of Arkadag ahead of Remembrance Day, including the Arkadag ruhy metjidi mosque, a sadaqah hall, and plans for schools, healthcare, and sports—pushing modern, “smart city” design. Avaza Diplomacy & Culture: Avaza on the Caspian coast prepares for Oct 7–9 talks bringing together CIS, Central Asia–Azerbaijan, and Caspian environmental discussions—covering transport, trade, water, healthcare, women’s participation, media, and culture. European Culture Days: The EU Delegation in Turkmenistan announced European Culture Days for Nov 20, 2026 at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, featuring Italian jazz singer Simona De Rosa. Music Day Concert: International Music Day was marked at the Maya Kuliyeva Conservatory with a chamber ensemble concert starting with dutar, featuring Turkmen and European composers and invited older-persons audiences. Sports Spotlight: Turkmenistan added medals at the Asian Games—weightlifter Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in 110kg, while Turkmen judokas head to the World Championships in Baku.

Cultural Remembrance: Ashgabat marked the 78th anniversary of the 1948 earthquake with stage tributes at the Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre, including the Grand Prix-winning play “Halk hakydasy,” bringing eyewitness accounts to the spotlight. City & Heritage: Ahead of Remembrance Day, National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the second phase of Arkadag City, from the Arkadag ruhy metjidi mosque and its Islamic design details to plans for schools, a medical cluster, and sports facilities. Arts Calendar: Museums and theatres in the capital opened new exhibitions and weekend performances tied to older persons’ remembrance and earthquake memory, with “Halk hakydasy” among the featured plays. Music & Performance: The Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory hosted an International Music Day concert, starting with the dutar and mixing Turkmen works with European classics. Sports & National Pride: Turkmenistan’s Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the 110kg weightlifting at the Asian Games, while Turkmen judokas began competing at the World Championships in Baku. Regional Spotlight: Avaza prepares for a dense diplomacy run (CIS, Central Asia–Azerbaijan, and Caspian environmental talks), with culture and media also on the agenda.

Regional Diplomacy: Central Asia and Azerbaijan are set to meet at Turkmenistan’s Avaza for the first formal consultative summit, with leaders already signing a declaration on transport, energy, trade and security. Sports & National Pride: Turkmenistan’s athletes keep stacking medals—554 in the first nine months of 2026—and the World Judo Championships begin in Baku with a Turkmen team of four. Asian Games Spotlight: Turkmen weightlifter Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the 110kg category at Nagoya, while Turkmen judo at the Games remains in focus after a Turkmen opponent was involved in a high-profile weigh-in dispute. Culture Calendar: Ashgabat will host European Culture Days in November 2026, featuring Italian jazz performer Simona De Rosa at Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. Arts & Community: The Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory marks International Music Day with a concert spanning Turkmen and European composers, and Ashgabat museums open new exhibitions tied to older persons and the 1948 earthquake. Fashion & Film Links: Turkmenistan’s cultural reach also shows up abroad, from international fashion-week showcases to cinema co-production funding that includes Turkmenistan among priority countries.

International Culture: The EU Delegation in Turkmenistan is set to bring “European Culture Days” to Ashgabat on 20 November 2026, with Italian jazz singer Simona De Rosa performing at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. Music & Heritage: Ashgabat’s Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory marked International Music Day with a chamber-ensemble concert featuring Turkmen classics alongside Mozart, Bach, and other European composers, with the dutar opening the programme. Sports Spotlight: Turkmen weightlifter Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the men’s 110kg at the Asian Games in Nagoya, securing a second Asiad silver for Turkmenistan after a tactical clean-and-jerk battle. Capital Arts Calendar: Museums and theatres across Ashgabat are rolling out new exhibitions and weekend performances, including shows tied to Older Persons Day and the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, plus multiple drama and music listings for 2–4 October. Equestrian & Culture: The Ahal-teke Equestrian Complex opened with international guests, spotlighting Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke breeding tradition and its growing global profile.

