“THE ART OF BREEDING THE TURKMEN ALABAY” WAS INCLUDED IN UNESCO’S REPRESENTATIVE LIST OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

On 11 December 2025, during the ongoing 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in New Delhi, Republic of India, a final decision was adopted to inscribe the nomination submitted by Turkmenistan — “The Art of Breeding the Turkmen Alabay” — on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This decision was unanimously supported by all 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee, following the highly positive assessment of independent experts and UNESCO’s Evaluation Body.

The nomination file, prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO in cooperation with the International Association “Turkmen Alabays,” included broad participation of master dog breeders and families, researchers, as well as renowned experts and enthusiasts of Alabay breeding. This was highlighted as a positive example of ensuring the active involvement of tradition bearers in the preparation of the nomination, while also emphasizing the important role of women in the process.

The comprehensive and consistent safeguarding measures implemented within the framework of national policy — in close cooperation with local administrations, non-governmental organizations, and tradition bearers — were highly commended. These efforts ensure the sustainability of the ancient traditions of breeding Turkmen Alabays and strengthen intergenerational continuity.

The Turkmen people created an exemplary system of breeding purebred dogs, cultivating traits such as devotion to their owners, vigilance, resourcefulness, and loyalty. Today, the Turkmen Alabay, having preserved its original appearance, has become one of the symbols of beauty, material, and spiritual values ​​of our people.