A Sign of Global Recognition for the Alabai: Ashgabat Hosts UNESCO Certification Ceremony
Ashgabat, December 16 | ORIENT. Today, the capital of Turkmenistan became the center of a major cultural celebration. The official ceremony to award the UNESCO certificate took place at the headquarters of the International Association "Turkmen Alabai." The "Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabai" is now officially enshrined in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This decision, recently made at a session in New Delhi, marks the final milestone in the extensive work to achieve international recognition for one of the most ancient dog breeds on the planet.
The celebration began with an exhibition outlining the key milestones in the centuries-long history of the Alabai in the life of the Turkmen people. The Center's foyer featured archaeological evidence confirming that the Alabai has accompanied the Turkmen people for millennia, as well as images of these faithful dogs captured in paintings, carpets, and other examples of decorative and applied art. The works of the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, dedicated to the national cultural heritage, occupied a key place in the exhibition.
At the certificate presentation ceremony, it was noted that Alabai breeding in Turkmenistan has reached a new technological level. The network of specialized centers established in the provinces and the capital are not just kennels, but modern research facilities. Here, classical methods of traditional breeding are combined with cutting-edge veterinary and genetic technologies, preserving the breed's purity in its original form.
The highlight of the event was a canine show at the Ashgabat Equestrian Center. The winners of the Best Alabai competition paraded in the open arena.
Spectators saw not just powerful dogs but also the results of their trainers' painstaking work: the Alabai demonstrated impeccable composure, intelligence, and the skills for which they are prized worldwide—calm confidence and absolute devotion. The musical finale of the celebration was the performance of the song "Türkmen alabaýy" with lyrics by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, which emphasized the special emotional connection of the Turkmen people with the legendary defender.
