Abstract. The Central Asian region is becoming increasingly relevant for study in the context of modern world politics. The collapse of the USSR stimulated the emergence and intensification of competition between various actors for influence in Central Asia. Turkey is becoming increasingly active, relying on ethnocultural kinship with various peoples of the Central Asian states. In this context, bilateral Turkmen-Turkish relations are of particular interest. The methodological basis of the study is the principle of historicism, as well as historical and comparative analysis to determine the features of the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations at various stages of the formation of independent Turkmenistan. The authors actively used statistical methods to determine the dynamics of the development of relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan in various spheres, elements of content analysis and case studies. The source base of the study includes state documents of Turkey and Turkmenistan, the Organization of Turkic States, official statements of politicians, statistical data and media materials. Also, in the course of the study, an extensive layer of scientific literature was studied, including the works of leading experts on Central Asia. Turkey initially showed interest in developing bilateral relations with Turkmenistan, becoming the first state to recognize its independence. At the same time, the neutral and non-aligned status of Turkmenistan, as well as the peculiarities of S. Niyazov's foreign policy, immediately became a restraining factor. Nevertheless, with G. Berdimuhamedov's coming to power, relations began to demonstrate positive dynamics. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that Turkmenistan continues to adhere to the principle of neutrality, demonstrating a reserved attitude towards Turkey's integration initiatives. At the same time, significant rapprochement is observed in a number of industries, in particular, in the economy, energy and socio-cultural sphere. Further study of Turkmen-Turkish relations is necessary, since Turkey's growing activity in the region may not correspond to the interests of Russia, which is traditionally one of the most influential actors in Central Asia.