International scientific conference dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan began in Moscow

On March 25, 2026, the opening ceremony of the international scientific conference titled "Margiana at the Crossroads of Cultures: Interaction of Cultures in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Near East – Antiquity and Modernity" was held at the Presidium building of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) in Moscow. The forum is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence. This was reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The event is jointly organized by the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the RAS, the Institute of Linguistics of the RAS, the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the RAS, the Russian-Turkmen Margiana Archaeological Expedition, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation.

The theme of the scientific forum covers a wide range of issues related to the interaction of cultures in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Near East. In this context, special attention is paid to the archaeological and historical-cultural heritage of Margiana (the ancient land of Margush).

The conference, conducted in a hybrid format, brought together representatives of the scientific community—scientists, experts, researchers from research institutes, and university professors from Turkmenistan, Russia, Armenia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France.

The conference was also attended by representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in the Russian Federation, staff of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia, Turkmen students studying at Russian universities, and media representatives.

A Turkmen delegation consisting of representatives from the National Department for the Protection, Study, and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Turkmenistan, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, and the "Ancient Merv" State Historical and Cultural Reserve arrived in the Russian capital to participate in the conference.

Prior to the scientific meeting, participants visited an exhibition reflecting Turkmenistan's rich historical and cultural heritage and the uniqueness and versatility of the ancient traditions of the Turkmen people.

Welcoming speeches were delivered by S. Durdyyev, Counselor of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation; A. Zagrebin, Director of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the RAS; A. Sideltsev, Deputy Director of the Institute of Linguistics of the RAS; and A. Polyakov, Director of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the RAS.

The meeting continued with thematic discussions dedicated to Margiana—a magnificent civilization of the East known for its unique monuments and impressive archaeological discoveries, which at the same time still holds unsolved mysteries.

Individual presentations were heard regarding Gonur Depe, the capital of ancient Margush, and scientific discoveries significant to the global community. It was noted that the famous archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi, together with Turkmen colleagues, discovered Gonur Depe in 1972 and began excavations there.

On March 26, the scientific forum will continue its work in thematic sessions.