Turkmen Carpet — A Supreme Masterpiece of Art
The fame of Turkmen carpets, admired for their fineness, beauty, and unique harmony of colors, has spread across the world. With roots reaching deep into ancient history, Turkmen national carpet art has now become a source of pride not only for our people but also for all of humanity. A clear testament to this is the inclusion of Turkmen carpet weaving traditions in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The tradition of weaving has existed in the lands of Turkmenistan since ancient times, and carpet making originates from that same era. Foreign travelers, scholars, writers, and art experts have long remarked that Turkmen carpets stand out from others with their refinement, durability, and distinctive patterns.
For example, Doctor of Historical Sciences Viktor Sarianidi noted that many motifs of Turkmen carpets trace back to ancient times — even as far as the Neolithic era. The Italian traveler Marco Polo wrote that the Turkmens weave the most beautiful and finest carpets in the world.
The current development level of our carpet art proves that this craft has been evolving continuously. In the works of our Hero Arkadag, such as “The Grace of the Sky” and “A Living Legend”, this rich heritage is widely celebrated. The harmony of shapes and colors, the depth of the patterns and symbols in Turkmen carpets show that they are not merely home decorations, but also spiritual and cultural treasures of our nation.
In this regard, Soltangozel Pashshikova, a primary school teacher at Secondary School No. 2 in the Çärjew district and an active member of the local women’s organization, shares her view:
"The Turkmen carpets created by the skilled hands of our women and grandmothers are not just decorations — they are direct testimonies of our history, national identity, and cultural heritage. Carpet weaving is the embodiment of national spirit. As a primary school teacher, my main goal is not only to teach the younger generation about our carpet art but also to instill respect for national cultural values through it."
This ancient craft is now evolving with a new vibrancy. New carpet enterprises are being established, young women are learning traditional patterns, and carpet production is being enhanced through modern technologies. This progress is a beautiful result of our Honorable President’s cultural policy.
A Turkmen carpet is more than just a carpet — it is a work of art that emerges from the soul of the people. It is a symbolic representation of our great past, glorious present, and bright future.
