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Today, the 6th meeting of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association took place at the Center of the International Ahalteke Horse Breeding Association and the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association, coinciding with the Turkmen Alabay Dog Holiday.
This forum served as a significant event aimed at further enhancing the global renown of the Alabay, that stands as a national treasure of the Turkmen people. Expanding international cooperation in this field is an integral part of the large-scale initiatives being carried out under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on harmoniously combining traditional breeding methods with the advancements of modern science.
The meeting was attended by heads and specialists from relevant organizations, sectoral agencies, and higher education institutions, as well as members of the Association and international dog breeders. Regular gatherings of Alabay enthusiasts help define key areas for collaboration, enrich the field with new joint projects, and foster the establishment of professional contacts within the sphere of Cynology. Furthermore, long-term cooperation is being developed with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other major entities, including specialized international associations, legal entities, and individual dog breeders from various countries.
At the beginning of the session, participants viewed an exhibition featuring works of fine and decorative-applied art, carpets, and photographs, dedicated to the Turkmen Alabay. The Alabay is a vital component of the nation’s cultural heritage. It embodies the Turkmen people’s concepts and perspectives regarding harmony, beauty, and both material and spiritual values. Consequently, a distinct thematic focus has emerged within the national arts. In the modern era, these images have taken on new, profound meaning. For millennia, the Alabay has remained a faithful companion to the Turkmen people, serving not merely as an assistant or protector, but as a true friend, a comrade-in-arms, and an embodiment of courage and boundless loyalty. It is for this reason that the Alabay holds a place of honor within the culture, art, literature, and folklore of our nation.
The meeting addressed the activities of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association. Participants emphasized that the Turkmen Alabay is a source of national pride and an integral component of the people’s historical and cultural heritage. Today, thanks to the successful implementation of the noble initiatives championed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, and under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, great importance is placed on breeding the Alabay, preserving the purity of the breed, and conducting scientific research into its inherent qualities. The establishment of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association has gained a powerful momentum to these ongoing efforts.
In our independent Homeland, every condition is being created to advance the national tradition of dog breeding, which reaches deep into antiquity. The construction of Turkmen Alabay Centers built according to international standards, across the country’s regions and in Ashgabat city has opened up vast opportunities for domestic cynologists to carry out their work in line with the demands of the modern era. The organization of the international contest “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy”, held in honor of the Turkmen Alabay Holiday, alongside a creative competition for carpet weavers, artists, sculptors, photographers, publishing professionals, and television camera operators, further enhances the renown of the Turkmen Alabay, both within our country and on the international stage.
Participants of the meeting underscored Turkmenistan’s commitment to safeguarding national and universal human values, as well as to strengthening ties between the world’s nations and peoples through cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Speakers highlighted that the steady growth in the membership of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association, which now includes canine experts from abroad, serves as a testament to the Turkmen Alabay’s reputation worldwide as a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
As previously noted, the Turkmen Alabay is a cultural treasure with a history spanning millennia. Renowned worldwide for their physical and mental attributes, as well as their unwavering loyalty, Alabays are considered to be one of the oldest and finest breeds. It was emphasized that the Hero-Arkadag deserves great credit for enhancing the global renown of the Turkmen Alabay. In his book, “The Turkmen Alabay”, the National Leader furnishes a detailed account of the breed’s significant role in the life and destiny of our people. Speakers highlighted the humanistic focus of this work, which incorporates research findings from the fields of archaeology and ethnography, alongside compelling insights into the characteristics of a breed developed by celebrated Turkmen breeders. The book has garnered significant interest from cynologists and subject-matter experts, as well as the general public. The inclusion of the “Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year serves as a clear testament to the international community’s recognition of the values established by our ancestors.
To encourage those who have excelled in advancing the Turkmen tradition of dog breeding, now an integral part of global culture, as well as in increasing the Alabay population, conducting effective selective breeding, and mentoring the younger generation in the nuances of training these dogs, the honorary titles “Türkmenistanyň halk itşynasy” and “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy” have been established. It was further emphasized that the unique qualities of the Alabay dogs and their profound devotion to their owner should be widely promoted on the global stage. In this regard, establishing and expanding mutually beneficial ties with international counterparts stands as one of the Association’s primary objectives.
The year themed “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” has been rich in historically significant events dedicated to promoting the nation’s heritage. It is highly symbolic that the celebration of the glorious 35th anniversary of the Motherland’s sacred independence coincided with the grand opening of the 1,200-seat Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag. This serves as further evidence of the profound reverence for ancestral values during the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state. The Alabay beauty contest, held as part of these festivities, added even greater depth and significance to the celebrations.
Subsequently, in accordance with a Decree issued by the President of Turkmenistan, a ceremony was held to present state awards to members of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association and private dog breeders, in honor of the Turkmen Alabay Dog Holiday. Under the terms of the decree, B. Halvatjanov, a senior instructor-technician for search dogs at the Center for Breeding and Improvement of Service Dogs under the State Border Service of Turkmenistan, and P. Byashimov, a dog handler with a military unit of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, were conferred the honorary title “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy”.
The recipients of this honorary title expressed their sincere gratitude to the head of state for the high recognition of their work, pledging to continue their scientific and selective breeding efforts aimed at preserving the purity of the breed, developing new lines, and increasing the population of Turkmen Alabay dogs.
During the meeting, and in accordance with a decision by the head of Turkmenistan, who also serves as President of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association, official membership credentials were presented to the Association’s new members.
The dog breeders expressed their sincere gratitude for being welcomed into the International Association and affirmed their readiness to contribute in every possible way to its activities. In their remarks, delivered via a digital link, the new international members of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association highlighted the exemplary nature of the modern infrastructure established in Turkmenistan for the breeding of both Ahalteke horses and Alabay dogs. They emphasized that it is a great honor for them to become members of an International Association founded in the country that holds its traditional cultural values in such high regard.
The meeting participants expressed their appreciation to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero-Arkadag for their care and attention toward preserving national dog-breeding traditions as an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. They further pledged to dedicate their full knowledge and expertise to advancing the extensive work being carried out by the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association to promote the Alabay breed globally.
