Tariq Saeedi In an era where global divisions seem deeper than ever, there's a quiet urgency to rediscover figures who bridged worlds with vision and pragmatism. Necmettin Erbakan, the Turkish engineer-turned-statesman who passed away in 2011, stands as one such luminary—a man whose life and legacy transcend national borders, offering lessons in unity, innovation, and … [Read more...]
Reassessing the Legacies of Attila, Genghis Khan, and Timur: A Central Asian Perspective
Tariq Saeedi In Western historiography, figures like Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, and Amir Timur (often known as Tamerlane) are frequently cast as barbaric destroyers—symbols of chaos and conquest that ravaged civilizations. This narrative, shaped largely by the accounts of those who fell victim to their campaigns, such as Roman chroniclers for Attila or Persian scribes … [Read more...]
A Year of Discoveries Shaping History: Türkiye’s Archaeological Milestones in 2025
Türkiye’s lands in Anatolia, a historical cradle of civilisations for millennia, continue to uncover humanity’s shared heritage hidden beneath the surface. Extending across the country from east to west and north to south, Türkiye functions as an open-air museum showcasing the civilisations that have shaped human history. The Legacy to the Future Project aims to highlight these … [Read more...]
Giz Gala: A Fortress of Clay, Light, and Living History
Yazgul Tirkishova, Chief Curator, State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ancient Merv” Rising from the desert edge of Ancient Merv, Giz Gala is one of Central Asia’s most striking earthen monuments. Built in the 7th–8th centuries, it formed part of a fortified system encircling the capital of a flourishing oasis civilization. At that time, Merv was a crossroads where East … [Read more...]
Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bit of Historical Context and Halk Maslahaty
Tariq Saeedi In an era when the world seems perpetually pulled toward extremes, true neutrality shines as something far more profound than simple non-alignment. When it is active, positive, and dynamic—when it refuses to be passive or static—neutrality reveals its deepest essence: it is another name for balance and harmony. It is the courageous choice to occupy the center, … [Read more...]
Over 300 Archaeological Artefacts Handed Over to Museums in Ashgabat and Arkadag City
On 26 November 2025, more than 300 valuable archaeological artefacts were officially transferred to two major Turkmen museums on Wednesday in solemn ceremonies held at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat and the History and Local Lore Museum of Arkadag City, the Turkmen state news agency TDH reports. The handover is part of the … [Read more...]
Tashkent: The Pulsating Heart of Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova Tashkent is a city where you can literally feel the pulse of life and the unstoppable energy of youth. That’s exactly how Uzbekistan’s capital revealed itself to me, the vibrant megapolis of Central Asia. Our delegation of journalists from Turkmenistan stayed at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the InterContinental Tashkent, part of the prestigious … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the opening ceremony of the archaeological exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan” in Rome
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 … [Read more...]
For the First Time in Italy: Capitoline Museums to Host the Exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan”
From 25 October 2025, to 12 April 2026, the halls of Palazzo dei Conservatori at the Capitoline Museums in Rome will host the unique exhibition “Ancient Civilizations of Turkmenistan.” For the first time in Italy, the public will have the opportunity to explore archaeological treasures that reveal the grandeur of the ancient cultures of Margiana and Parthia. The … [Read more...]
Archaeology of Margiana: Professor Barbara Cerasetti on the Mysteries of the Bronze Age and Turkmenistan’s Contribution to Studying Ancient Civilization
An autumn archaeological expedition has concluded at the Togolok settlement in Turkmenistan—one of the most prominent Bronze Age sites in the historical region of Margiana. The research was led by Professor Barbara Cerasetti, Director of the Turin Center for Archaeological Research and scientific coordinator of joint initiatives under the International Association for the Study … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Mausoleums of the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions – Ancient Islamic Shrines of Khorasan
Yazgul Tirkishova, Chief Curator of the “Ancient Merv” State Historical and Cultural Reserve Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage sites, including the “Ancient Merv” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, affirming their outstanding universal value. The preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage are integral to … [Read more...]
Dubai: One of the oldest trading towns in history and its ancient connections with Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova Dubai, a shimmering beacon of modernity in the Arabian Gulf, has roots deeply embedded in the sands of history as a vital hub of commerce. Its transformation from a prehistoric mangrove swamp to a bustling international trade center spans over 7,000 years, marked by waves of migration, cultural exchanges, and economic … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan and China confirm their loyalty to the historical traditions of friendship and mutual trust
During President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov's recent working visit to the People's Republic of China, the deep-rooted, multi-millennial history of contact between the ancestors of the Turkmen and Chinese was highlighted as a solid foundation for modern relations between the two countries. It is known that the commitment of Turkmenistan and China to their … [Read more...]
