Today, at the Center of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri,” a ceremony was held to present the Certificate confirming the inclusion of the national nomination “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Turkmen Alabay is a national treasure and an inseparable part of the historical and cultural heritage of our people. Therefore, today, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is successfully implementing the noble initiatives of the Hero-Arkadag, the state pays special attention to breeding, preserving the purity of the breed, and studying the characteristics of Alabays using a scientific approach.

The measures taken in this field have significantly intensified following the establishment of the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri.” At the same time, specialized complexes and centers have been created in the regions and the capital, whose activities are based on modern technologies. Expanding the network of such facilities contributes to more in-depth research aimed at preserving and improving the breed qualities of Turkmen Alabays.

Participants in the celebration organized on the occasion of this landmark event in the life of the country familiarized themselves with an exhibition displayed in the foyer of the Center of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri.”

The exhibition gave pride of place to national values, information on the history of the faithful Alabays, as well as the remarkable works authored by the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, glorifying the exemplary traditions of our people. While viewing the presented exhibits and works of decorative and applied art, participants showed deep interest in the information describing the history of Turkmen Alabays, their courage, and loyalty.

The exhibition also featured works artistically depicting the bravery of Turkmen Alabays in fine and decorative-applied arts, in carpet products, and in photographic materials.

Then, the ceremony for presenting the Certificate on the inclusion of the national nomination “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity began at the Center.

The celebration was preceded by speeches on the activities of the International Association “Türkmen alabaý itleri,” as well as on state policy aimed at improving and preserving the purity of the breed. During the event dedicated to this significant occasion, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, T. Atahallyev, spoke, expressing on behalf of the ceremony’s participants gratitude to the Head of State and the Hero-Arkadag for the measures taken at the state level that contribute to the recognition of national values by authoritative international organizations.

The Certificate, confirming the worthy place of Turkmen Alabays in the world, multiplied the sense of pride and joy of our people for their national treasure.

The large-scale work currently being carried out to preserve the historical and cultural monuments and values of our country is yielding positive results. The decision to support Turkmenistan’s nomination “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” at the recent session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi (Republic of India), became yet another proof of the international recognition of the initiatives put forward by our country under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This event also increased the pride of our people in their national values.

Speakers at the ceremony noted the significance of the book “The Turkmen Alabay” by the Hero-Arkadag, which is not only a valuable guide for dog breeders, but also a fundamental scientific work containing detailed information on the origin, historical and cultural value, and the place of the Alabay in the life of the people. The work presents historical and literary data, as well as the results of archaeological research. In addition, it reveals the qualities of the Alabay as a protector and loyal friend.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the International Competition “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy”, which is held annually in October in honor of the Day of the Turkmen Alabay.

The speakers expressed words of sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, for the colossal work being carried out to develop the art of dog breeding in our country and to popularize Alabays around the world as an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of our people.

The ceremony emphasized the significance of the congratulatory message from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, addressed to the esteemed President on behalf of the Turkmen people and the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, on the occasion of the inclusion of the national nomination “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In his message, the Hero-Arkadag stressed: “Development and improvement of breeding work is the main direction of large-scale activity in the field of dog breeding. As you have noted, the Turkmen Alabay, being one of the most ancient breeds in the world, is considered the property and centuries-old national heritage of our courageous people.”

In this context, special importance is attached to international cooperation aimed at popularizing Turkmen Alabays around the world.

Thus, the current celebrations have become vivid evidence that at the state level great attention is paid to the pride and treasure of our people—the Turkmen Alabay—and that large-scale initiatives are being implemented to popularize it globally and to develop the national art of dog breeding.

At the conclusion of the speeches, those gathered adopted an Address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in which they expressed sincere gratitude for the successful implementation, under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar, of the initiatives put forward by the Hero-Arkadag to popularize our national values.

Then the ceremony continued at the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex. On the occasion of the landmark event, a demonstration of the country’s renowned Alabays and the winners of the International Competition “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy” took place in the open arena. The event was accompanied by inspiring musical and song performances.

Dog breeders of our country who took part in the ceremony expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and the Hero-Arkadag for the broad opportunities created to preserve the purity of the breed, and assured that they would make every effort to continue the work in this field in a worthy manner.

The performances of the Alabays, which demonstrated high results across all indicators, were very impressive. The audience was shown the skills taught to them by their owners.

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov notes, today the Turkmen Alabay, which has preserved its original appearance, has become one of the key symbols of beauty and of the material and spiritual values of our people. The Turkmen people, who engaged in breeding purebred horses, created an exemplary system for breeding pedigree dogs.

The event organized on the occasion of the inclusion of the nomination “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as in honor of humanity’s faithful friend, was filled with unforgettable moments.

The inspired performances of masters of culture and art of our country further enhanced the solemnity of the event. In the beautiful melodies, the historical significance of the national treasure gifted to the world by the Turkmen people found its reflection.

The performance at the concert dedicated to this remarkable event of the song “Türkmen alabaýy”, with lyrics by the Hero-Arkadag, further heightened the inspiration of the participants.