European Culture Days in Ashgabat: The EU Delegation in Turkmenistan says European Culture Days will run in November 2026, with a special Italian jazz programme by Simona De Rosa at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre on 20 November. Capital museum and theatre calendar: From 1 October, Ashgabat’s museums are staging new shows tied to older persons and remembrance, including “Pederleri hatyralap” and exhibitions marking the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, while theatres list weekend performances across drama and music stages. International Music Day concert: At the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory, a chamber-ensemble concert opened with the dutar and featured Turkmen and European composers, with guest performances by state-prize laureates and honoured artists. Ahal-Teke cultural spotlight: Coverage highlights the opening and ongoing development of the President’s Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, with international guests and a focus on modern infrastructure for the breed. Sports-to-culture crossover: Turkmen weightlifting news notes Shahzadbek Matyakubov’s Asian Games silver in the 110kg category, adding another high-profile moment for Turkmen athletes during the Nagoya Games.

Silk Route Travel Feature: A new “Skoda Kylaq” journey heads from Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan toward Europe, spotlighting Kyrgyzstan’s alpine landscapes and Bishkek’s reservoir views. International Music Day in Ashgabat: The Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory hosted a concert opening with dutar, mixing Turkmen classics with Mozart, Bach, and Gounod, plus a duet performance by Leyli Okdirova and Bahar Durdyeva. Capital Museum & Theatre Calendar: Ashgabat museums roll out new shows tied to older persons’ remembrance and the 1948 earthquake, while theatres list weekend plays across drama and music stages. Ahal-Teke Equestrian Upgrade: Turkmenistan opens a modern presidential equestrian complex with arenas, training facilities, and a photo studio, alongside a push toward international standards for breeding and competition. Sports Spotlight (Turkmenistan): Shahzadbek Matyakubov wins silver for Turkmenistan in the Asian Games 110kg weightlifting, with a tense snatch-to-clean-and-jerk tactical battle. Ahal-Teke Breeding Standards: Decrees formalize genetic and competitive rules, including a planned five-year world championship and beauty contest cycle. Film Co-Production Funding: Azerbaijan’s cinema agency backs five international co-productions, with priority for countries including Turkmenistan. Cultural Evening Series: “About music with Vladimir Mkrtumov” returns with “The Velvet season of Classics,” guiding listeners through Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Babajanyan, and Turkmen composers.

Asian Games spotlight: Turkmenistan’s weightlifting student Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in the men’s 110kg in Nagoya, posting a 410kg total after a tense clean-and-jerk push. Equestrian arts & heritage: Turkmenistan opened a new Ahal-teke Equestrian Complex of the President in Ashgabat, built for year-round training and breeding with arenas, racetracks, and even a photo studio—plus a scientifically guided approach to horse care. International music in Ashgabat: International Music Day celebrations at the Maya Kuliyeva National Conservatory brought a dutar-led programme mixing European classics and Turkmen composers, with performances by state laureates and conservatory students. Capital culture calendar: Museums marked Older Persons Day and the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake with new exhibitions, while theatres listed weekend plays across drama and music stages. Regional arts funding: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency backed five international co-productions, including a project involving Turkmenistan and Türkiye. Sports culture beyond borders: Greece hosted the World SAMBO Championships for cadets, youth and juniors, with Turkmen athletes among the field.

Ahal-Teke Spotlight: Turkmenistan opened a new Presidential Ahal-teke Equestrian Complex in Ashgabat, touting international-standard arenas, training facilities, labs, and even a photo studio—part of a broader push to modernize breeding and preserve the “heavenly” horse. Sports & National Pride: At the Asian Games in Nagoya, Turkmenistan’s Shahzadbek Matyakubov won silver in men’s 110kg weightlifting, adding a second Asiad silver for the national team. Regional Arts & Culture: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency approved funding for five international co-production projects, with Turkmenistan listed among priority countries for the next Q4 2026 round. Music in Ashgabat: In the “Velvet season of Classics” series at “Art Nokady,” Honoured Artist Vladimir Mkrtumov guided audiences through Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Babajanyan, and Turkmen composers Chary Nurymov and Nury Halmammedov. Cultural Policy Watch: Kyrgyzstan moved to require bloggers and online religious preachers to obtain a special certificate, tying public religious outreach to formal registration.