Jewel of Architecture: The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Yazgul Tirkishova, Chief Curator, State Historical and Cultural Reserve "Ancient Merv" As you approach the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar in the State Historical and Cultural Reserve "Ancient Merv" (Mary province, Turkmenistan), it's impossible not to feel its primal power. It seems to rise organically from the earth itself, surrounded by gentle, sloping hills that resemble … [Read more...]
Ancient Hunters in Eurasia: Archaeological Discoveries in Uzbekistan Reshape the History of Hunting
In the Obi-Rakhmat Grotto in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent Region, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that bows and arrows were used in Eurasia much earlier than previously thought. The findings, published in the scientific journal Plos One by an international team of researchers from France and Russia, were reported by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian … [Read more...]
Turkmen Delegation Meets Ancient Army of Warriors in China
Elvira Kadyrova, Xi'an, China, 2 August, 2025 On the final day of a visit to China, a Turkmen youth delegation, led by Velimyrad Ovezov, Head of the Media Department of the Makhtumkuli Youth Organization of Turkmenistan's Central Council, visited the famous Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an. Located 37 kilometers east of Xi'an, this unique historical complex was a powerful … [Read more...]
Journey Through Time and Space: The Story of a Unique Space Furnace Developed by Turkmen Scientists
Enejan Altyeva, Head of the Department of the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan The State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan has received an extraordinary exhibit—a unique technological installation invented by Turkmen scientists, now a part of the history of country’s technical science development. This is a mirror-beam furnace … [Read more...]
New research proves the special role of the Gonur-depe proto-urban center (Turkmenistan) in the development of a mysterious vanished civilization
Scientists from the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences conducted a large-scale study, which systematized data on the funeral rite, planography and chronology of necropolises of the largest proto-urban center of the Bronze Age Gonur-depe … [Read more...]
Trabzon-Rize Press Trip #2: Atatürk’s Pavilion – A Symbol of Trabzon
Elvira Kadyrova, Trabzon At an altitude of 500 meters above the Black Sea, shrouded in dense fog, the silhouette of a small white mansion emerges. This is Atatürk’s Pavilion — an architectural gem of the Ortahisar district and one of the symbols of the Turkish city of Trabzon. Built in 1890 in the Soğuksu ridge by Konstantin Kabayanidis, a citizen of the Ottoman Empire, … [Read more...]
Press Tour to the Republic of Belarus # 1: The Bells of Khatyn – A Call for Peace Through Pain
Elvira Kadyrova, Minsk, Belarus, 5 May 2025 A mournful silence, pierced by the tolling of bells, echoing pain deep within the consciousness… These are the first sensations that stir in the soul as you step onto the cobblestone paths of the Khatyn State Memorial Complex, located a few dozen kilometers from Minsk, amidst the vast Belarusian forests. The Khatyn State … [Read more...]
The Empires of Central Asia and their enduring relevance
nCa Analysis Central Asia is the birthplace of at least 18 well-known Empires. Some of them influenced the world in many ways and their legacy endures. They remain hugely relevant today. 1. Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE) (Iran-based but with large territories of Central Asia in its orbit) 2. Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (250-125 BCE) 3. Kushan Empire (30-375 CE) 4. … [Read more...]
The Karakum Interfluve
Ruslan MURADOV In the southeastern part of the Karakum desert bordered by the Badkhyz Upland on the south, there is almost no sand but only a waterless steppe stretching for a good hundred kilometers between two rivers. The Murghab and Tedzhen rivers flow down from the mountain ranges of Afghanistan and border this part of the desert from the east and west. In the era of … [Read more...]
The Light of Merv: A Symbol of Harmony and Mastery
Yazgul Tirkishova, Deputy Director of the Mary Velayat Museum for Branches and Public Museums The history of material culture is deeply intertwined with stone—a material that, due to its durability and malleability, has played a crucial role in the creation of tools, household items, and decorative objects for centuries. This connection is particularly evident in an … [Read more...]
50 years of archaeological research of Gonur-depe in Margiana: new finds and research of the ancient city
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the first excavations at the world-famous archaeological site Gonur Depe in Ancient Margiana, or the so-called Margush (Mary province, Turkmenistan). In 1972, the outstanding archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi discovered this ancient city, and from 1974 until the end of his life he studied the ancient site. Dr. Nadezhda Dubova, … [Read more...]
Dancing with the Swan – Between Politics and Art
Anton Genza The Georgian Royal National Ballet is also stopping in Almaty as part of its world tour. Between tradition and innovation, the troupe embodies national pride, a fighting spirit and artistry – and sets its own accents in the process. About the non-Soviet ballet in the former Soviet republics. Graceful and battle-hardened Georgian ballet by no means has its own … [Read more...]
