The exhibition titled "Ynsanyň wepaly dosty – türkmen alabaýy" has opened at the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan.
Following their professional expertise, museum staff introduced visitors to the exhibition with archaeological finds, including clay dog figurines discovered during excavations at Gonurdepe. These finds date back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. In another display case of archaeological finds from Merv, there were dog figurines from the Middle Ages. Thus, the exhibition organizers scientifically argued for the close connection between humans and their four-legged friends, which dates back centuries.
Two black-and-white photographs from the 1940s captured two Alabays, Arlan and Geogche, who shared first place at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition in Moscow. Alabays impress with their appearance. They are powerful, large creatures with massive heads. Despite this, they invariably evoke affection with their squinting kind and intelligent eyes. If someone is lucky enough to see an Alabay puppy, they will feel delighted all day by what they have seen. Alabays, thanks to their natural intelligence and loyalty to humans, are the best helpers of shepherds and border guards.
The exhibition features a photo reproduction by Ashyr Kuliev (a copy in reduced form) titled "Arkadag, Realizing Centuries-Old Dreams," the painting "Faithful Friends" by Gurban Bayramov, the painting "From Glorious Past to Great Future" by Parakhat Gapanchiev, and works by artists Guncha Yazmukhammedova, Saparmamet Meredov, and others. The patriotic titles of paintings featuring Alabays testify to the national pride of Turkmens for this remarkable breed developed in our country.
At the conference dedicated to the national holiday "Alabay Day," speakers included museum workers, theater experts, journalists, representatives of the "Türkmen alabaý itleri" Association, and members of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Bezmein etrap. The audience listened with particular interest to a speech by border service officer Furkajon Matkurbanov, who spoke about the heroic behavior of Alabays in several cases at the border.
