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Today, the last Sunday of October, marks Turkmen Alabai Day – a holiday dedicated to one of the most ancient dog breeds, which has been the faithful companion, protector, and friend of the Turkmen people for millennia.

The Alabai is more than just a dog; it is a living symbol of national heritage, embodying fortitude, loyalty, and courage, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in ancient settlements such as Margush, Jeitun-Depe, and Altyn-Depe, where burials of these noble animals and terracotta figurines have been discovered.

The day before, on October 25, the 5th meeting of the International Association "Türkmen Alabaý Itleri" was held in Ashgabat. This annual forum, which has already become a tradition, is an important event aimed at further promoting the national treasure of the Turkmen people – the Alabai breed. The meeting was attended by leaders and specialists from relevant agencies and departments, higher education institutions, as well as members of the Association and media representatives. Foreign dog breeders from around the world joined them via videoconference.

The annual celebration of the Turkmen Alabai Day at the state level on the last Sunday of October recognizes the significant role of this ancient breed in the country's cultural and spiritual heritage. Not only Turkmen citizens but also renowned dog handlers from other countries actively participate in the celebrations organized in honor of the Day.

The celebration also facilitates the exchange of experience between foreign and Turkmen specialists in preserving the Alabai's invaluable gene pool, identifies promising areas for cooperation, strengthens international ties through joint research and practical projects, and creates favorable conditions for establishing long-term, fruitful relationships in the field of dog breeding.

The "Türkmen Alabaý Itleri" Association actively develops relationships with international organizations, associations, legal entities, and private dog breeders worldwide, with a key aspect of this collaboration being its partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Turkmenistan is currently implementing an initiative to inscribe the Alabai breeding tradition on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The agenda of the 5th meeting of the International Association included important issues related to the organization's activities, the announcement of new members, and the awarding of state awards to the country's leading cynologists and dog breeders. Participants discussed important future challenges and made decisions aimed at strengthening the Alabai breeding tradition and developing international cooperation in this field. During the presentations, it was consistently noted that the Turkmen Alabai is a cultural treasure that has been an integral part of the Turkmen people's history for millennia, renowned for its strength and selfless devotion and considered one of the oldest and finest breeds.

As emphasized, the National Leader of the Turkmen people made a significant, invaluable contribution to the popularization of the Turkmen Alabai, and his book, "Türkmen alabaýy," details the Alabai's important role in the life and destiny of the people, cites archeological and ethnographic research, and presents fascinating information about the breed's characteristics.

Maria Khairullina, a member of the International Association, trainer, and instructor -cynologist at the Federation of Sports and Applied Dog Breeding of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, shared her experience training the Akdost Alabai, describing its noble qualities and noting that the puppy, gifted in 2021 by President of the International Association, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, has now become a champion in several canine competition categories, demonstrating its genetic strength and intelligence.

An Zhinlong, a private dog breeder from the People's Republic of China and also a member of the Association, expressed gratitude for the careful preservation of the rich cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of identifying key areas for collecting and sharing information on the breed's status, preserving its purity, and increasing its numbers.

Next, Ekaterina Rekowski, Director of the Guardian Dog Center in Michigan, USA, spoke. She noted that her center houses Turkmen Alabai dogs and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exchange views with Turkmen specialists.

Via video link, Murat Kibar, Professor at Artvin Çoruh University in the Republic of Turkey, confirmed his commitment to continue actively participating in the work of the International Association, spreading the glory of the Turkmen Alabai, and strengthening cooperation with his Turkmen colleagues.

A decree of the President of Turkmenistan conferring the honorary title "Türkmenistanyň at gazanan itşynasy" on the occasion of the Turkmen Alabai Day was read at the meeting. While accepting the well-deserved awards, the meeting participants expressed their sincere gratitude to the head of state for the high recognition of their work, assuring that they will continue to conduct targeted scientific and selective work to preserve the purity of the breed and increase the number of Turkmen Alabai.

Foreign dog breeders Ahmet Gürhan Aydınoğlu (Turkey) and Wei Huakai (China) were ceremoniously accepted into the Association and expressed their gratitude for their trust.

The culmination of the celebration is the awards ceremony for the winners of the International Competition "Brave Turkmen Alabai of the Year." This two-stage competition is designed to showcase not only the dogs' magnificent build and grace, but also their obedience, character, and ability to navigate an obstacle course. The winner is awarded a medal, and their handler receives the keys to a new car along with the Challenge Cup. Prizes are also awarded to the winners of creative competitions dedicated to the artistic embodiment of the Alabai in works of art, carpets, and printed materials, confirming its status as an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage.

Ceremonial events—exhibitions of art, photography, and folk crafts, as well as literary, musical, and poetry evenings, and celebrations of distinguished dog breeders—are taking place today in every city and village across the country.

Alabai Day, along with the National Turkmen Horse Day, is deeply ingrained in the national calendar as a symbol of Turkmenistan's spiritual and cultural wealth, paying tribute to the great ancient breed that has been and remains the pride of the nation.

ORIENT

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