History, Heritage, Modernity: Turkmen Youth in Ukraine Dedicate Cultural Online Project to the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence

On the occasion of the significant date — the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence — the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine, together with Turkmen youth, students and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora in Ukraine, has prepared a special cultural and educational online project entitled “Turkmenistan: History, Heritage, Modernity.”

The main idea of the project was to tell the story of Turkmenistan through the eyes of young compatriots who are currently far from their Homeland but maintain a strong spiritual bond with it. Each participant spoke about an aspect of Turkmenistan’s history, culture and contemporary life of which they are particularly proud and which they wished to share with the Ukrainian and international public during the celebrations of the country’s main national holiday.

The unifying theme of the project was the inseparable connection between history, national heritage and modernity. Through this combination, the participants sought to present today’s Turkmenistan — a state with a centuries-old history and rich cultural traditions that carefully preserves the heritage of its ancestors while confidently advancing along the path of creation and progress.

A special place in the project was devoted to one of the most recognizable symbols of Turkmenistan — the Akhalteke horse. Its beauty, nobility, endurance and swiftness have for centuries been a source of particular pride for the Turkmen people. This theme also takes on special significance in the context of the motto of 2026 — “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”.

Other participants in the project spoke about the unique art of Turkmen carpet weaving and national embroidery, the famous carpet göls and ornaments; the ancient cities of Merv and Kunya-Urgench and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa — priceless monuments to the centuries-old history of the Turkmen land. Particular attention was also given to national traditions and hospitality, Turkmen cuisine, the famous Turkmen melon, music and the Kushtdepdi dance, as well as the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone on the coast of the Caspian Sea. This distinctive panorama of the country was completed by a story about Ashgabat — the modern white-marble capital of Turkmenistan, a major cultural centre and international venue where significant forums, conferences and other events are regularly held.

It was particularly emphasized that the diversity of Turkmenistan’s historical and cultural heritage has received broad international recognition, as evidenced by the inclusion of its unique examples in the relevant UNESCO lists.

By bringing these diverse themes together in a single project, its participants sought to convey the central message — to present Turkmenistan as a country where centuries-old history and rich national heritage are inseparably linked with modern development; a country that, while carefully preserving its unique historical and cultural heritage, continues to develop consistently, implements large-scale transformations, strengthens international cooperation and adheres to the principles of peace, good-neighbourliness and permanent neutrality.