Batyr Sultanov, a High School Student from Ashgabat, Has Become an Ambassador of the World of Traditional Values
Batyr Sultanov — a 12th-grade student at Ashgabat School No. 7 and a graduate of the Byashim Nurali Children's Art School — was among the first to be named an Ambassador of the World of Traditional Values. He received this prestigious international title on the sidelines of the 2nd World Public Assembly in Moscow. Behind this achievement lies the remarkable journey of a young Turkmen artist for whom art has become a genuine bridge of friendship between nations.
Batyr’s creative career is progressing rapidly. After graduating with honors from the Nurali Art School last year, he learned to view visual art not merely as a technique, but as a language of people-to-people diplomacy.
It was within the walls of the art school that Batyr painted a portrait of Oleg Kononenko—a native of Turkmenistan, Hero of Turkmenistan and Russia, and cosmonaut corps commander—to mark a milestone anniversary; the portrait was subsequently presented to the legendary cosmonaut. This encounter with a dream led to an unexpected and brilliant next chapter.
"I was absolutely amazed when Oleg Dmitrievich flew in personally for the international festival!" shares Batyr Sultanov. "The words he spoke—that one must never stop dreaming—stayed with me forever. Now I firmly believe that anything is possible if you set clear goals and take action."
Batyr has an impressive track record of participating in international forums; recent highlights include winning the "Tell the World About Your Homeland" contest, a trip to North Ossetia as part of the "Hello, Russia!" program, and a massive youth festival held this September in Yekaterinburg that brought together representatives from nearly two hundred countries.
"I met young people from Italy, the USA, Canada, and France; I became friends with Pedro from Brazil—we still keep in touch online—and with representatives from many other countries," the young ambassador recounts. "I find it especially inspiring to meet participants who attended similar festivals thirty years ago as ordinary teenagers. It gave them a powerful boost in their personal development, and today, as adults, they continue to champion the cause of peace."
Batyr prepares for every trip like a true artist-researcher. In preparation for his visit to the Urals, he created a series of portraits linked to the region's history and culture and to prominent figures from Yekaterinburg; he depicted the famous sculptor Ernst Neizvestny (who once worked on art installations in Ashgabat) and film director Aleksei Balabanov ("because I really like the movie Brother 2*"). He also painted a new portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinterpreting a piece he had created as a child four years earlier.
Today, Batyr Sultanov stands at a pivotal moment in his life. Graduation and university admission lie ahead. His creative nature draws him toward architecture and urban planning, while his extensive practical experience participating in international forums paves a clear path toward a career in international diplomacy.
At the same time, he is already actively engaged in educational work in Ashgabat, where he teaches art classes at the "Russian House" and introduces children to traditional holidays and culture.
"For me, becoming an Ambassador of the World of Traditional Values is not just a title, but a genuine tool for promoting culture, peace, and mutual respect," Batyr believes. "Upon returning home, I am ready to share this experience, giving my friends and peers the opportunity to become part of a vast global community and shape the world around them."
