Articles The Persian Language: The Shared Civilizational Pillar of the ECO Region The Persian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world, with more than 2,500 years of continuous written and cultural history. Tourism in Turkmenistan: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Central Asia Turkmenistan, a land of the vast Karakum Desert, modern cities like Ashgabat and Arkadag, and the radiant legacy of the Silk Road, remains one of Cent... Bagshy Music and Turkmen Storytelling: A Vibrant Symbol of Nomadic Culture Bagshy music and Turkmen storytelling reflect the rich heritage of Turkmenistan’s nomadic life and form an integral part of Central Asia’s cultural id... Wedding Traditions in Turkmenistan: Attire, Customs, and Family Relations Marriage in Turkmen culture is not merely a union between two individuals but a bond between families and, at times, entire tribes. This event serves ... Turkmen jewelry Traditions: A Treasure of Art and Identity Turkmen traditional jewelry, with its masterful silverwork and intricate designs, embodies the nomadic art and cultural identity of Turkmenistan. From... Silk Roads: Turkmenistan’s Archaeological Crossroad For centuries, the Silk Roads linked East and West through trade, diplomacy, and cultural encounters. Between the 2nd century BCE and the 15th century... Turkmen Carpets: Weaving Heritage, Uniting Cultures Turkmen carpets, known as haly or kilim, are vibrant symbols of Turkmenistan’s cultural identity, weaving together intricate geometric patterns, vivid... The Nomadic Life of the Turkmen: A Living Legacy of Culture and Tradition The nomadic life of the Turkmen, deeply rooted in Central Asian history, forms an integral part of Turkmenistan’s cultural identity. The Turkmen, prim... Nowruz in Turkmenistan: A Celebration with Shared Regional Roots Among the vibrant cultural celebrations of Turkmenistan, Nowruz stands out as a timeless symbol of renewal and the start of the new year. Inscribed on... The Borderless Language of the Soul: Mystical Music in Iran and the ECO Member States and Its Role in Cultural Dialogue Mystical music is a form of spiritual music that emerges with the aim of inner journeying, drawing closer to God, and experiencing spiritual states su... Korkut Ata: Kazakhstan’s Eternal Epic and a Shared Global Heritage In the ancient Turkic traditions, particularly within the authentic beliefs of the people of Kazakhstan, "Korkut Ata" is more than just a mythological... Archaeological Heritage of Iran and ECO Member Countries The most important historical and archaeological site in Iran is "Shahr-e Sukhteh (Burnt City) in Sistan and Baluchistan, which dates back to the 3rd ... The Caspian Sea, A Platform for Cultural Exchanges Among ECO Member States The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world, geographically located between Europe and Asia. Legally, it is considered neither ... The Art of Marquetry (Moarraq) in Iran The art of marquetry (moarraq) is one of the most prominent and delicate traditional arts of Iran, with deep roots in Iranian culture, architecture, a... Qawwali: The Link Between Music, Mysticism, and Culture in Pakistan Qawwali music is undoubtedly one of the most prominent cultural symbols of Pakistan and is performed at festivals as well as religious and cultural ce... Nowruz, Haftseen, and Cultural Solidarity Among the Nations of the ECO Region Haftseen is an arrangement and a table consisting of seven symbolic elements representing different aspects of life and well-being, whose names begin ... The History of Nowruz in Iran and ECO Member Countries Since 3000 BCE, two major festivals were celebrated in Central and Western Asia: The Festival of Creation in early autumn and the Resurrection Festiva... International Culinary Championship: A Global Stage for Gastronomic Excellence The International Culinary Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of chefs, bringing together culinary talents from across con... Pushtab Castle: A Fortress Floating on the Skies of Arasbaran If you are looking for a place where you can not only touch history but also conquer an altitude generally reserved for eagles, your destination is Pu... Prominent Artists with Disabilities from the ECO Region's Cultural Sphere On the Occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities The area covered by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), with its deep-... Santur, a Traditional Iranian Instrument, and Its Spread in the ECO Region Based on studies and research, the Santur is considered one of the oldest instruments of the Iran's cultural sphere. The earliest evidence of this ins... National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan In 1940, the base of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR was transformed into a branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in Tajikistan, which inc... Polo (Chogan) in ECO Member Countries Today, more than 77 countries hold polo competitions and special programs. Polo was also among the sports played in the Olympic Games from 1900 to 193... Turkmen Gol Motifs: The Geometric Language of Identity and Meaning Abstract Gol