During the year proclaimed “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” cultural and public events and celebrations organized in Balkan velayat have been gaining increasing momentum. One such event was the velayat stage of the competition entitled “Hünärim bar – hormatym bar”, dedicated to the upcoming International Women’s Day. The competition, held in the building of “Türkmeniň ak öýi” in Balkanabat, was organized by the Central Council of the Union of Women of Turkmenistan and the National Center of Trade Unions of the country.
The competition brought together winners of the preliminary city and etrap rounds—skilled craftswomen who have devoted themselves to the art of sewing. According to the regulations, the participants competed in three categories, demonstrating not only their technical abilities but also a deep knowledge of national traditions. The main goal of the event was to preserve and promote the heritage of the ancestors, including the finest secrets of handicrafts and ornamentation, as well as to strengthen the continuity of experience between generations.
An exhibition of exquisite national costumes was organized as part of the event, where every detail highlighted the contestants’ professionalism. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the inspired performances of the seamstresses, who accompanied the presentation of their works with the recitation of poems, tales, and legends about the value of folk crafts. The practical part of the competition allowed participants to demonstrate their skill in cutting and sewing children’s dresses within a strictly limited time, as well as to share their experience in the artistic decoration of garments using unique patterns.
At the conclusion of the festive competition, the winners were announced: Oguljeren Rejepova, a teacher at Secondary School No. 3 in the city of Balkanabat; Gulzar Bayramova, a teacher at School No. 6 of Esenguly etrap; and Nurjemal Tachmammedova, a teacher at Specialized School No. 19 of Bereket etrap.
The winners were awarded commemorative gifts.
