On October 27, the country celebrated the Holiday of the Turkmen Alabay with various events, including exhibitions, creative competitions showcasing the image of the Alabay in visual and decorative arts, and other cultural activities.

The capital hosted the 4th meeting of the International Association "Türkmen alabaý itleri," during which new members were admitted, and the best dog handlers in the country were awarded the honorary title "Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy."

The main events of the day took place at the complex of the International Association "Türkmen alabaý itleri."

Here, an exhibition of national decorative and visual arts, photographs, folk crafts, paintings, carpets, and sculptures from all regions of the country, including Ashgabat and Arkadag, showcased the richness and inexhaustibility of our people's creative talent.

Participants in the celebration included government members, leaders 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 "Türkmen alabaý itleri," dog handlers, breeders, specialists, and media representatives.

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

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

Our people, who created such unique breeds as the Akhal-Teke horses, the Turkmen Alabay, and the hunting Tazy, have preserved their breed characteristics almost unchanged to this day. Today, this activity continues in accordance with the requirements of the time.

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

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

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

In his congratulatory message to dog breeders, fans of Turkmen Alabays, and the people of independent neutral Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted: "The purebred Alabays, nurtured by our ancestors over many centuries and becoming a universal value, are considered the best of all existing dog breeds on earth. Being a close friend and companion of man, Turkmen Alabays have become the pride of our people.

The friendship and loyalty between man and Alabay are reflected in our classical literature. In Alabays, the best examples of national selection, our courageous ancestors noted such traits as bravery, courage, and loyalty to man. Turkmen Alabays are the blessing of our ancient land, the decoration and guardians of the sacred Turkmen hearth, and incomparable national pride."

...One of the memorable moments of the celebration in honor of loyal friends of man was the conclusion of the International competition "Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy" and the creative review dedicated to Turkmen Alabays.

The viewing platform showcased the 10 best Alabays from different regions of the country, selected in the preliminary stages of the competition.

The jury and spectators were announced the names of the Alabays, their age, pedigree, and information about the owners. The Alabays that reached the final continue a particular breeding line.

This competition, aimed at developing domestic dog breeding, is also intended to help preserve the purity of the Alabay breed.

The Alabays participating in the competition demonstrated to the audience the skills their owners had taught them. In addition to their stunning appearance, numerous Alabay fans appreciated their bravery and training displayed during the competition. The trainer's skill lies in guiding the dog through an obstacle course. Speed and accuracy are key factors considered in overcoming obstacles.

It was time to sum up the competition and announce the jury's decision. The floor was given to the jury chairman, Hero of Turkmenistan Saragt Babayev, who, on behalf of those gathered, expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their extensive activities in developing the art of dog breeding in the country, promoting Alabays worldwide, which are an integral part of our people's historical and cultural heritage.

The Turkmen Alabay named Akgush was awarded the title "Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy." It was raised and prepared for the competition by a private dog breeder from Ashgabat, R. Kerimov.

The winner of the international competition was awarded the main prize of the President of Turkmenistan – the keys to a "Toyota Camry" car, as well as a special medal, a rotating cup, and a diploma.

The private dog breeder expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the valuable award, the wide opportunities created for breeding Alabays, preserving 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 Alabay in visual and decorative arts, printed products, photographs, and television channels were announced among artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, photographers, publishing workers, and television operators.

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

The following winners were awarded certificates and valuable gifts on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov:

• A. Orazguliyeva – carpet weaver of the Ashgabat Artistic Carpet Enterprise of the State Association "Türkmenhaly" for the most skillful carpet with the image of the Turkmen Alabay "Türkmen alabaýy";

• B. Sytdykov – lecturer at the Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, for the best painting "Türkmen alabaýy";

• G. Shohratgeldiyeva – 2nd-year student of the Department of Sculpture, Faculty of Fine Arts, State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, for the best sculpture "Edermen türkmen alabaýy";

• Ata Muhammet Ahmet – lecturer at the Department of Design, State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, for the best design of printed products – "Türkmen alabaýlary";

• E. Chariyev – serviceman of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan, for the best television operator work "Edermen türkmen 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 competition winners assured that they would make every effort and ability to enhance the worldwide fame of Turkmen Alabays, embodying their image in their creativity. They wished the head of state good health, longevity, and success in state activities for the benefit of the native people and the further prosperity of the country.

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

...Festive events in honor of the Holiday of the Turkmen Alabay were held today in all cities and villages of the country.