motifs in Turkmen art go far beyond carpet decoration; they embody symbolic, historical, and social meanings. These geometric and symmet... The Art of Weaving the Persian Handwoven Carpet The art of carpet weaving and the production of hand-woven Persian carpets date back to the earliest periods of Iranian art and culture. The worldwide... Hisar Castle Hisar Castle — is a historical and cultural monument in the Hisar district. Turkmen Ceremonial Clothing: A Symbol of Identity and Cultural Heritage Introduction The ceremonial clothing of Turkmenistan is considered one of the most prominent manifestations of the country's cultural heritage. These... Yaseh Chah Historical Village: A Scientific and News Report Yaseh Chah (Yaseh Chay), a village with an estimated history of nearly 400 years and a remarkable architectural structure, is recognized as a prominen... Registan Square, Samarkand: Pinnacle of Architecture and Knowledge Transfer in the Timurid Era Registan Square, located in the historic city of Samarkand, is one of the most distinguished cultural heritage sites in Central Asia. This magnificent... Meymand, the Oldest Village in Iran The village of Meymand, with a history spanning 8,000 to 12,000 years, is located 38 kilometers northeast of Shahr-e Babak, at an elevation of 2,240 m... The Art of Calligraphy and the Expansion of Nasta‘liq Script among ECO Member States Calligraphy, or the art of beautiful writing, refers to the practice of inscribing texts in accordance with aesthetic principles and stylistic rules. ... Tajik State College of Arts named after Mirza Tursunzoda The Tajik State College of Culture and Arts named after Mirza Tursunzoda is one of the higher professional educational institutions of Tajikistan. 🇮🇷 Iran: Land of Seven Wonders, Millennia of Coexistence, and Magnetic Cultural Power 🌟 Introduction: Iran, A Masterpiece of History, Civilization, and Coexistence Iran, a land whose geographical borders are intertwined with the depth ... Shashmaqam: A Masterpiece of Central Asian Classical Music with Persian Roots Shashmaqam (Shashmaqam) is one of the richest and most complex traditions of classical music in Asia, with its main origin in the historic cities of B... The Akhal-Teke Horse in Turkmen Folk Beliefs A Symbol of Nobility, Myth, and National Identity Introduction The Akhal-Teke horse, an ancient and unique breed, stands not only as the national symbol of Turkmenistan, but also as a sacred being wi... Uzeyir Hajibeyov: The Father of Azerbaijani Classical Music Introduction Uzeyir Abdulhuseyn oghlu Hajibeyov (1885–1948) is one of the most distinguished cultural figures of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the f... From Tabaristan to Mazandaran: The Embodiment of History and Culture in Mazandaran National Day The 14th of Aban (November 5th) is officially designated as "Mazandaran National Day" in the Iranian calendar. This date commemorates a significant hi... Ancient Rituals and Ceremonies in the Village of Uraman Takht, Kurdistan Province The village of Uraman Takht, located in Kurdistan Province in the heart of the Zagros Mountains, lies in the southwest of Sarvabad County. Owing to it... Cultural Diplomacy and Civilizational Convergence in the ECO Region: The Pivotal Role of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) and Student Capital Ai-Khanum: The Greek City in Northeastern Afghanistan In 1961, King Mohammad Zahir Shah of Afghanistan discovered the remains of an ancient settlement during a hunting trip in Takhar Province. Three years... Tajik Women Poets- Muazzamkhan Khujandi Muazzamkhan Khujandi, the elder sister of Muattarkhan and the daughter of Mirsaid and Qambarkhan Khujandi, was born in 1833 in the city of Khujand. Women of Speech - Qambarkhan Khujandi Qambarkhan Khujandi was one of the women of speech of Khujand, who lived in the 19th century. Historians have recorded her birth year as 1225 AH in th... Тajik Women Speakers – Gulchehreh Suleimani Gulchehreh Suleimani (1928-2003) is a Tajik poet and the daughter of Peyrav Suleimani (1899-1933). She graduated from the Bukhara Pedagogical Universi... The Shrine of Chek Chek (Pir-e Sabz): The Thumping Heart of Legends in the Yazd Desert Summary: Chek Chek stands as a living museum of ancient Iranian beliefs and mythologies, where every drop of water narrates the poignant tale of a Sas... Sulayman-Too Sacred Mountain: Kyrgyzstan’s Sole Cultural World Heritage Site Sulayman-Too Sacred Mountain, located in the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, is the country’s only cultural property inscribed on the UNESCO World... Higher Education and Literacy in Turkmenistan: A Structural Overview As a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Turkmenistan maintains a centralized and state-governed education system emphasizing acces... Damavand: The Mountain of Ancient Myths and Mysteries Damavand, located in northern Iran, is the highest peak in the country and the twelfth most prominent summit in the world. It is also the highest volc... The Mythical Bird of Kazakhstan, Immortalized in the Bayterek Tower The legend of the Samruk bird and the Tree of Life has deep roots in the mythology