Turkmen Folklore

Turkmen folklore vividly manifests through the rich tradition of bakhshi, itinerant musicians and storytellers, and a diverse range of folk songs that capture the essence of everyday life in Turkmenistan.

Turkmen Bakhshi

Among the most cherished symbols of Turkmen folklore are the bakhshi, itinerant musicians and oral historians who have held a special place in Turkmen culture for centuries. These performers were highly regarded by various Turkic groups throughout medieval times, playing a crucial role in preserving and disseminating local epics and Turkmen classical literature.

Adhering to Islamic traditions, a bakhshi would wear distinctive attire, including a thick cotton or wool robe known as a don, a wool hat called telpek (which could be black or white), a white shirt, soft leather boots, and wide trousers. Traveling with minimal belongings, bakhshi would carry their own utensils and obtain water from local wells. Typically, they were accompanied by an assistant who was well-versed in their mentor’s preferences and routines.

As they journeyed from village to village, the bakhshi would serenade locals with their music. Prior to their arrival, townsfolk would prepare for the special guest by setting up a designated area for the performance, preparing food, and organizing festivities. A large carpet would be laid out, a bonfire ignited, and a table adorned with sweets, fruits, chelpek (thin fried dough), and other delicacies. Upon arrival, the bakhshi would perform from early evening until the following morning, with breaks every few hours for tea and conversation. Accompanied by the melodious strains of the stringed dutar, the bakhshi’s repertoire included folk legends, fairy tales, and popular literary works.

The bakhshi’s contributions to Turkmen culture are so significant that they are celebrated annually on Bakhshi Day, which takes place on the second Sunday in September.

Turkmen Folk Songs

Turkmen folk songs once played a central role in the cultural life of Turkmenistan, with distinct melodies dedicated to various aspects of work and leisure. While many of these traditional songs are still performed, their original meanings have often been lost over time. For instance, ancient songs dedicated to Suyt Gazan, a deity believed to provide protection and rain, are now primarily enjoyed as children’s melodies.

Turkmen folk music predominantly features romantic lyrics, with separate styles for men and women. Men’s songs are characterized by elaborate metaphors, comparisons, and epithets, while women’s songs, known as lale, often express personal emotions and address the challenges faced by women.

One particularly enduring type of folk song is the aydim, which covers a wide range of everyday themes. Aydimi songs celebrate aspects of daily life such as motherhood, rocking infants to sleep, children’s games, weddings, manual labor, carpet weaving, and camel milking. These songs have been instrumental in preserving the works of classical Turkmen poets.

The destan, or national epics, are extensive musical narratives that weave together poems, legends, fairy tales, and traditions. Accompanied by the dutar, these epics remain a popular form of storytelling in Turkmenistan.

The distinctive style of Turkmen music is also evident in the unique vocal techniques used, characterized by high-pitched tones and considerable vocal tension. These singing styles are a reflection of Turkmenistan’s steppe and desert landscapes and the nomadic lifestyle of its people, contributing to the loud and expressive nature of their music. The contrast between the powerful vocal performances and the gentle sound of the dutar highlights the dramatic storytelling inherent in Turkmen folk traditions.