Images of the Turkmen Alabay are found in the ornaments of an ancient Turkmen carpets - this is the conclusion of scientists-archaeologists who discovered "foodprints" of this famous breed of dogs in different regions of the country, including in the works of artisans and carpet weavers of past eras. The Deputy Prime Minister for Culture Mahrijemal Mammedova reported this at a meeting of the Government today, informed the newscast of the Turkmen television "Watan".
During the report, some of these ornaments were shown on slides. The "It yatak" ("Dog Kennel") pattern is a slender row of saw teeth, which, according to scientists, symbolizes small doghouses and dates back to the VII-V millennium BC. It is noteworthy that the most ancient wall image of an alabay, found at the archaeological site of Pessedjikdepe, dates back to this time. Today this ancient pattern is known as “Elem nagshy” (“Spatial Pattern”), such carpets are woven in the territory of Ahal.
Another ancient pattern glorifying the Turkmen alabay is "Gujuk yzy" ("dog's footprint"). It was discovered during archaeological excavations carried out in the Baharden etrap of the Ahal velayat. The drawings of the alabay claws are imprinted on the bricks of the Shehrislam monument dating back to the IX-XIV centuries. According to ancient beliefs, this pattern serves as a talisman, protecting a person from ailments, as well as his shelter and livestock. It is also found in the ornament of carpets that were hung from the inside of the entrance to the yurt.
One of the most traditional ancient patterns adorning Turkmen carpets and felt, as well as other handicrafts, is "Tazy guyruk" ("the tail of a greyhound"). It is used as an edging for the central ornament of carpets placed on the inside of the entrance.
The ancestors of the Turkmen considered it as a talisman against the evil eye.
On the territory of the Shahrihaybar monument located in Ahal, dating back to the IX-XIV centuries, Turkmen scientists discovered a fragment of a bowl with the image of a greyhound's tail (tazy). This fact also confirms the hypothesis about breeding in this region since ancient times of the Turkmen alabay and hunting tazy.
Mammedova informed, that the new scientifically confirmed data on the antiquity of the Turkmen Alabay breed will be used to popularize the national historical and cultural heritage in the world and, in particular, will supplement the materials for the nomination of the national characteristics of the upbringing and breeding of the Turkmen Alabay to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave a number of specific instructions. In particular, the head of state instructed to include the study of carpet ornamental art in the curriculum of universities, especially in the humanities, to work to preserve this heritage with the support of the legislative body - Milli Gengesh. Instructions were also given on organizing international forums and presenting to the general public archaeological finds, ornaments of carpets and patterns of products, which reflected the image of the Turkmen alabay.
“Behind each of the national ornaments and patterns is the philosophy of life, a layer of wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors. Paying tribute to them and, in general, to our history, we must convey to the coming generations the invaluable heritage left to us”, the Turkmen leader said.
