In October 2026, Ashgabat will host the finals of the "Tatar Kyzy" international competition. Preparations for the competition were discussed on April 15 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan by Deputy Foreign Minister Akhmet Gurbanov and Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan and Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of Tatars Vasil Shaikhraziev.

It's no coincidence that the Turkmen capital has taken over from Orenburg. According to the competition rules, the finals are held in the hometown of last year's winner. In 2025, Alsu Rafikova from Turkmenistan won the crown. A chemistry teacher from Dashoguz won the crown, the title, and the grand prize—a car.

The upcoming event is a vibrant platform for cross-cultural dialogue, where participants aged 18 to 27 will showcase not only their dramatic skills but also their deep knowledge of the Tatar language, customs, and cuisine.

The regional stages in Tatarstan have already begun; applications for the international stage are open until July 5. Following the semifinals in Kazan, the best of the best will travel to Ashgabat to compete for the title of "Tatar Kyzy 2026." The Turkmen side has confirmed that it will ensure the event is organized at the highest level, emphasizing the country's status as a welcoming hub for international humanitarian initiatives.

Vasil Shaikhraziev's visit to Ashgabat also includes meetings with Deputy Prime Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova, Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Atageldy Shamyradov, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrad Gurbangeldiyev, Head of the Diplomatic Protocol Center of the Institute of International Relations Berdyniyaz Myatiev, as well as with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin, a visit to an exhibition of artist Kamil Veliakhmedov, and with Tatars living in Turkmenistan.