Turkmen artists achieved notable success at the III International Maqom Art Forum Namangan – 2026, held in Namangan, Uzbekistan, from June 23 to 26 under the patronage of UNESCO, ICESCO and TURKSOY.

The large-scale cultural event brought together singers, instrumentalists, composers, musicologists and cultural figures from nearly 30 countries, providing an international platform for the exchange of musical traditions and artistic experience.

The forum featured an international performance competition, creative events and a scientific conference titled "New Trends in Eastern Maqom: The Relationship Between Tradition and Innovation." Contest performances were evaluated by a seven-member international jury composed of renowned experts in traditional music.

Turkmenistan was represented by a distinguished delegation of musicians. Among the featured performers was Serdar Bayramov, winner of the national Altyn Asyr competition and grandson of People's Bagshy of Turkmenistan Nuryagdy Bayramov. During his performance, Bayramov presented the song "Ýar seniň" based on the lyrics of Garaja Oglan, along with the well-known Turkmen folk songs "Jan-jan," "Arzurym," and "Balsaýat."

He was accompanied by Spartak Atakov, a gyjak performer and instructor at the Dañatar Öwezow Turkmen State Specialized Music School, as well as Döwlet Daňatarow, a dutar performer and instructor at the Sahy Jepbarow Arkadag City Specialized Music School. Their performance received a warm response from both the audience and the forum participants.

As part of the international competition, the Turkmen classical trio demonstrated a high level of artistic excellence and was named among the winners of the prestigious event.

The forum also included a scientific conference, where Rowshen Muhammedov, senior lecturer at the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory and musicologist, delivered a presentation entitled "The Current State of Research on Turkmen Muqams." His report highlighted ongoing studies and the preservation of Turkmen musical heritage.

The achievements of the Turkmen delegation once again demonstrated the country's rich musical traditions and the growing international recognition of its cultural heritage. The successful performances at the forum further promoted Turkmen maqam art, traditional instrumental music and contemporary vocal performance on the global cultural stage.

Source: Dañatar Öwezow Turkmen State Specialized Music School under the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory.