As part of his official visit to the Italian Republic, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the opening ceremony of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan.”
The head of state was warmly welcomed by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri in the square in front of the Capitoline Museum.
A literary and musical performance by Turkmen cultural and artistic masters took place there.
Following the performance, the floor was given to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
Welcoming the President of Turkmenistan and the ceremony participants, the Mayor noted that an important event was taking place on Capitoline Hill, where Rome’s history was shaped for millennia: the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan.” He emphasized that this large-scale event, which will run until April 2026, serves as a bridge connecting the cultural heritage of Central Asia with the origins of European civilization.
The floor was then given to the President of Turkmenistan.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly congratulated the ceremony participants on the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” in Rome and expressed confidence that the magnificent examples of ancient artifacts discovered at archaeological sites in Turkmenistan and housed in the country’s museums would generate great interest.
It was noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic is developing fruitfully, with cultural ties occupying a special place. The rich experience and traditions of good neighborliness accumulated in the cultural sphere contribute to the expansion of relations in this area, stimulating interest in the history, culture, and art of the two countries. One effective tool for promoting interstate cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is the holding of cultural events in friendly states. The holding of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” in Rome, Italy, in the year of the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, is of particular significance, the head of state noted, emphasizing that the clear goals stemming from our country’s neutrality policy greatly contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of the world and further developing cultural cooperation.
The full text of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s speech at the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” [Russian version] can be found at https://www.mfa.gov.tm/ru/articles/1706
In conclusion, the head of state warmly congratulated the participants of the ceremony on the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan,” wishing everyone good health and creative success.
Then the President of Turkmenistan ceremoniously opened the exhibition by cutting the symbolic ribbon.
This exhibition is a striking result of the long-standing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage protection.
During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan and the Capitoline Museum of Cultural Heritage of Italy, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the Great and the Capitoline Museum of Cultural Heritage of Italy.
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the opening ceremony of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan”
(Rome, October 25, 2025)
(This is unofficial, slightly paraphrased translation from the Russian language text)
Dear exhibitors!
Ladies and gentlemen!
I cordially congratulate you on the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” in the city of Rome, Italian Republic.
I am confident that the wonderful examples of ancient artifacts discovered at archaeological sites in our country and stored in museums in Turkmenistan will generate great interest.
International cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic is currently developing fruitfully. Cultural ties occupy a special place in Turkmen-Italian cooperation. The rich experience and traditions of good neighborliness accumulated in the cultural sphere contribute to the expansion of relations in this area, stimulating interest in the history, culture, and art of the two countries. One effective tool for promoting interstate cooperation in the humanitarian sphere is the holding of cultural events in friendly states.
The holding of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” in Rome, Italy, during the year of the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, is of particular significance. The clear goals of our country’s neutrality policy greatly contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of the world and further developing cultural cooperation.
Cooperation between Turkmen and Italian archaeologists has now been established to study archaeological and architectural heritage. This relationship, which began in the early years of Turkmenistan’s independence, continues successfully today. As a result of the joint efforts of Turkmen-Italian archaeological expeditions, numerous examples of cultural treasures left by our ancient ancestors have been identified and studied. Some of these archaeological finds are also on display at the “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” exhibition at the Capitoline Museum.
The display of historical and cultural treasures – archaeological finds discovered during excavations in ancient Margiana and Parthia – at the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” is of great importance.
As is known, in 1999 the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ancient Merv”, and in 2007 the Parthian fortresses of Nisa, along with other historical monuments of Turkmenistan, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ancient Margiana, a Bronze Age civilization, is located in the Mary Province of Turkmenistan, along the ancient course of the Murghab River. Numerous historical monuments have been discovered here, relating to the glorious past of legendary Margiana, which once developed trade and cultural ties with the cities of Mesopotamia and Egypt.
One of the main monuments of Parthia, a state of classical antiquity, is Nisa. Located near the city of Ashgabat, Nisa, which contains valuable insights into the culture of its era, is one of the most visited tourist sites. During the classical period, the Parthian Empire established strong diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties with Ancient Rome. The inclusion of treasures related to Parthian culture and art in today’s exhibition at one of Rome’s most famous museums is significant.
As Hero-Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, notes in his book “Turkmenistan – the Heart of the Great Silk Road,” the ancient ancestors of the Turkmen people, adopting the cultural achievements of the Greco-Roman world and enriching them with traditional examples of national culture, created magnificent works of art. These works, which have become an integral part of world culture and are presented at today’s exhibition, call upon nations to embrace peace and friendship.
Dear exhibition participants!
Today, relations between Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic are reaching a new level of development. Collaboration between Turkmen and Italian archaeologists in excavations and archaeological research continues successfully. Currently, cultural and artistic figures from both countries actively participate in cultural events held in both Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic. These international events create significant opportunities for the mutual enrichment of the two countries’ cultures and the exchange of experiences.
The installation of a monument to the renowned Italian poet Dante Alighieri at the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in Ashgabat marked a historic milestone in the development of friendly relations between the Turkmen and Italian peoples. I am confident that Turkmen and Italian scholars will continue their extensive work identifying and studying historical and archaeological treasures and monuments.
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan”.
I wish everyone good health and creative success. /// nCa, 28 October 2025 (in cooperation with MFA Turkmenistan)