The supra is more than just a traditional feast; it is a symbol of unity and hospitality. Across various cultures, this word connects people around a shared table, reflecting their traditions, values, and worldview. For the Turkmen people, the supra is an essential element of celebrations and daily life, strengthening and creating an atmosphere of warmth and respect within families. In this article, we explore the significance of the supra in the cultures and traditions of different peoples.

In some Turkmen dictionaries, "Supra" refers to a round leather circle used for sifting flour, while in certain dialects, the word also denotes the cloth on which bread is placed. It originates from the Arabic word "sofra" meaning "table for food" "sachak" or "tablecloth".

The Meaning of "Supra" in Turkmen Culture

As noted by the linguist S. Ataniyazova in his book "Türkmen diliniň sözköki sözlügi" (Etymological Dictionary of the Turkmen Language), the word "sachak" refers to a fabric, leather, or similar material that is spread on the table during meals for serving food. This word arose in connection with various culinary traditions. In classical Turkmen literature and local dialects, "supra" may also be called "desterhan" or "köýmet".

For the Turkmen people, the supra is sacred, as it strengthens cohesion, peace, and friendship. This is confirmed by the verses of our wise poet Magtymguly Fragi. He associates the establishment of friendly, peaceful, and harmonious relations among the people with ancient national traditions. His lines, "Tribes live as one family, A single cloth is spread for the feast" express a deep meaning.

Turkmen National Cuisine

The national cuisine of the Turkmen people, in terms of technology and assortment of products, is very close to the cuisines of other Central Asian peoples, although the Turkmen have their own unique ways of preparing all dishes. The entire variety of recipes of national culinary art is reflected in the book "Turkmen National Cuisine" by Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As the National Leader of the Turkmen people notes in his work, the culinary art of the Turkmen people has been formed over many centuries. National cuisine is one of the most important elements of Turkmen culture, reflecting unique folk customs and rituals.

The Turkmen people consider their sachak sacred. The sachak is a symbol of the unity and cohesion of the Turkmen people, because it is around it that the Turkmen people gather. When a Turkmen was asked, "Who is your khan?" he would answer without hesitation, "The Dasterkhan!" Turkmen communicate with relatives and loved ones through the sachak. When going to matchmaking, they take with them a full sachak of flatbreads, and they see them off with a full sachak. When setting off on a journey, Turkmen always take a flatbread with them; it becomes their companion on the road, and this bread helps them return to their home.

Following the Traditions of Ancestorsв

To this day, it is customary in Turkmen families to eat meals at a single "cloth" – at a single desterkhan. At the table, the place of honor is always given to the eldest in the house. The Turkmen people maintain friendly relations at a common supra. Guests arriving in independent and neutral Turkmenistan are greeted with bread and salt and a table set with a tablecloth.

The word "sofra" is also found among the Turks of Bulgaria, in Turkey and other Turkic countries, and among the Georgian people. The rules of the Georgian feast, called "supra," are especially attractive not only because of the centuries-old traditions of serving dishes, setting the table, but also because of the atmosphere – both the strict order in the ritual of holding the feast, and the traditions of the toastmaster, the pronunciation of toasts that are beautiful in content and form, and, of course, the authentic Georgian polyphonic table songs.

Recently, at the inauguration of the President of Georgia, Mikhail Kavelashvili, he also mentioned the traditional Georgian feast – "supra". "The Georgian feast is not only a manifestation of our traditions and views, but also a monument of intangible cultural heritage, which best shows our attitude to the world. Any traditional Georgian feast begins with a toast to the Lord and peace. With this, the Georgian person praises God, expresses his gratitude to him and, above all, asks him for peace".

It is worth noting that the National Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Georgia has assigned the status of a monument of intangible culture of the country to the Georgian feast.

Adhering to the precepts of our ancestors, cultivating the best human qualities in ourselves, we strive to follow the wonderful traditions that reflect national moral values and humanism. It is believed that you cannot make people wait for a set table. And after eating, it is necessary to immediately remove the food from the table.

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