The session of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» has been held in the conference hall of new Center of International Ahalteke Horse Association and International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri».

Representatives of the main office and members of the organization from Ashgabat, heads and leading specialists of number of ministries and departments, public organizations and local mass media took part in the forum. Members of the Association from Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary Regions as well from foreign countries have joined the participants through video conference call.

Opening the session, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of International Ahalteke Equestrian Association, Chairman of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» Serdar Berdimuhamedov has warmly greeted all on National Turkmen Horse Holiday and Turkmen Shepherd Dog Holiday.

Announcing the agenda of the forum, the head of the Association has noted that organization issues related to activity of this international organization would be reviewed at the session. In addition, new members will be admitted and best horse breeders and cynologists of the country will be awarded with state awards. The place and date of the next session of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» will be determined, future objectives will be discussed and relative decisions will be made.

Continuing his speech, S. Berdimuhamedov said that National Turkmen Horse Holiday and Turkmen Shepherd Dog Holiday are celebrated on the same day for the first time.

Turkmen shepherd dogs and ahalteke horses as well as Turkmen carpets are our pride and glory, living legends, national values. Turkmen dogs are distinguished with brave, loyalty to the owner, for which they are loved and appreciated all over the world.

At present time, large-scale work has been expanded in the country at the initiative of the head of the state for glorifying national heritage – Turkmen dogs, their protection and breeding, preservation of livestock including on international level. All conditions have been made for scientific study of the history of this breed and its special features.

International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» has been founded in the country for consolidation of efforts of specialists involved in breeding and training of Turkmen shepherd dogs. Number of members of this competent association has been significantly increased for the short period. Foreign dog specialists have also joined the organization. At present time, representatives of more than 11 countries, more than 190 legal entities and individuals sre the members of the Association.

Honorary titles «Türkmenistanyň halk itşynasy» and «Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy» has been established with support of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for protection and development of Turkmen dog breeding art.

In addition, double celebration – National Turkmen Horse Holiday and Turkmen Shepherd Dog Holiday will be celebrated every year on the last Sunday of April according to the Order of Turkmen leader.

In addition, international context “Best Turkmen Shepherd Dog of the Year” will be held every year in April. It was decided to organize the contest of art works for best image of Turkmen dog in visual, decorative and applied arts, printing media, photos, on TV channels, between carpet makers, sculptors, photographers, publishing personnel and TV operators.

Having continued, Serdar Berdimuhamedov has presented number of the utmost objectives of International Association«Türkmen alabaý itleri» related to breeding, preservation of purity, popularization of this breed in the world. It includes breeding and increment of the livestock of the dogs in the centers opened in the regions and Ashgabat, scientifically based breeding and pedigree work, organization of exhibition and contests of Turkmen dogs in the country and abroad.

It was highlighted that it is necessary to popularize unique features of this breed, the character and dedication to the owner in the world. In this context, establishment and support of contact, beneficial cooperation with foreign colleagues specialized in this sphere are the main objectives of the Association.

Coming over the items of the agenda, S. Berdimuhamedov proposed to make amendments of the Charter of the organization. Thus, the Chairman of the Association will be the President and Deputy Chairman of the Association – its Vice-premier as well as to establish medal «Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy» for award of the winner of international contest organized by International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri».

After the voting, the participants of the forum have unanimously supported these proposals.

Further, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev who read out the Order of the President of Turkmenistan on award of the best horse and dog breeders with honorary titles «Türkmenistanyň halk atşynasy», «Türkmenistanyň ussat halypa seýsi», «Türkmenistanyň at gazanan atşynasy» and «Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy» on occasion of National Turkmen Horse Holiday and Turkmen Shepherd Dog Holiday.

Receiving deserved awards, the participants of the event expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for appreciation of their work assuring that they would continue making significant input to this noble affair.

Further, Speaker of National Parliament G. Mammedova has read out the Order of the President of Turkmenistan on award of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber, head of International Ahaltke Equestrian Association and International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» Serdar Berdimuhamedov with honorary title «Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy».

The insignia and identification were presented to the head of the Association under applauses of the participants of the forum.

Having expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for high appreciation of his activity, S. Berdimuhamedov highlighted that International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» founded at the initiative of the head of the state is to support the spread of glory of Turkmen shepherd dogs, which are national pride and heritage.

Further, the floor was given to leading specialist of the Ministry of Culture, member of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» Agamyrat Baltayev.

Book “Turkmen Alabay” written by the head of the state is used as a guide in study and restoration and popularization of this breed. Numerous archaeological findings made during excavations of famous historical and cultural monuments as well as ancient manuscripts indicate the old age and origin of the breed, the spokesman said.

It is mentioned in the book that national practice in breeding of Turkmen dogs and special methods deserve to be included to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Human Heritage List.

Further, President of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave floor to Deputy Director of Artvin Choruh, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Murat Kibar (Turkey), who participated in the forum in online mode.

Murat Kibar has congratulated all on coming Turkmen Shepherd Dog holiday as well as on the opening of modern Center of International Ahalteke Equestrian Association and International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri».

It was noted that big work has been carried out for the short time since the foundation of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri». International contest «Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy» has been held for the first time under celebration events.

In the end, Murat Kibar wished all members of the Association success in their noble activity.

Member of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri», private dog breeder Mekan Gurbandurdiyev highlighted that large-scale work for restoration and popularization of the glorious history, original tradition and culture of Turkmen people, and bringing of it to current and future generations is expanded in the country.

Further, Chairman of the Society for preservation of Uzbek wolfhound of the Republic of Uzbekistan Akobir Shukurov highlighted that activity of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» raise big interest of foreign dog specialists. This is logical as brave Turkmen shepherd dog with character features inherent to it is one exemplary and the most spread breeds in the world, which popularity is permanently growing.

It was emphasized that initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in development of dog breeding, deserved appreciation of work of specialists working in this sphere, all of this supports to enhancement of prestige of profession of cynologist. Having expressed the willingness to work closely with members of the Association, Akobir Shukurov wished all success in work for increment of number of Turkmen shepherd dogs and enhancement of their glory in the world.

Next, Head of the Society of Caucasian Dogs from the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Gazimzade has made video conference message. Addressing the participants of the session, he highlighted the importance of works for protection of national heritage in Turkmenistan on the government level.

In this context, foundation of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» with its headquarter in Ashgabat is a remarkable event. Taking the opportunity, Ilham Gazimzade expressed gratitude to Turkmen leader for comprehensive support of activity of the organization as well as congratulated the participants of the session on coming Turkmen Shepherd Dog Holiday wishing them success in professional field.

Further, President of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed the Resolutions of establishment of medal «Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy», on acceptance new members to International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» as well as on Conduct of the next session of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» in Ashgabat in the first quarter of 2022.

Finishing the session, the head of International Association «Türkmen alabaý itleri» on behalf of the participants of the session expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the opportunities for fruitful work of the organizations.