Today, events dedicated to the Turkmen Carpet Festival, traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday in May – an exhibition of carpets and carpet products, as well as the 24^th meeting of the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs were held in the capital.

Established as a sign of special recognition and veneration of the unique cultural heritage of the nation – the art of hand-made carpet weaving, in honor of all skilled craftswomen, whose talent and inspired work create amazingly beautiful carpets, this holiday has truly become one of the striking examples of the preservation of primordial types of decorative and applied arts, enduring values of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation. The carpets, which have won the admiration of the whole world, reflect the best qualities of the people and, most importantly, their inherent integrity and high spirituality.

The ceremonial events were preceded by an exhibition held at the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet. Here you could get acquainted with classic and modern original carpet products. Spread out on the square adjacent to the museum, every corner of the improvised village conveyed a colorful picture of the painstaking, but inspired by the joy of creation and creativity, the work of carpet weavers, and the entire sequential chain of stages of work on the future carpet.

It should be noted that the masterpieces of carpet weaving reflected the Turkmen worldview, pride in the past, present and bright dreams for the future. The main patterns – carpet gels, have become integral elements of state symbols of the independent neutral Homeland. They personify the unity and cohesion of our people, the endless desire for beauty, the harmony of traditions and modern experience. It is significant that the new Ashgabat International Airport opened in September 2016, is included in the Guinness Book of Records for the architectural feature of the passenger terminal, and called “The Largest Gel”.

The festive atmosphere reigning in the National Museum was enhanced by the performances of creative groups, whose bright compositions featured the theme of the “Living Legend” – the history of the creation of the Turkmen carpet.

The solemn opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by the Chairman of the Mejlis, heads of ministries and departments, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in our country, cultural figures and masters of art, students, representatives of public organizations, famous carpet weavers of the country, as well as foreign guests.

Events on the occasion of this holiday provided a wonderful opportunity to popularize national heritage, familiarize the general public with the achievements of our country, as well as to build bridges of cooperation with potential foreign partners.

With deep attention, those gathered listened to the welcoming Address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which noted that carpets, improved over the centuries, with their unique national characteristics, have become an integral value of Turkmen life, have become the decoration of our homes, hearths, the pride of our soul, recognized throughout the world , and the Turkmen national art of carpet weaving, included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, are an excellent symbol of the eternity of art.

“Our carpets, striking everyone with their delicacy, sophistication, silky softness, sparkling color palette and dazzling beauty, embody all the wonderful qualities of our people, their national characteristics, inexhaustible love for their language, art, noble traditions and customs,” it is emphasized in congratulatory message from the head of state.

Along with the masterpieces of ancient and original art of the Turkmen people, woven by skilled carpet makers of the Türkmenhaly State Association, modern carpet products were also presented by one of the large enterprises of the non-state sector – the Abadan haly Open Joint Stock Company, which organically combines ancient traditions and innovative ones in production technologies.

A large collection of souvenirs in stunning harmony of carpet patterns, distinguished by sophistication and an individual creative approach, attracted exhibition guests and domestic entrepreneurs who make a significant contribution to the development of the carpet and tourism industries.

Among the exhibits presented by guests from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are magnificent classical ornamental and subject carpets and works of relief weaving. It is important to note that among them there are also new skillful samples, recreated from reproductions of ancient Turkmen carpets, as well as ceramic products.

As part of the celebrations, the workers of carpet enterprises were honored, by the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan for their great services in the development of the national art of carpet weaving in the independent neutral Homeland, glorifying in the world the unsurpassed beauty and filigree of Turkmen carpets, which are the pride of our people, decorating carpets with artistic ornaments, taking into account the conscientious and selfless work over many years, professionalism, and also on the occasion of the Turkmen Carpet Festival, was awarded the honorary title “Türkmenistanyň at gazanan halyçysy”.

The recipients noted with gratitude that tireless concern for the preservation and enhancement of national heritage is one of the most important aspects of state policy. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his special attention to providing favorable conditions for their harmonious creativity, educating young talented craftswomen who are eagerly adopting the secrets of the ancient craft.

Broad cultural, trade and economic ties with foreign partners play an important role in the development of domestic carpet weaving and the popularization of the unique advantages of man-made fabrics. In order to carefully preserve spiritual values passed down from generation to generation over the centuries, in the new historical era, large-scale work is being carried out to further improve this art, which is an integral part of the world cultural heritage.

The activities of the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs are also aimed at this, the 24^th meeting of which was held in the afternoon in the conference hall of the Türkmenhaly State Association.

During the regular meeting of the organization, which brings together representatives of the scientific and business world, collectors of works of art and antiques, amateur enthusiasts from all over the world, reports were made on the history, present day and prospects for the development of Turkmen carpet weaving and other topics.

The speeches emphasized that the Turkmen carpet in its ornaments reflects the milestones of history, mentality and spiritual and moral values of the people.

As noted, true masters of the high art of hand-made carpet weaving in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state are implementing new creative ideas. Today, based on sketches developed by artist-designers, they produce carpets for decorating the interiors of educational and sports institutions, hotels and health resorts, office buildings, etc., being built throughout the country. Modern carpet weaving factories create unique fabrics that, as in ancient times, decorate magnificent halls government complexes, cultural centers and museums.

These successes became possible due to the active care of the state, which identified one of the priorities of the country’s socio-economic development as the consistent improvement of the art of carpet weaving. In order to widely popularize this unique artistic craft and preserve original examples of ancient paintings, the production infrastructure of the domestic carpet industry is being modernized. Artistic carpet weaving enterprises are being put into operation, where all conditions are created for fruitful work and comfortable rest for carpet weavers.

It was emphasized that recognition by UNESCO experts of the traditions of Turkmen carpet weaving as part of the great cultural heritage of all mankind would further promote this national brand abroad.

Speaking about the personal contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the popularization of ancestral traditions, the speakers noted that thanks to his fundamental books on the eternal beauty of man-made carpets “Living Legend” and “Heavenly Beauty” the world rediscovered such ancient and modern art like carpet weaving.

At the end of the exhibition and the 24^th meeting of the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs, its participants adopted an Address to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in which they expressed sincere gratitude to the head of state for his active support in enhancing the glorious traditions of carpet weaving, creating favorable conditions for expanding international cooperation in this area.

In the evening, at the Aşgabat Song and Music Center, the celebrations continued with performances by creative groups.

On the occasion of the Turkmen Carpet Festival, meetings, exhibitions, scientific conferences, creative competitions, concerts and other events were held throughout the country.