The international scientific-practical conference and exhibition "Turkmen land - the center of world-famous cultural values" is taking place in Ashgabat these days. The main theme of the forum is dedicated to the unique breed of dogs - Turkmen alabay and beagle tazy, which are an integral part of national culture.
Proud and fearless protector - Turkmen alabay is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, which age ranges from about 3 to 6 thousand years. The uniqueness of the breed is due to the fact that to this day alabay has come in its original form, preserving its appearance in the way that our ancient ancestors knew it.
The natural breed formation region is the territory of the Asian continent from the Caspian Sea in the west to the modern border with China in the east. From time immemorial, due to natural conditions, the local population has been engaged in nomadic pastoralism. People needed a devoted protector who could do a good job protecting the house and the caravans, as well as the flocks of sheep and cattle from predators.
The harsh climatic conditions, the constant fight against predators have shaped the appearance and tempered the character of the Turkmen alabay. The centuries-old selection has determined the behavior of dogs, making them resilient, fearless and able to spend their energy in desert conditions.
Ancient wisdom says: "Where there is Turkmen alabay, there are no snakes and scorpions." When men left their homes, the responsibility for the safety of women and children rested with the faithful and faithful alabay.
The book of the esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov "Turkmen alabay" states:
“… the alabay did not allow any stranger to their village. To the people who had left the house for earnings, the horse was a companion and companion, and their house was guarded by a faithful alabay. Sometimes only women and small children remained in the village. But in a village on the edge of which alabay sat and watched closely, passers-by could not enter.».
For many centuries this breed of dogs served man as a reliable watchman. This is evidenced by the images of alabay found in the ornaments of ancient Turkmen carpets. Archaeological excavations in the Bahardensky district of Ahal velayat have found an ancient pattern - "Gujuk yzy" ("Dog Trail"). Alabai claw paintings are inscribed on the bricks of the Shehrislam monument dating to the IX-XIV centuries. According to ancient beliefs, this pattern served as a protection.
To date, a loyal friend of the people is an indispensable assistant in the work of the military and law enforcement agencies. At the initiative of the leader of the nation in Turkmenistan, the "Turkmen Alabays" International Association has been established and a holiday dedicated to this unique breed of dogs has been established. Active work is underway to breed purebred alabay, nurseries and farm buildings are being built, cynological centers.
In addition to increasing the glory of this breed of dogs, it is planned to include the art of breeding Akhal-Teke horses and breeding Turkmen alabay in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
