Turkmenistan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Poverty

Central Asia Cuts Hunger Fivefold in Two Decades, FAO Reports

The number of people facing hunger in Central Asia has fallen sharply over the past two decades, according to a new report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The share of the population suffering from undernourishment dropped from 13.1% in 2005 to just 2.8% in 2024, equivalent to a decline from 7.8 million people to 2.3 million. Much of this progress was achieved before 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted that trend: between 2020 and 2021, undernourishment rose to 2.5 million. However, with the introduction of stronger food security policies and an economic rebound, the region has since regained positive momentum. The FAO report notes that a healthy diet in Central Asia now costs an average of $3.78 per person per day. While this is below the global average of $4.46, it remains unaffordable for many low-income households, particularly in rural Tajikistan. In 2024, FAO estimates that approximately 14% of the region’s population, roughly 11.5 million people, still could not afford a balanced diet. Child health indicators have also improved. The prevalence of stunting among children under five has halved since 2012, falling from 14.8% to 7.4%. Rates of acute malnutrition have also declined, and childhood obesity rates have decreased slightly. Nonetheless, persistent challenges remain: anemia affects about one-third of women of reproductive age, and adult obesity is on the rise, increasing from 18.8% to 25.1% over the past decade. In 2024, Tajikistan remained the most food-insecure country in the former Soviet Union. According to the Global Hunger Index published by the International Food Policy Research Institute, 8.7% of its population faces food shortages, placing the country 65th out of 127 worldwide. In a sign of regional engagement, Uzbekistan officially joined the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty in December 2024, reinforcing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and to global cooperation on food security.

Music

Jessica Lynn’s Concerts in Ashgabat: A New Chapter in Turkmenistan’s Cultural Landscape

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 2025 – American country-rock artist Jessica Lynn will perform in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, on July 5 and July 6, marking a rare cultural exchange between the country and the West. This event offers a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s gradual shift towards engaging with global culture, even as the country remains cautious in its diplomatic and cultural openness. For the residents of Ashgabat, Jessica Lynn’s performance presents an opportunity to experience live music from a genre not often seen in this part of the world—a blend of American country, rock, and pop influences that are popular across the United States but less familiar in Turkmenistan. As noted by the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, these concerts symbolize a key moment in strengthening cultural diplomacy. A Milestone for Turkmenistan’s Cultural Diplomacy Jessica Lynn’s two concerts will take place at two significant venues in Ashgabat: the Turkmenistan Cinema Concert Hall and the Arkaç Shopping and Entertainment Center, both emblematic of the country’s urban modernization. The concerts, open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, come at a time when Turkmenistan is slowly embracing a more open stance towards foreign cultural influence. While the country has long been known for its cultural isolation, recent leadership under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has shown a willingness to engage selectively with the outside world, particularly in the fields of art and entertainment. These concerts serve as a cultural milestone, not just because of Jessica Lynn’s genre-defying music, but also as part of Turkmenistan’s broader strategy to position itself as a more modern and internationally engaged country. By inviting a Western artist like Jessica Lynn, the government is signaling its intent to introduce international music into a society where such influences were once heavily restricted. According to the Turkmenistan State News Agency, the government’s outreach is part of its gradual integration into global culture. Why Country-Rock? The Shared Themes Between Turkmen and American Music The choice of country-rock for this cultural exchange might seem unexpected, but there are surprising similarities between Turkmen folk music and American country music. Both musical traditions place a strong emphasis on storytelling, with lyrics often centered around love, hardship, national pride, and life in rural communities. Turkmen folk music, which has been passed down through generations, is known for its rich oral traditions and its focus on personal and communal narratives. The dutar, a two-stringed instrument, plays a key role in many of these traditional songs, but the central theme—narrating stories of daily life and personal experiences—echoes the storytelling style that defines much of American country music. This connection between storytelling traditions is explored in a Nomads Life article about the influence of Western music on Turkmen artists, highlighting how both cultures value narrative as a central element of their music. Much like the country ballads of artists like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, Turkmen folk songs depict struggles, resilience, and deep connections to the land. For example, Turkmen songs often tell tales of life on the steppe, which resonates with country...

