Cultural Collaboration Celebrates Friendship Between Turkmenistan and Russia
A unique handmade carpet inspired by the fairy tales of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin has been created in Turkmenistan through a collaboration between El Darak and the National Museum of the Turkmen Carpet, highlighting the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Russia.
The project was developed as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and showcases the fusion of Russian literary heritage with Turkmenistan’s centuries-old carpet weaving tradition.
Pushkin’s Fairy Tales Woven into Carpet Art
The handmade carpet measures 2 × 1.5 meters and features iconic scenes and characters from Pushkin’s celebrated fairy tales. Among the motifs woven into the design are Lukomorye, The Golden Cockerel, and characters from “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”, alongside other well-known images from the renowned Russian writer’s works.
According to Ogulgerek Durdyeva, the carpet represents more than decorative craftsmanship. She described the project as an act of cultural diplomacy and an expression of respect for Russian culture, emphasizing that the collaboration demonstrates how traditional arts can strengthen dialogue between nations.
Read more: Turkmenistan Celebrates Master Weavers Ahead of National Carpet Festival
Preserving Traditional Carpet Weaving
El Darak specializes in the production of handmade carpets and works closely with the National Museum of the Turkmen Carpet to preserve and revive traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. Carpet weaving remains one of Turkmenistan’s most important cultural traditions and continues to receive strong government support.
According to Turkmen authorities, both Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, and Serdar Berdimuhamedov have consistently described carpet weaving as a national symbol and an important element of the country’s cultural identity.
UNESCO Recognition
Turkmenistan has officially celebrated Turkmen Carpet Day as a national holiday since 1992.
The National Museum of the Turkmen Carpet in Ashgabat houses approximately 2,000 rare carpets and also serves as the headquarters of the World Association of Connoisseurs of Turkmen Carpet Weaving.
In 2019, the traditional art of Turkmen carpet weaving was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its global cultural significance.