The ancient settlement in Turkmenistan “Parz-depe” reveals its secrets
Recep Jommyev, archaeologist, Senior Researcher at the Institute of History and Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences Archaeological excavations commenced at the historical and cultural site of Parz-depe this spring, focusing on a comprehensive study of the stratigraphy of its cultural layers. The goal was to determine the periods of human habitation and uncover information … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR A DIPLOMAT – Part 10: The Logic of Makhtumkuli Fragi and the Algorithm of Neutrality
Sapar Berdiniyazov and Begench Karaev “The great and rich in content legacy of Magtymguly predetermined the basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy: his unshakable ideas about peace, justice, humanism, friendship and brotherhood, about respect for everyone and everything have a significant impact on interactions with other states.” From the speech of the President of … [Read more...]
Izmir Fam Trip – Part #6: A city that calls you back – Izmir offers diverse tourism experiences
Elvira Kadyrova Our group of Turkmen journalists concluded our press tour with a day in the vibrant city of Izmir. Kordon – love at first sight I spent the morning exploring the iconic Kordon, Izmir's seaside promenade. This stunning stretch of coastline, overlooking the Aegean Sea, seamlessly blends historical landmarks, modern amenities, and a unique charm. Walking … [Read more...]
Izmir Fam Trip – Part #5: Köstem Olive Oil Museum in Urla – A Journey Through Olive Oil History
Elvira Kadyrova Olive oil, a cornerstone of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, has seen a surge in popularity worldwide, including in Turkmenistan. This growing demand is fueled by a global shift towards healthier eating habits. For journalists from Turkmenistan, a visit to the Köstem Olive Oil Production Museum in Urla was a highlight of our Izmir press tour. While olives … [Read more...]
Izmir Fam Trip – Part #4: Ephesus – Touching Ancient Civilizations – One Day in the Life of an Ephesian
Elvira Kadyrova One of the highlights of our press delegation's visit to Türkiye was the legendary open-air museum city of Ephesus. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, Ephesus held particular interest for us Turkmen journalists, given our country's own UNESCO-listed ancient Parthian city of Nisa. Both Ephesus and Nisa were significant parts of Hellenistic culture … [Read more...]
Nalanda: The Earliest-known University
Prof. Benoy K Behl, Art Historian, Filmmaker and Photographer At the ancient university of Nalanda, there was a spirit of vibrant intellectual thought, a climate of discussion and debate. The many 'acharyas', or learned professors, at Nalanda authored hundreds of works on philosophy, metaphysics, psychology, logic, medicine, astrology, arts, literature and other … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s gas industry: from the past to the present
Oraznazar Hashdekov The 1970s marked a very productive period for the gas industry of Turkmenistan. The tireless efforts of the country's oil and gas experts led to the discovery and development of numerous gas and gas condensate fields, significantly bolstering the national economy. One such colossal find is the Kukurtli gas condensate field, situated on the Amu Darya … [Read more...]
Magtymguly Pyragy and today’s Turkmenistan – Part Seven
Tariq Saeedi ‘Songs from the Steppes of Central Asia’ is a collection of some of the poems of Magtymguly Pyragy. Dr. Youssef Azemoun translated the poems into the English language and the eminent British poet and author Brian Aldiss versified them. One of the poems in this collection is ‘Dawn is the Time.’ This is a very famous poem and it is also part of the collection … [Read more...]
Magtymguly Pyragy and today’s Turkmenistan – Part Six
Tariq Saeedi Magtymguly sets the bar high. He encourages the youth to live their life by lofty standards. These are the same standards by which he lived his own life. Of course, there are countless young people who were inspired by Magtymguly early in their life and who tried to follow in the footsteps of Magtymguly as far as the opportunities permitted them. They are in … [Read more...]
Magtymguly Pyragy and today’s Turkmenistan – Part Five
Tariq Saeedi So far, we have highlighted the role of Magtymguly in shaping the Turkmen language and literature, his highly powerful message for the unity and freedom, and his holistic perspective – everything is connected with everything else. Now we would like to take this idea to the next level. For this, there is the need to extract the message of Magtymguly from his … [Read more...]
Magtymguly Pyragy and today’s Turkmenistan – Part Four
Tariq Saeedi In the second part of this series, we said that Magtymguly was an idea whose time had come. The nature prepared him through very tough and panoramic training. His personal tragedies, the upheaval around him, his extensive travels and education were all part of the way the nature prepared him from the childhood. In the third part of this series, we quoted … [Read more...]
Magtymguly Pyragy and today’s Turkmenistan – Part One
Tariq Saeedi Magtymguly Pyragy (1724-1807) is the national poet of Turkmenistan. This year – the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly – the Turkic countries and all the other friends of Turkmenistan are holding ceremonies to pay tribute to the great man. In this short series, we will try to look at some aspects of the life of Magtymguly and highlight his contribution in what … [Read more...]
