Photo Exhibition: “Women Whose Fate is Woven into Carpets”
On December 24, 2024, a photo exhibition titled “Women Whose Fate is Woven into Carpets” was held at the National Museum of the Turkmen Carpet. The event was jointly organized by the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the National Museum of the Turkmen Carpet under the State Association “Türkmenhaly,” and the “El Darak” private enterprise.
The exhibition was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions abroad, active members of UNESCO clubs and departments operating at the country’s higher educational institutions, media representatives, and renowned carpet weavers.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by the Secretary-General of Turkmenistan's National Commission for UNESCO, Chynar Rustemova; the head of the State Association “Türkmenhaly,” Akjemal Durdyyeva; and the founder of the “El Darak” private enterprise, Ogulgerek Durdyyeva. In their remarks, they highlighted the respect shown to the art of handmade carpet weaving, which has been included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, thanks to the support of Hero Arkadag and the esteemed President of Turkmenistan. They emphasized the importance of preserving and passing on the centuries-old national traditions inherited from our ancestors to future generations.
Following the opening ceremony, attendees participated in the photo exhibition, which showcased images of Turkmen female weavers engaged in their craft over the years. The exhibition offered an opportunity to better understand the unique and intricate art created using simple tools by the skilled hands of Turkmen women, elevating this traditional craft to a sacred level.
Aygozel OVEZOVA,
the senior lecturer of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.