Turkmenistan has a unique and distinctive culture, formed by the confluence of nomadic traditions of the Turkic peoples and the settled way of life of the Persian civilization. The main features of Turkmen culture include traditional crafts, rich folklore, cuisine, hospitality and the influence of Islam.
- Traditions and customs
Hospitality is one of the main features of the Turkmen people. Guests are always offered tea and traditional dishes.
Ceremonial traditions – wedding and funeral rituals, as well as holidays such as Kurban-Bayram and Navruz occupy an important place.
Traditional arts – poetry, folk songs, musical instruments (dutar, jacket) and oral folk art.
- National Dress
Men’s Attire
Men wear robes (chapan) with belts and fur hats – telpeki.
Men’s traditional clothing in Turkmenistan is practical and dignified, designed to suit the arid climate and nomadic lifestyle:
- Robes (“don”): These are long robes made of wool or cotton, often in muted tones but sometimes featuring subtle patterns.
- Headwear: Men traditionally wear a distinctive fur hat known as a “telpek,” made from sheepskin or camel hair. The telpek not only offers protection against harsh weather but also symbolizes pride and masculinity.
- Belts (“kuşak”): A wide, often elaborately decorated belt completes the outfit, emphasizing the cultural importance of craftsmanship.
Women’s Attire
Women wear long dresses with embroidery and silver jewelry, which are traditionally considered to be protectors.
Turkmen women’s traditional clothing is characterized by elegance and rich detailing. The key elements include:
- Dresses (“köynek”): These are long, flowing dresses often made of silk or cotton. Bright colors such as red, green, and yellow dominate, and the dresses are adorned with intricate embroidery around the cuffs, neckline, and hem.
- Headscarves (“gyöş”): Married women traditionally wear a large, embroidered headscarf. The designs and colors often indicate regional origins.
- Jewelry: Turkmen women’s traditional attire is incomplete without ornate silver jewelry, often embedded with precious stones like carnelian. These pieces include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and headpieces.
- Outer Garments (“kurte”): A beautifully embroidered coat-like garment worn over the dress, especially during ceremonies and festive occasions.
- Craftsmen
Turkmen carpets – considered one of the best in the world, each tribal pattern has its own symbolism.
The Art of Turkmen Carpets: A Timeless Tradition
Carpet weaving in Turkmenistan dates back thousands of years. The craft is an integral part of Turkmen life, passed down through generations as a sacred tradition. The intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and high-quality wool make Turkmen carpets highly sought after worldwide.
Each tribe in Turkmenistan, such as the Tekke, Yomut, and Ersari, has its own distinct patterns and weaving techniques. These designs, often geometric, reflect the natural surroundings, tribal legends, and ancient symbols. They are more than mere decorations; they are storytellers, encoding the history, beliefs, and values of the Turkmen people.
Turkmen carpets are more than mere textiles; they are a cultural emblem woven with history, art, and identity. From tribal tents to international exhibitions, these carpets carry the spirit of Turkmenistan wherever they go. Whether admired for their intricate beauty or cherished for their cultural significance, Turkmen carpets remain a testament to the enduring artistry of a proud and ancient nation.
Jewellery art – silver jewelry with corals and turquoise.
Pottery and wood carving.
- Kitchen
Plov (al) is one of the main national dishes.
Churec is a traditional bread baked in a tandoori.
Gowram is meat that’s cooked in its own fat and can be kept for a long time.
Tea is green or black, often with dried fruit or spices.
- National holidays
Independence Day (October 27) is the main state holiday.
Navruz (March 21) – a holiday of spring and new year on the solar calendar.
Nowruz, the traditional Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox, holds a special place in the cultural and social life of Turkmenistan. Known locally as Nowruz Bayramy, this ancient festival symbolizes the renewal of nature, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of warmth and light over the cold and darkness of winter. Rooted in the Zoroastrian traditions of the region, Nowruz has transcended centuries to remain a vibrant and cherished occasion in modern Turkmenistan.
The Turkmen Carpet Festival is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.
- Arts and literature
Mahtumkuli Fragi is a national poet who has had a great influence on Turkmen literature.
Traditional epochs – for example, «Gerogles», a story about the exploits of a folk hero.
7. Contemporary culture
Despite the preservation of traditions, Turkmenistan is actively developing, in the capital Ashgabat modern buildings are built from white marble, and in art there are modern motifs combining traditional heritage with new trends.
