An important milestone has been reached in the international recognition of Turkmenistan's rich historical and cultural heritage. Archival materials associated with the life and work of Abu Ishaq Ibrahim ibn Adham (718–782) have been included for the first time in the Asia-Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme.

This was announced in an official statement published on November 6, 2026, by the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).

The collection of historical manuscripts included in the register is dedicated to the life and spiritual views of Abu Ishaq Ibrahim ibn Adham, an eighth-century ruler of Balkh. He is recognized as one of the important figures in the history of Sufism, having renounced his position as a ruler and worldly wealth to devote his entire life to spiritual perfection.

The historical documents consist of manuscripts written in Old Turkmen, Old Uzbek and Persian. They contain valuable information about Ibrahim ibn Adham's decision to abandon his ruling position and embrace the Sufi path, as well as his worldview and the distinctive features of his spiritual life.

The inclusion of the manuscript collection submitted by Turkmenistan in the international register opens up broad opportunities for the international academic community to study and recognize the country's historical sources. This event also highlights the importance of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, which has developed over many centuries.

From November 2 to 6, 2026, the 11th General Assembly of MOWCAP was held in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. During the event, 21 additional historical records were added to the Asia-Pacific Regional Register of Documentary Heritage. As a result, the total number of registered heritage items reached 106, representing 29 countries.

The first-time inclusion of Turkmenistan's historical manuscripts in this register is particularly significant for preserving national written monuments, conducting scholarly research into them and promoting them internationally. This recognition will contribute to bringing the world's attention to the rich historical and spiritual values that deserve to be preserved and passed on to future generations.