Traditions of Ashgabat
The capital of Turkmenistan, where the Akhal-Teke horse and hand-knotted carpet are objects of national pride.
Ashgabat lies at the foot of the Kopet Dag mountains. Turkmen traditions revolve around the carpet, the horse and the felt tent. The Turkmen carpet is a national symbol, and each tribe, such as the Teke, Yomut and Ersari, has its own pattern. A carpet day is celebrated in spring.
Carpets and horses
Women weave carpets by hand, each with a guls design that identifies a tribe, and a bride may bring several. The Akhal-Teke horse, bred for centuries for endurance, has a metallic sheen. Turkmen also keep poetry singing by bakhshi, who accompany themselves on a two-string dutar, in the countryside.
At the table
Meat and bread are central. Plov, called palaw, and ishlekli, a meat pie, are served at gatherings. Chal is a sour camel milk drink. Green tea is served in the daily guest ceremony, and a table is never cleared until the guest has had enough.
Signature traditions of Ashgabat
Also part of it, and being written: Turkmen carpet (The woven carpets of Turkmenistan.), Akhal-Teke (The Turkmen horse.), Bakhshi (The singer-storytellers.).
A trail idea for Ashgabat
- Tolkuchka Bazaar A Sunday market of carpets and camels.
- Turkmen Carpet Museum See very large and very old rugs.
- Yangykala Colourful canyons beyond the city.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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