Intangible Cultural Heritage

The global recognition of Turkmenistan’s intangible heritage highlights the profound significance of its cultural traditions. In addition to the tangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench, and the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, Turkmenistan also boasts a rich array of intangible heritage that is integral to its cultural identity.

Turkmenistan has nine remarkable entries on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Epic Art of Gyoroglu (2015)

This epic narrative tells the legendary tales of Gyoroglu, a heroic figure whose adventures are depicted through a blend of storytelling, song, and traditional customs. Celebrating virtues such as bravery, honesty, love, loyalty, and justice, the epic serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as an educational tool for young audiences, showcasing cultural unity and creativity. Performances of «Gyoroglu» typically involve male and female narrators reciting the epic while seated, often accompanied by traditional string instruments like the dutar or gyjak.

Nowruz (2001, extended in 2016)

Nowruz, which translates to «new day,» is a festival of immense importance in Turkmenistan. During this time, families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, including semene, a wheat-based delicacy, and gather to celebrate with friends and family. The holiday marks the beginning of the agricultural season, and celebrations include traditional games and a fire-lighting ceremony where participants leap over flames. Nowruz is also celebrated across Central Asia and in several other countries, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.

Kushtdepdi Rite of Song and Dance (2017)

Kushtdepdi is an ancient tradition that combines vocal improvisation with rhythmic dance. Originally a ritual dance performed to invoke divine favor, it has evolved into a celebrated practice at both personal and national events. The tradition, which includes three distinct varieties of the ritual dance, often features performances on Akhal-Teke horses and serves as a cultural bridge between generations.

The Traditional Art of Turkmen Carpet Making (2019)

Turkmen carpets have been highly esteemed for centuries, distinguished by their unique patterns and vibrant colors. Each design reflects the heritage of the five Turkmen tribes and symbolizes elements of nature, including flowers, animals, birds, and plants. The oldest known Turkmen carpet dates back to the 5th century BC. Handmade carpets are still crafted for significant occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies, preserving a time-honored tradition.

Dutar Craftsmanship and Traditional Musical Performance Combined with Singing (2021)

The dutar, a traditional two-stringed instrument with a long neck and pear-shaped body, plays a crucial role in Turkmen music. Made from mulberry and apricot woods, the dutar is used for both festive occasions and solo performances. The crafting process involves careful carving, rounding, and polishing of the wood, followed by kiln-drying to remove excess moisture.

Turkmen Handicraft (2022)

This form of craftsmanship is dedicated to the decoration of traditional clothing. Artisans combine three silk threads to create a shimmering effect and then embroider garments with distinctive regional patterns. Turkmen embroidery adorns both wedding and festive attire, and the art is passed down through generations, from adult women to young girls. This tradition is also recognized by UNESCO in Iran.

Traditional Stories and Anecdotes about Ependi (2022): Ependi, or Khoja Nasreddin, is a folk character known for his clever and fair nature. The stories and anecdotes about Ependi, included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage, are shared across Turkmenistan and neighboring countries. These tales serve to impart lessons about honesty and integrity to children, making them an important part of cultural education.

Silk Weaving and Traditional Silk Production for Weaving (2022): The silk produced in Turkmenistan is renowned for its quality, achieved through ancient techniques that start with cultivating mulberry trees. The entire process, from silk production to dyeing and weaving, is carried out using traditional methods. Turkmen silk is highly valued internationally, and silk production in several other countries is also recognized by UNESCO.

Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decoration

The Akhal-Teke breed, esteemed for its endurance and beauty, is a cherished part of Turkmenistan’s heritage. Known for their ability to withstand harsh conditions, these horses are integral to Turkmen culture. The tradition of breeding Akhal-Teke horses is passed down through generations and includes customs such as using these horses in wedding ceremonies and meticulously decorating them. The artistry of their harnesses is a skill inherited from mothers to daughters, ensuring the continuation of this cultural practice.

Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage extends beyond these recognized traditions. The breeding of Turkmen Alabais is expected to be added to the UNESCO tentative list soon.