Turkmen Alabai Day: ten dogs reach the final of a breed on UNESCO's heritage list, “Akgaya” wins

On 25 October Turkmenistan marked Turkmen Alabai Day across the country. The main ceremony took place at the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex, where an exhibition lined the path to the open arena. Government members, heads of ministries and agencies, ambassadors and heads of international missions accredited in Turkmenistan, and members of the international “Türkmen alabaý itleri” association attended.

Ten dogs selected in regional rounds reached the final of the international contest “Brave Turkmen Alabai of the Year”. They were judged on appearance, courage and training, while an obstacle course rewarded speed and accuracy as well as the handler's skill. The winner was an alabai named Akgaya, owned by private breeder A. Bakeyev, a student at the Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University. The prize from the President was a set of car keys, a special medal, a challenge cup and a diploma.

Winners of a creative contest on depicting the alabai in fine and applied art, publishing, photography and television were announced the same day. The best carpet was “Türkmen alabaýy” (A. Gulberdiev), the best painting “Miras” (S. Osmanov) and the best sculpture “Alabaýyň waspy” (B. Batyrova). In his congratulatory address President Serdar Berdimuhamedov called the alabai a national treasure and a symbol of courage and loyalty.

The holiday follows UNESCO's decision last December: at its session in New Delhi, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed “The art of breeding the Turkmen alabai” on the Representative List. A day earlier, on 24 October, the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” association held its sixth session, presenting state awards and membership certificates to new members, including foreign cynologists.