On October 27, celebrations were held in the country in honor of the Turkmen Alabai Holiday, within the framework of which exhibitions, creative competitions on the artistic embodiment of the image of Alabai in works of fine and decorative arts, and other cultural events were organized.

The IV meeting of the International Association "Türkmen alabaý itleri" was held in the capital, during which new members were admitted to this organization, and the best dog handlers of the country were awarded the honorary title "Türkmenistanyen at gazanan itşynasy".

The main events of today took place in the complex of the International Association "Turkmen alabaý itleri".

There was an exhibition of works of national decorative, applied and fine arts, photographs, folk crafts, paintings, carpets and sculptures from all regions of the country, the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, which presented all the wealth and inexhaustibility of the creative talent of our people.

Among the participants of the current celebration are members of the Government, heads of the Mejlis, ministries and departments, public organizations, diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in our country, as well as members of the International Association "Turkmen alabaý itleri", dog handlers, dog breeders, specialized specialists, media representatives.

A festive musical performance of the artists was organized on the square in front of the complex.

The initiatives of the Hero-Arkadag to popularize in the world and preserve the national heritage are being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Our people, who created such unique breeds as Akhal-Teke horses, Turkmen alabai and hunting greyhound tazy, having developed the best qualities in them, managed to preserve their inherent breed characteristics almost unchanged to the present day. Today, this activity continues according to the requirements of the time.

In this regard, it should be noted that experienced breeders play an important role in the formation of such qualities of the Turkmen Alabai as loyalty, fearlessness and reliability.

The book "Turkmen Alabai" by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag notes that the qualities inherent in the Turkmen Alabai, nurtured by the wisdom of our people, have been preserved since ancient times. Turkmen Alabai are an integral part of our unique national culture.

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasizes, the Turkmen Alabai is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and is the pride and national treasure of our courageous people.

In the congratulatory Address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to dog breeders, fans of Turkmen alabai and the native people of independent neutral Turkmenistan, it is noted: "The purebred Alabai bred by their ancestors for many centuries, which have become a universal human value, are considered the best of all dog breeds existing on earth. Being a close friend and companion of man, Turkmen Alabai have become the pride of our people.

The relationship of friendship and devotion between man and Alabai is reflected in the works of our classical literature. In the Alabai, the best examples of national breeding, our courageous ancestors noted such traits as courage, bravery, and loyalty to man. Turkmen alabai are the grace of our ancient land, the adornment and guardians of the sacred Turkmen hearth, incomparable national pride."

...One of the memorable moments of the celebration in honor of the faithful friends of man was the summing up of the results of the International competition "Ylyly türkmen edermen alabaýy" and the creative review dedicated to the Turkmen Alabai.

The 10 best Alabai from different regions of the country, selected at the preliminary stages of the competition, were exhibited on the observation deck.

The jury and the audience are informed about the names of the Alabai, their age, pedigree and information about the owners. Alabai, who have reached the final of the competition, continue one or another tribal line.

This competition, aimed at the development of domestic dog breeding, is also designed to help preserve the purity of the Alabai breed.

Alabai, who participated in the competition, demonstrated to the audience the skills that their hosts had taught them. In addition to the amazing external data, numerous fans of Alabai appreciated their courage and training shown during the competition. The skill of the trainer is to guide the dog through the obstacle course. Speed and accuracy are key factors that are taken into account when overcoming obstacles.

It's time to sum up the results of the competition and announce the jury's decision. The floor is given to the chairman of the jury, Hero of Turkmenistan Saragt Babayev, who, on behalf of the audience, expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for large–scale activities to develop the art of dog breeding in the country, assistance in popularizing alabai in the world, which are an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of our people.

The Turkmen Alabai, nicknamed Akgush, was awarded the title "Ýylyń türkmen edermen alabaýy". He was raised and prepared for competitions by a private dog breeder from Ashgabat, R. Kerimov.

The winner of the international competition is awarded the main prize of the President of Turkmenistan – the keys to the Toyota Camry passenger car, as well as a special medal, a rolling Cup and a diploma.

The private dog breeder expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the valuable award, the wide opportunities created for breeding Alabai, maintaining the purity of the breed and wished the head of state good health and great success in his activities.

Then the names of the winners of the creative competition for the artistic embodiment of the image of the Turkmen Alabai in works of fine and decorative arts, printed products, photographs, TV channels, announced among artists, sculptors, carpet makers, photographers, publishing house employees, cameramen, were announced.

Along with the master mentors, young people who have just embarked on a creative path took part in the competition. The best works were selected according to the nominations: the most elaborate carpet with the image of the Turkmen Alabai; the best artistic image of the Turkmen Alabai; the best sculpture of the Turkmen Alabai; the best printed products with the image of the Turkmen Alabai; the best television story revealing the fearlessness of the Turkmen Alabai.

Relevant certificates and valuable gifts on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov were presented to the following winners:

A.Orazgulyeva – carpet-maker of the artistic carpet-making enterprise of the city of Ashgabat of the State Association "Türkmenhaly" for the most skillful carpet with the image of the Turkmen alabai "Türkmen alabaýy";

B.Sytdykhov – teacher of the Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan for the best painting "Türkmen alabaýy";

G.Shokhratgeldieva – 2nd year student of the Sculpture Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan for the best sculptural work "Edermen türkmen alabaýy";

Ata Mukhammet Akhmet – teacher of the Design Department of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan for the best design of publishing products – "Türkmen alabaýlary";

E.Charyev, a soldier of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan, for the best TV camerawork "Edermen turkmen alabaýy".

Expressing sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the high appreciation of their work and the great attention paid to the development of dog breeding, the winners of the competition assured that they would make every effort and ability to increase the worldwide fame of the Turkmen Alabai, embodying their image in their work. They wished the head of state good health, longevity and success in government activities for the benefit of his native people, and further prosperity of the country.

Thus, the celebrations on the occasion of the Turkmen Alabai Holiday became a vivid evidence that at the state level great attention is paid to the pride and heritage of our people – the Turkmen Alabai, large-scale initiatives are being implemented to popularize them in the world and develop the national art of dog breeding, which originates from the depths of centuries. At all times, the Turkmen alabai has been a faithful friend of our ancestors and a reliable defender of the hearth. The Turkmen alabai, considered one of the most popular breeds in the world, is our national heritage.

Source: State News Agency