of Central Asia, particularly among Turkic peoples, and outlines a ... Shewa Lake, The Hidden Jewel of Badakhshan, Afghanistan Shewa Lake, nestled in the heart of the majestic Pamir Mountains in northeastern Afghanistan, stands as one of the country’s most beautiful yet least-... Customs and Traditions of the People of Qeshm Island Customs and Traditions of the People of Qeshm Island — The Island in the Heart of the Persian Gulf Qeshm Island, located in Hormozgan Province, has ... From "Saêna Murghu" to "Si-Murgh" From "Saêna Murghu" to "Si-Murgh": Simurgh, the Archetype of Absolute Wisdom and Civilizational Mentor in Iranian Heritage Mirsaid Mirshakar, Tajik poet and playwright Mirsaid Mirshakar (1912–1993) was a Tajik poet and playwright, People’s Poet of Tajikistan (1962), and a laureate of the State Prize of Tajikistan nam... National Museum of Tajikistan The National Museum of Tajikistan, also known as the (Asarkhane Millii Tajikistan), was established in 2011 on an area of 24,000 square meters. Rain-Seeking Rituals in Iran Iran, situated predominantly within the arid and semi-arid geographical belt, has historically confronted the persistent threat of Drought. This chall... Architecture, An Ancient Art in Iran Architecture is one of the most creative arts and an important part of every nation’s identity. Through architectural works, a collection of deep and ... Saffron: The Golden Legacy of the Iranian Plateau Saffron (Crocus sativus) is far more than an agricultural product; it is a symbol of Iran’s historical, cultural, and spiritual identity. Originating ... Ancient and Common Artistic Pottery in the ECO Region Pottery is an ancient art that is considered one of the most important artistic manifestations by historians. Pottery has undergone many changes throu... Siah-Chador: Iran's Nomadic Sustainable Architecture The Siah-Chador, locally known as "Dovār," is more than a simple shelter; it is a living symbol of the sustainability, climatic intelligence, and mill... The Largest and Most Reputable Libraries in Iran An Overview of the Country’s Main Centers for Knowledge, Research, and Written Heritage Traditional Knowledge and Skills in Yurt-Making The yurt—a circular, portable dwelling—is a hallmark of nomadic life across Central Asia. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the craftsmanship of yurt-maki... Kok-Boru: Traditional Horseback Game of Kyrgyzstan Kok-Boru, also known as Ulak Tartysh, is one of the most dynamic and culturally significant equestrian games in Central Asia. It was officially inscri... Craftsmanship of the Ak-Kalpak: Kyrgyzstan’s Intangible Heritage The Ak-Kalpak is a traditional white felt hat worn by Kyrgyz men. Its name derives from the Kyrgyz words “ak” (white) and “kalpak” (hat). The craftsma... Uzbekistan Named Best Cultural Tourism Destination of 2025 At the Global Tourism Forum 2025, held from 18 to 20 October 2025 in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, Uzbekistan was officially awarded the title of “Be... Itchan Kala: The Historic Heart of Khiva Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan, stands as one of the most intact examples of Persian–Islamic architec... Icherisheher: Azerbaijan’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site Icherisheher, also known as the Old City of Baku, is one of the most prominent examples of historic urban planning in the Caucasus region and the firs... Mudbrick Houses: The Heritage of Traditional Iranian Architecture Across the arid deserts and vast plains of Iran, mudbrick houses rise like jewels from the earth — timeless symbols of human ingenuity, resilience, an... Bagh-e Babur Bagh-e Babur is located on the slopes of Kuh-e Sher Darwaza, southwest of the old city of Kabul. The garden is c. 11.5 ha large and arranged in 15 ter... The Persian Gulf: An Eternal Symbol of Iranian Historical and Cultural Identity The Persian Gulf, beyond a mere geographical waterway, is an inseparable part of Iranian historical and cultural identity. This vast body of water, r... National Library of Tajikistan The National Library of Tajikistan was founded in 1933 on the basis of the library of the city of Stalinabad, the capital of the Tajik Soviet Socialis... The Minarets of Herat: Majestic Remnants of the Timurid Era The city of Herat, located in western Afghanistan, holds an important place in the history and culture of the region. It was once a major center along... Get to know some of the deserts of ECO member countries The Lut Desert is Iran's first natural desert registered with UNESCO. This amazing attraction, which covers 10 percent of Iran, is known as one of the... Ahmad Danesh Ahmad Danesh is a famous Tajik writer who was born in Bukhara in 1827. His father was originally from Shaferkam city and came to study at the Islamic ... The symbol of Kyrgyz cinema In the history of the cinema of the countries of Central Asia, there are influential and famous figures and personalities whose names and activities a... Timur Malik Timur Malik was one of the Tajik heroes and the leader of the defenders of Khujand during the Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmshahs. After the siege of...