Playlist


Ministry of Culture Launches Application Process for International Short Story Competition
16 Jun. 07:16The Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan has officially opened applications for the 8th International Mahmud Kashgari Short Story Competition. Organized in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Eurasia Writers' Union, the literary contest invites local authors to submit previously unpublished and unawarded short stories on any topic of their choice. Writers are permitted to enter the competition with up to two individual stories focusing on different themes.
Submissions must adhere to strict guidelines, requiring a word count between 1,000 and 7,500 words, formatted in a 12-point font size. Authors are required to use a literary pseudonym, which must be clearly stated at the beginning of the text. To preserve artistic integrity, all entries must display genuine individual authorship; stories generated or assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will be disqualified. Submitted manuscripts will not be returned to the applicants.
Candidates must submit their digital and printed manuscripts along with supporting documents, including a biography, passport copy, and contact details, to the Ministry's designated email address by July 31, 2026. The top-rated national entries will be forwarded to the grand jury via the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). Winners will receive substantial cash prizes in Turkish Lira during an official awards ceremony scheduled for December 2026.
Also read


To mark the National Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry Workers' Day, Health Center No. 1 in Mary, located along Oguzkhan Street, was officially reopened following a comprehensive structural renovation. The inauguration ceremony brought together regional administration officials, members of parliament and the Halk Maslahaty, healthcare specialists, community elders, and local students. Festive musical and theatrical performances by cultural groups and young talents added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The newly reconstructed two-story medical complex is outfitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment rooms, family medicine suites, bacteriological and physiotherapy departments, as well as specialized laboratories. Equipped with advanced European medical technology, the center offers a full suite of services including ultrasound, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and endoscopy.
The renovation project was successfully carried out by the local private construction enterprise "Yhlasa Ynam." During the official ceremony, outstanding construction workers were awarded valuable commemorative gifts presented on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.
Additionally, to boost mobile diagnostic capabilities in the region, a fully equipped "Mercedes-Benz" mobile medical unit featuring digital X-ray and fluorography technology was officially presented to the health center on behalf of the Head of State.