History of the development of the gas industry of Turkmenistan
Oraznazar Kheshdekov The Shatlyk (East and West) gas condensate field, the largest of its kind in Central Asia, began operation in 1973. Initially, a project aimed to increase well production capacity by using larger diameter drilling bits (216 mm) and well casings (177 mm). This approach also involved replacing traditional 148 mm or 168 mm casings with wider 177 mm ones, … [Read more...]
Gas industry of Turkmenistan: from past to present
Oraznazar Kheshdekov The Odzhak gas field became the reason for the formation in 1966 of the center of Turkmen gas workers - the city of Gazodzhak near the village of Shikharyk. By the end of 1970, 19 large and small gas and gas condensate fields were discovered on the territory of South-Eastern and North-Eastern Turkmenistan. Of these, the gas condensate and gas fields … [Read more...]
Forgotten and little-known pages of the history of Ashgabat
Allaberdi Niyazov An illustrated guide to the Central Asian Railway, published in the pre-revolutionary period, testifies to the following. Among the most notable buildings of Askhabat at that time we can highlight: the buildings of the Central Asian Railway Administration, Transcaspian Customs District, Treasury and Branch of the Russian-Asian Bank. And from the buildings … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT – Part 7 – The power of neutrality vs Crassus Syndrome
Dr. Begench Karaev The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the XV International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024,” put forward a radically new idea to update the peacekeeping potential of Islamic civilization in the modern era. In particular, the Turkmen Leader … [Read more...]
Early history of natural gas in Turkmenistan
Oraznazar KHESHDEKOV The gas industry, being one of the largest sectors of the country's national economy, plays an important role in ensuring the prosperous life of the Turkmen people and achieving the prosperity of our fatherland. Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who worthily continues the initiatives of the Hero of Arkadag, large investments are … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Celebrates Victory Day with Heartfelt Concert
To commemorate the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWII), a concert was held in Ashgabat, jointly organized by the Russian Embassy and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The National Music and Drama Theater stage became a platform for well-known Turkmen artists to perform songs of the war years. These compositions, imbued with the pain of loss … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan will publish state register of historical and cultural monuments in book form
The state register of the historical and cultural monuments of Turkmenistan contains the specialized scientific works of lasting value. The government has decided to publish these works in the book form, reported the DPM for culture, Ms. Mammedova, during a cabinet meeting on 12 April 2024. Some of the research works in the book will include: Antiquities of … [Read more...]
“The Heritage of the Nation”: Illuminating Turkmenistan’s History
A new book by Juma Orazklychev, a leading researcher at the Institute of History and Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, sheds light on the nation's great figures. Published by Ylym publishing house, "The Heritage of the Nation" is a collection of articles exploring the lives and achievements of prominent Turkmen scientists, philosophers, thinkers, and … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT – Part 6 – Public diplomacy: historical connection of times
Dr. Begench Karaev The National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the third Antalya Diplomatic Forum ( Antalya , March 1, 2024), drew attention to a very effective aspect of diplomacy and international relations of our time. In particular, he emphasized: “The current situation in the system of … [Read more...]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 3
Dr. Begench Karaev Part 3. Eastern Diplomat: A Closer Look Winter January morning. More precisely - 7:58 am. Although there is not much time left before sunrise, it is nevertheless dark enough to not turn on the car's headlights. I taxi out onto a small street that runs parallel to the fence of one of the foreign embassies. At the house next to it I see the silhouette of … [Read more...]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 2
Dr. Begench Karaev The Caliph asked: “So you are Layla, that drove the poor man Kais crazy? But I don’t find beauty in you, no matter how I look, I’m not going crazy!” And the lips of the young maiden whispered: “To see beauty, you must be Majnun, And carry its light in your eyes, and be faithful to me in both worlds... ...And yet the Truth knocks on … [Read more...]
Crossing a Bridge Woven with legends
Dovletgeldi Khudaiberdiyev In recent years, five bridges have been built across the Amu Darya, whose length in the territory of the Turkmenistan’s Lebap province is 830 kilometers, including three road and two rail bridges. Road and railway bridges connect Kerki town with the village of Kerkichi, and Turkmenabat with the river’s left bank. A road bridge has appeared near … [Read more...]
The inevitability of dialogue about peace or futility of new “Great Game” – Part Two
Dr. Begench Karayev Today there are many statements about the supposed beginning of a new “Great Game”, and almost a world war of a hybrid nature. And, in order to better understand the currently put forward hypotheses and forecasts regarding the “Great Game” for the 21st century, it is necessary to delve in more detail into the essence of the events of a century and a half … [Read more...]