Gurbanaly Amanalyyev was born in 1971 in the Esenguly district of Balkan province. From childhood, he showed a deep interest in folk music and playing the dutar. Between 1981 and 1986, he studied in the dutar department of the Esenguly Children’s Music School. Continuing his musical education, from 1986 to 1990 he studied in the folk instruments department of the Turkmen State Music School named after Dangatar Ovezov, earning a qualification as a dutar teacher.

After completing his military service (1990–1992), he began his professional career as a dutar instructor at the children’s music school in his home district. His creative and leadership talents developed in line with modern cultural standards.

The path of culture and mentorship

From 1995 to 1999, Gurbanaly Amanalyyev worked as the artistic director of the Department of Culture in the city of Turkmenbashi. In subsequent years, he continued performing on folk instruments in the fields of education and within cultural and sports centers. He not only worked as a musician but also actively encouraged the creation of new artistic groups.

He led various ensembles and made a significant contribution to the formation and development of folklore groups such as “Dagdan”, “Gara altyn”, and “Shagadam.” Between 2003 and 2005, he directed a folk instrument ensemble that regularly participated in festive events.

Work with children and international achievements

In 2008, Gurbanaly Amanalyyev was appointed director of the House of Culture of the TNGIZT Coastal Oil Loading Enterprise. Under his leadership, new creative groups were formed — the children’s dance and folklore ensemble “Hazar Merjenleri” (“Pearls of the Caspian”) and the vocal group “Tolkun” (“Wave”). These groups achieved success not only within Turkmenistan but also internationally.

The “Hazar Merjenleri” ensemble participated in the “Awaza — Land of Friendship” International Children’s Festival in 2010, 2013, and 2014, earning diplomas of distinction. The ensemble also represented Turkmen culture at international festivals in Bursa, Istanbul, and Antalya (Turkey).

Success in the “Golden Age of the Turkmen” contest

Under Gurbanaly Amanalyyev’s leadership, his groups have repeatedly won awards in the “Golden Age of the Turkmen” contest organized by the President of Turkmenistan. Thanks to his mentorship, thirteen of his students took part in the national competition “Pearls of Independence.” Among them, Bägül Muhammedova, Abdysetdar Geldiyev, Mayagözel Mämmetgylyyeva, Gülöwser Mätiýewa, Kerem Hangeldiýev, Arzuw Aganyýazowa, and others received Presidential diplomas and “Gulbaba” prizes.

Several other students, including Muhammet Meredov, became winners of the “Resonate, My Homeland” competition and received high honors.

A devoted guardian of folk traditions

Gurbanaly Amanalyyev works creatively not only with children but also with adults. He founded the folklore ensemble “Nebitchi Zenanlary” (“Women of the Oil Workers”), which performed successfully at the “Lale” (Tulip) Festival. In 2023, the “Tolkun” group won an award at an international competition.

In 2025, one of his students, Arzuw Orazovna Aganyýazowa, became a winner of the “Golden Age of the Turkmen” contest and, by Presidential Decree, was awarded a laptop, a tablet, and a diploma.

In creative pursuit – music, dance, and literature

Gurbanaly Amanalyyev has gained extensive experience in preserving folk art and integrating national traditions into educational activities. He reinterpreted and recorded several versions of the famous coastal Turkmen dance “Kushtdepdi.” He also composes music based on poems by folk poets and actively enriches his ensembles’ repertoires with new works.

He strives to deliver modern songs dedicated to the people and the beloved Motherland through children’s performances.

Gurbanaly Amanalyyev is widely respected among the people as a hardworking, sincere, and dedicated leader who has earned genuine love and recognition.

Gülruh Mollayeva,

Chief Specialist of the HR division of the HR and Legal Department of the State Concern "Turkmennebit"

Source: State Concern "Turkmennebit"