The Turkmen carpet company El Darak, in collaboration with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, created a hand-woven carpet inspired by the works of Alexander Pushkin. The 2-by-1,5-meter piece was unveiled at a gala reception celebrating Russia Day in Ashgabat.

The carpet depicts Lukomorye, the Golden Cockerel, characters from “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”, and other images from the poet’s works.

“This is not just an object of decorative and applied art, but a unique act of cultural diplomacy and an expression of deep respect for Russian culture. "The Russian literary tradition and the centuries-old art of Turkmen carpet weaving have come together in a single work, creating a space for mutual cultural dialogue," said El Darak founder Ogulgerek Durdyeva.

El Darak specializes in hand-woven carpets and, in collaboration with the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, is restoring ancient weaving techniques. In December 2019, traditional Turkmen carpet weaving was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.