Independent, Permanently neutral Turkmenistan is constantly developing friendly, fraternal and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the world. Mutual cultural and humanitarian relations hold a special place in international cooperation based on peace and mutual trust.
In Turkmenistan, great importance is attached to the development of the traditions and humanitarian principles inherited from our ancestors, the creative potential of the Turkmen people, and national culture, and cultural diplomacy is considered an important part of state policy. Theaters, libraries, museums, cultural centers are evidence of flourishing of Turkmen culture and art.
The state policy in the field of culture of Turkmenistan is aimed at strengthening the spiritual strength of the Turkmen society, increasing the level of consciousness, preserving cultural and moral values and spiritual integrity. The achievements of the cultural system contribute to the revival and development of various forms of art, as well as to the further activation of wide international cultural relations. Currently, the state is creating all the conditions for the international efforts in this field, giving special importance to the development of the national heritage, artistic and professional traditions, applied arts.
Large-scale work is being done to develop the culture system in Turkmenistan. International level festivals, exhibitions, conferences and other cultural events are regularly held in order to improve the achievements in this field. Every year on June 27, the Day of Culture and Artists and Magtymguly Fraghi’s poetry is widely celebrated in Turkmenistan. Every year, Week of Culture is regularly held in Ashgabat and Arkadag cities and provinces. Every year, Days of Culture of Turkmenistan are successfully organized abroad, as well as in friendly countries.
Currently, there are more than 1400 historical and cultural monuments in Turkmenistan, and there are 8 State Historical and Cultural Reserves. They are “Old Dehistan”, “Gokdepe Castle”, “Nusay”, “Abiwerd”, “Old Sarahs”, “Old Merv”, “Kerki”, “Koneurgench” historical and cultural state reserves. Ancient Merv, Nisa, Koneurgench historical monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the basis of the joint proposal of Turkmenistan with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan, the multilateral proposal “Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor” was added to this reputable list. Turkmenistan aims to add its unique natural treasures to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This list includes the multilateral presentation “Turanian deserts of the temperate zone”, prepared together with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the desert ecosystems of “Bereketli Karagum”, “Gaplangyr” state nature reserves, “Repetek” state biosphere reserve and its “Yerajy” limited reserve.
Epic art of Gorogly, Dutar making craftsmanship and traditional music performing art combined with singing, “Kushtepdi” song and dance tradition, Turkmen national carpet art, Akhalteke equestrian art and horse decoration traditions have received a worthy place in the list of UNESCOs intangible cultural heritage. Among the values included in the list are the traditions of Turkmen embroidery art, silk weaving and silk production, which Turkmenistan presented together with other friendly countries.
Science and education system is one of the important areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO. The opening of UNESCO departments and clubs in several higher educational institutions of the country is a clear proof of this. 6 secondary schools of our region have been included in the network of Associated Schools of this specialized structure of the United Nations. It is worth noting that the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan became an official member of the UNESCO Global Youth Community in 2023. This is yet another recognition of the successful implementation of the country’s efforts in strengthening the international youth dialogue and the state policy on youth. Along with advancing culture, science and education diplomacy, Turkmenistan also advocates effective implementation of sports diplomacy. The selection of the country as a member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport for 2023-2027 is a clear proof of the growing reputation of Turkmenistan in the world, and it widely reveals its great contribution to the development of physical education and sports, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle.
Relations established in the field of ecology also testify to the rapid development of cooperation with UNESCO. In this regard, the election of Turkmenistan as a member of the Intergovernmental Council of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme of UNESCO for 2021-2025 was an important event. The purpose of the corresponding program is to deepen knowledge in the field of hydrology, to develop modern methods and approaches in this field, to promote the development of political vector and strategies for the sustainable and balanced use of the world’s water resources.
On May 24, 2023, “Collection of manuscripts of Magtymguly Pyragy” was included in UNESCO's “World Heritage” international list. On October 31 of the same year, on World Cities Day, the decision was announced that our capital Ashgabat was included in the network of UNESCO’s creative cities in “Design” category.
As it is known, in Zeitun, Altyndepe, Gonurdepe, Nisa, Merv, Koneurgench, Amul, Dehistan, the world-famous unique samples and perfect practices of craftsmanship and applied art were discovered and continuously contributed to the cultural development of mankind. Archeological excavations conducted in the territory of ancient settlements and large trading cities in the country, which have gained historical fame, revealed the existence of a cultural heritage going back thousands of years. The Turkmen people are proud that the classic forms of their art and national heritage, which have taken place in their glorious history, are widely known in the world and that they make a great contribution to the culture of humankind.
International festivals, exhibitions, conferences, concerts and other cultural events are regularly held in the country. The importance of these activities in strengthening global peace on Earth, building unity and brotherhood among peoples is very high. International level festivals play an important role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Turkmen people, their values, national art, and in introducing to the world the achievements in art and culture.
