Turkmenistan celebrated the Day of the Turkmen Alabai, which traditionally falls on the last Sunday of October—this year landing on the 25th. The Ashgabat Equestrian Complex became the epicenter of the festive events, hosting the key highlights of a large-scale exhibition and celebrations dedicated to man’s faithful companions.
The main culminating moment of the holiday was the final of the international contest “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy” (“Courageous Turkmen Alabai of the Year”). On the open arena of the complex, the jury and numerous spectators were introduced to ten of the best representatives of the breed from various regions of the country, who successfully passed the preliminary selection stages.
For each finalist, their nicknames, age, detailed pedigree, and owner information were announced. All selected dogs represent valuable breeding lines.
The honorary title of “Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy” and the main triumph were awarded to a two-year-old white Alabai named Akgaya, distinguished by a proud nature, powerful build, and impressive dimensions with a height at the withers of 84 cm.
His owner, 4th-year student at the Turkmen Agricultural University and private dog breeder Agageldi Bakeyev, won the main prize on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan—the keys to a Toyota Camry passenger car, a special medal, a rotating Cup, and a diploma.
Bakeyev noted that he has dedicated himself to breeding Alabai dogs from an early age, continuing the family tradition: this noble profession was passed down to him by his father, Honored Dog Breeder of Turkmenistan Begench Bakeyev, and his grandfather, Akmyrat Bakeyev.
The festive program continued with the honoring of the winners of a creative contest, within which masters of art captured the image of the Alabai in painting, sculpture, carpet weaving, photography, and the media industry. Among the awardees:
- In the carpet-weaving category, the work “Türkmen alabaýy” by artist A. Gulberdiyev (from the Ashgabat art carpet-weaving enterprise of the “Türkmenhaly” State Association) was recognized as the best.
- In painting, the top prize was won by the canvas “Miras” by S. Osmanov, a 4th-year student at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan.
- The best sculptural work was recognized as the piece “Alabaýyň waspy” by B. Batyrova, a 2nd-year student at the academy.
- In the field of publishing design, student Y. Yaylimov won the victory.
- For the best camera work, intern instructor N. Orazgeldiyev was awarded.
On behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, certificates and commemorative gifts were presented to the winners of the creative contest.
On the same day, the 6th meeting of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” [Turkmen Alabai Dogs] International Association was held in Ashgabat. The meeting brought together heads of specialized departments, experts, foreign dog breeders, and association members.
Participants emphasized that the Alabai is an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage and the national pride of the Turkmen people. All conditions have been created in the country for the development of the ancient art of dog breeding: modern centers of the Turkmen Alabai meeting international standards have been erected.
To encourage domestic cynologists and specialists by decree of the President of Turkmenistan, the title of “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy” (Honored Dog Breeder of Turkmenistan) was awarded to B. Khalvatjanov, senior search dog technician-instructor at the Center for Breeding and Perfection of Service Dogs of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan, and P. Byashimov, a dog breeder of a military unit of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
Additionally, during the meeting, official membership cards were presented to new members of the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” International Association.
In addition to initiatives to preserve the breed at the national level, Turkmenistan is also making efforts to popularize the art of dog breeding on an international scale. Last December, at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in New Delhi, the nomination “The Art of Turkmen Alabai Breeding” was inscribed on the Representative List. ///nCa, 26 October 2026 (photo credit – TDH)