Religious Regulation: Kyrgyzstan is requiring bloggers and other online “religious preachers” to get a special certificate under its new religion law, including proof of religious education and approval from the relevant central authority. Film Co-Productions: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency has funded five international co-production projects, with Turkmenistan listed among priority countries for the next 2026 round. Classical Music in Ashgabat: In the “About music with Vladimir Mkrtumov” series, the “Velvet season of Classics” concert at “Art Nokady” brought guests through Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Babajanyan and Turkmen composers in a warmly received evening. Equestrian Heritage Upgrade: Turkmenistan opened a modern 1,200-seat Akhal-Teke equestrian complex near Ashgabat, featuring training arenas, veterinary and laboratory facilities, and a scientifically guided breeding approach. Ahal-Teke Standards: New presidential decrees shift Akhal-Teke breeding toward formal international genetic and competitive standards, including recurring global events every five years. Sports & Culture Crossovers: The week also highlighted regional arts and sport links—from Türkiye’s mosaic museum tour for Central Asian journalists to international SAMBO championships in Greece featuring athletes including Turkmenistan.

Turkmen Cultural Life: Ashgabat’s “Art Nokady” hall hosted “The Velvet season of Classics: Musical journeys,” with Honoured Artist Vladimir Mkrtumov guiding listeners through “Italian holidays,” “Parisian evenings,” “Orient express,” and works by Turkmen composers Chary Nurymov and Nury Halmammedov. Ahal-Teke Spotlight: Turkmenistan opened a modern 1,200-seat presidential Akhal-Teke equestrian complex, touting international-standard arenas, training facilities, and a scientifically driven approach to breeding and horse health. Policy Meets Heritage: New decrees set up a five-year competitive cycle for Akhal-Teke events, including a World Equestrian Championship and a beauty contest, plus genetic and veterinary coordination via an international breeding council. Independence-Era Recognition: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov issued honorary titles tied to Ahal-Teke breeding, including awards for Turkmen specialists and foreign partners. International Arts & Travel: A cultural stop for early TIF 2026 participants mixed Old Nisa, the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, and the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre—turning investment travel into a heritage tour.

Asian Games Wrestling: Nitesh Siwach ended India’s 64-year Greco-Roman wait by reaching the men’s 97kg final in Nagoya, then won silver after a 0-4 loss to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato—while teammate Mansi Ahlawat fell short in the women’s 62kg bronze bout, losing 2-5 to Mongolia’s Altjin Togtokh. Turkmenistan Sports & Heritage: Turkmenistan marked the International Day of Older Persons with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pledging continued support for elders, and separately opened a new 1,200-seat Akhal-Teke equestrian complex with year-round training, breeding, and international-standard facilities. Akhal-Teke Breed Policy: Decrees also formalize Akhal-Teke breeding with genetic and veterinary standards, plus a five-year cycle for a world equestrian championship and an Akhal-Teke beauty contest. Culture & Travel: The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) welcomed early participants to Ashgabat with visits to Old Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet ahead of the main program.

Ahal-Teke Equestrian Spotlight: Turkmenistan opened a modern 1,200-seat Akhal-Teke equestrian complex on Ashgabat’s edge, built for year-round training, breeding, and Ahal-Teke beauty contests, with indoor/outdoor arenas, racetracks, labs, and even a photo studio—plus a reconstructed access road and surrounding forest for a better microclimate. Heritage Meets Policy: New presidential decrees formalize Akhal-Teke breeding with international genetic and competitive standards, including a World Equestrian Championship and beauty contest every five years, specialized training aimed at Olympic-level show jumping, and an international breeding council. Cultural Diplomacy: The Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 welcomed early participants to a cultural route through Old Nisa, the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, and the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre—before the main business program starts Oct. 1. Sports & Society: On International Day of Older Persons, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pledged continued support for elders, linking their counsel to education and national continuity. Independence-Era Lifestyle: A 67-year-old journalist marked the 35th anniversary with a 35-kilometer run in a renovated independence park, mixing daily training with memorizing poetry.