Traditions

The Hearth of Hospitality: The Importance of the Chaikhana in Central Asia

“Every meal begins with tea and ends with tea. Every guest is welcomed with tea. Every festival and every ceremony – from the celebration of birth to wedding to funeral – must feature tea” - Ketan Desai. Across Central Asia, the chaikhana, or teahouse, holds a cherished place in the region’s social and cultural fabric. Beyond serving cups of steaming tea, it represents history, hospitality, and a space where the rhythms of daily life unfold. For Central Asians, tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Every pour, sup, and serving is steeped in tradition. Green tea is considered supreme in the east, while black tea holds court in the west. The offering of tea isn’t just polite, it’s a heartfelt symbol of welcoming and friendship, and to turn it down is practically a cultural crime. Tea is always poured into a piala, a small ceramic or porcelain bowl similar to the Chinese gaiwan or the Japanese chaiwan, but with its own unique steeped allure. A Link to History [caption id="attachment_33095" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Chaikhana, Samarkand, 1905; image: Prokudin-Gorskiĭ[/caption] The chaikhana has roots stretching back centuries, intertwined with the history of the Silk Road. These teahouses sprang up along trade routes as places where merchants, travelers, and locals could rest and exchange goods, ideas, and stories. Over time, chaikhanas became hubs of cultural exchange, bearing silent witness to the blending of a rich tapestry of traditions. Central Asia is a region shaped by the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent episodes of democratization, political coercion, and repression. Throughout history, the chaikhana also played a role in the region’s intellectual life. Much like coffeehouses in Europe, these spaces often served as platforms for debate, poetry readings, and the airing of progressive ideas. These venues often feature private rooms with enclosed spaces or pull-down shades and outdoor spots with canopies or yurt-like structures, ensuring discretion for guests. Unlike typical restaurants or cafes, which rarely offer such private arrangements, teahouses allow organizations to hold meetings comfortably and confidentially. Teahouses serve a dual purpose by balancing privacy with public engagement, making them invaluable to those seeking both discretion and societal visibility. [caption id="attachment_33096" align="aligncenter" width="1019"] Bukhara Chaikhana; image: Joepyrek[/caption] Teahouses serve as neutral spaces where the general public and government can freely interact. They offer a safe space for open discussions, even for government employees, highlighting their unique role in fostering dialogue. The subversive potential of teahouses cannot be overlooked, as debates frequently occurred outside formal governmental frameworks. They have quietly allowed people to organize and challenge institutional power in subtle yet meaningful ways. Tradition and Architecture Chaikhanas are more than just teahouses; they’re cultural treasures enriched by stunning architecture. From simple wooden benches in rural areas to urban teahouses adorned with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and ornate patterns, these spaces are as much about artistry as they are about tea. The interiors feature low tables and cushions, encouraging leisurely conversations and fostering a warm, communal atmosphere. Whether beside a flowing stream...

Film Festival

Film About Turkmen Poet Wins International Award in London

The film Magtymguly Pyragy, a collaborative production by filmmakers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, has won the “Audience Recognition” award at the Eurasian Creative Guild (ECG) Film Festival 2025 in London. The movie tells the story of Magtymguly Pyragy, an 18th-century Turkmen poet and philosopher, focusing on his ideals of peace, love for the homeland, and aspirations for national awakening. The project was jointly produced by directors, actors, and creative teams from both countries. This collaboration has been widely praised as a powerful symbol of cultural dialogue and brotherhood. Viewers and jury members commended the film for its compelling visuals, immersive historical atmosphere, and the strong performances delivered by its cast. Organizers of the festival noted that the film goes beyond artistic achievement, serving as a cultural bridge that fosters mutual understanding and promotes universal values such as freedom, dignity, and humanity. The ECG Film Festival annually gathers filmmakers from over 20 countries to celebrate and promote cinema from the Eurasian region. In related celebrations, Turkmenistan hosted a summit of heads of government in October and a conference of culture ministers in May 2024 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth.

World Education Forum

Turkmenistan Participates in World Education Forum in London

On May 18, the Education World Forum, one of the largest global events dedicated to education, opened in London, bringing together ministers, deputy ministers, and senior representatives from over 100 countries. This year’s participants include a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Education Azat Ataev. On the forum’s opening day, the Turkmen delegation met with representatives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to discuss Turkmenistan’s potential involvement in international education initiatives, including the integration of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) goals into the country’s national education strategy. The delegation also held talks with Times Higher Education (THE), a leading agency in global university rankings. Discussions focused on strategies to enhance the international standing of Turkmen universities and explored the organization of online seminars aimed at improving institutional rankings. Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom continue to strengthen their educational partnership. In 2023, British experts conducted a series of training sessions for Turkmen teachers focused on modern pedagogical practices, organized in cooperation with the British Embassy in Ashgabat. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the Chevening Scholarship Program, which supports Turkmen students pursuing graduate studies in the UK. For the 2024/25 academic year, 12 Turkmen citizens were awarded Chevening scholarships. The British Council is also actively engaged in education development projects in Turkmenistan. Through its Digital Learning program, the Council is working to advance the digitization of the national education system and expand access to modern learning tools.

Sports

Turkmenistan’s Arkadag Footballers Left Without Prize Money Despite AFC Victory

The recent triumph of Turkmenistan’s Arkadag football club in the AFC Challenge League, one of Asia’s most prestigious club competitions, has stirred controversy beyond the pitch. While the victory was widely celebrated, players were left without significant financial rewards, as over $1 million in prize money was donated to charity, prompting mixed reactions among fans and observers. The team was honored with a hero’s welcome in the newly constructed city of Arkadag, complete with fireworks and a celebratory parade. However, expectations of substantial bonuses went unmet. Each player received a symbolic $1,000 from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a modest sum compared to their tournament earnings. The total prize purse for winning the competition and reaching the final reportedly exceeded $1.5 million. According to official statements, the athletes themselves requested that the funds be donated to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Children. Despite their international success, the players reportedly earn official salaries of no more than $120 per month. Turkmen football remains largely cut off from global sporting networks, with few foreign players, limited match broadcasts, and minimal competitive depth in domestic leagues. Arkadag’s main rivals frequently field incomplete squads, diminishing the overall level of competition. Sports analysts and development experts warn that the lack of meaningful financial incentives could erode player morale and hinder the growth of football in Turkmenistan. They argue that while charitable contributions are commendable, sustained investment in athletes is essential to build a competitive and inspiring national sports culture.