On November 1, 2019, a presentation of the book of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov “Türkmen alabaýy” (“Turkmen Alabay”) and the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Turkmenistan – Homeland of Prosperity” took place in St. Petersburg.
The event, supported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation, was organized by the branch of the Humanitarian Association of the World Turkmens in St. Petersburg and the Mekan Society of Turkmen Culture in St. Petersburg.
A creative delegation arrived from Turkmenistan to participate in the events, consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Culture and the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, as well as the media. The celebrations were attended by the leaders and employees of the Leningrad Regional Administration, the City Hall of St. Petersburg, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in St. Petersburg, scientists, educators, artists, representatives of the media, and Turkmen students.
Speakers at the presentation of the book “Türkmen alabaýy” emphasized that the publication of this work by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was a major event in the spiritual and cultural life of Turkmenistan, a new peak in the popularization of the national heritage and a great gift from the President to compatriots on the 28th Anniversary of the Independence of the Turkmen state.
In the speeches, it was emphasized that the new work of the President of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the Turkmen alabay, clearly reveals the nature and significance of this breed of dog, which for many millennia has been faithful companions of the Turkmens. The book "Türkmen alabaýy" does not just tell about the origin and the development of the famous dog breed, one of the oldest in the world, but the Alabai cultural phenomenon reveals itself, standing on a par with such national symbols as the Akhal-Teke horse and carpet.
The exhibition “Turkmenistan – Homeland of Prosperity” was launched in the lobby of the Historical Park “Russia – My History”, including books about Turkmenistan, works by Turkmen artists, national costumes, and jewelry made by Turkmen artists. Also on large screens was broadcasting videos about the achievements of modern Turkmenistan.