The Committee
- Takes note that Turkmenistan has nominated The art of breeding Turkmen alabay (No. 02269) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The alabay is a breed of dog known for its physical characteristics (large head, flat forehead, small eyes, strong muscles and large size) as well as for its loyalty, guarding skills and calm demeanour. The breed has been carefully preserved by the practising communities over many centuries. People of all ages, genders and levels of experience take part in breeding and caring for alabays, developing close bonds with them in the process. There are many traditions associated with alabays, from ceremonies related to a puppy’s birth and naming, to the custom of creating protective amulets.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.3: The safeguarding measures aimed at protecting the element are carried out by the government, local administrations and non-governmental organizations in cooperation with the bearers, practitioners and communities concerned. These measures are comprehensive and include the adoption of laws, the construction of breeding centres, integration with education, research, documentation, dissemination and promotion. Communities, groups and individuals have been actively involved in planning and developing the safeguarding measures, with the support of the government.
R.4: Represented by an international association, dog breeders expressed their desire to submit this nomination, which received broad support from the government. A coordination group responsible for preparing the nomination organized several meetings between 2021 and 2023 to discuss issues related to the element. Government bodies and local administrations provided organizational and financial support for these meetings. During the preparation phase of the nomination file, women bearers of certain traditions, skills and knowledge associated with the element actively participated in the elaboration and preparation of the proposals. All the information, visual materials and consents needed to prepare the nomination file were collected.
R.5: The element was included in the National Inventory List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turkmenistan in 2023. The entity responsible for maintaining and annually updating the inventory is the Department of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. Groups and communities are informed about the list of intangible cultural heritage elements and have the opportunity to contribute with their suggestions for improving the inventory.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State Party through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Knowledge about breeding and training alabays is passed down within families, through mentoring, as well as through formal training in clubs and centres. Each community also has a master dog breeder, whose role it is to guide practitioners and transmit knowledge to new dog breeders about alabay behaviour and training techniques. The customs associated with breeding and caring for alabays are intended to ensure the intrinsic qualities of the breed and to transmit related cultural values to younger generations. As a source of unity, cultural identity and pride, alabays are often featured in local art, poems, proverbs and celebrations, including a dedicated national holiday and international competitions.
R.2: The nomination file explains how the inscription would raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage at the local, national and international levels. The element is inclusive, practised by people of all ages and genders, and promotes international dialogue. In fact, as a cross-border element, it provides communities, groups and individuals worldwide with the opportunity to exchange knowledge, thereby contributing to promoting peace and social cohesion. The element also contributes to inclusive economic development, as many job opportunities are connected with alabay dog breeding. However, there is a lack of information on how the element is connected with quality education and environmental sustainability, including climate change.
- Decides to inscribe The art of breeding Turkmen alabay on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for ensuring the active participation of tradition bearers during the preparation of the nomination, with an emphasis on the prominent role of women in the process.