Ahal-Teke Spotlight: Turkmenistan officially opened a modern 1,200-seat Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex on the outskirts of Ashgabat, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attending; the facility pairs year-round breeding and training with veterinary labs and a feed program, while new resolutions also set a five-year rhythm for world equestrian and beauty contests and expand international training and prizes. State Honors: Decrees announced honorary titles for Turkmen horse breeders and foreign contributors to Akhal-Teke development, including recognition for a Chinese breeding company leader and an Estonian veterinarian. Culture Meets Business: The first international participants arrived for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026, starting with visits to Old Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet before the main forum begins 1 October. Independence-Era Arts & Sport: A festive independence concert at the Congress Center highlighted cultural figures and masters of the arts, while a 67-year-old journalist marked the anniversary with a 35-kilometer run, pairing physical activity with memorizing poetry. Regional Sports Planning: CIS Games updates placed Kyrgyzstan in the spotlight for 2027, with Bishkek named “Sports Capital of the Commonwealth,” and Armenia set to host the CIS Games in 2029.

Turkmenistan Independence celebrations: A festive concert at the Congress Center marked the 35th anniversary, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in attendance, spotlighting the country’s cultural revival and state initiatives. Ahal-Teke heritage push: Berdimuhamedov chaired the 16th International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association meeting and signed documents setting a five-year rhythm for the World Equestrian Championship and the Ahal-teke beauty contest, plus new training programs and international prizes. Honorary titles: Decrees awarded “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy” to Turkmen horse breeders and to foreign figures including the European Ahal-teke association president Marianne Weltevreden, a Chinese breeder, and an Estonian veterinarian. Sports & culture in motion: At the Asian Games in Japan, Turkmen athletes continued competing in track and field qualifiers, while Turkmen chess players notched results at the Olympiad in Samarkand. Uyghur cinema spotlight: A new cultural piece examines Persianate poetic symbolism through the Uyghur film “Ghérip-Senem,” tracing how dastan traditions travel across Central Eurasia.

Ahal-Teke Honors & Horse Culture: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed resolutions setting a five-year rhythm for the World Equestrian Championship and Ahal-teke beauty contest, plus new training programs and international prizes; separate decrees granted honorary titles to Turkmen horse breeders and foreign leaders, underlining the state’s push to boost the breed’s global fame. Independence Arts Spotlight: For Turkmenistan’s 35th anniversary, a festive Congress Center concert drew the president, while the holiday calendar highlights music and film-music nights at the “Watan” Cinema and Concert Center, including performances featuring Turkmen pop artists and singer Tachnabat Yomudova. Sports Diplomacy in the Region: CIS member states agreed Armenia will host the CIS Games in 2029 and Yerevan will be CIS Sports Capital, with Turkmenistan among participants; Kyrgyzstan was also set to host the IV CIS Games in 2027. Asian Games Roundup (Turkmenistan in focus): At Nagoya 2026, Uzbekistan’s Akbar Djuraev set a world record in men’s 110kg weightlifting, while Turkmenistan’s Shahzadbek Matyakubov took silver; Turkmen women’s chess also notched another win in Samarkand. Culture Beyond Borders: Turkmen singer Tachnabat Yomudova appeared as a special guest on Russia’s “Hello, Andrey!”—a Bollywood-style showcase that’s now feeding back into local concert life.

Chess & Regional Sports Diplomacy: Uzbekistan capped the Samarkand Olympiad open with a 2.5-1.5 win over Ukraine, while Kazakhstan’s Timur Turlov was elected FIDE president—an event tied to the Turkic Chess Association that includes Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan at the Olympiad: Turkmen women beat Kyrgyzstan 4-0 to move up the standings, and the men’s team drew Austria 2-2 in another round. Asian Games Spotlight: Turkmen track-and-field athletes began competing in Nagoya, and karate delivered a first medal for Turkmenistan—Davut Nazmyradov took silver after a tight final against Iran’s Morteza Nemati. Independence-Era Culture Calendar: Ashgabat’s holiday programming includes concerts at the “Watan” Cinema and Concert Center, plus a “Golden Collection of Film Music” night featuring Tachnabat Yomudova. Equestrian Heritage: Turkmenistan plans to open a new 1,200-seat Ahal-teke equestrian complex, alongside a new law placing Akhal-Teke horses under state protection with genetic control and microchipping.