On the eve of the upcoming New Year 2026, an exhibition of exclusive works by Turkmen craftswomen of folk and applied arts was held at the “Berkarar” shopping and entertainment center. The theme of the exhibition was New Year dolls and toys. Craftswomen from all over the country took part in the exhibition. For example, Tazegul Udaeva brought a collection of national dolls from Balkanabat, while Marina Lopatina from Mary velayat presented a collection of miniature items.
“We are very pleased to realize that folk and applied arts in Turkmenistan are experiencing a noticeable revival,” says the exhibition organizer, People’s Master of Turkmenistan Gulya Mayliyevna Gurbanova. “This is thanks to our wonderful craftswomen, who, through talent, imagination, and diligence, create amazing works. Through their creativity, the craftswomen support the cultural heritage of our country.”
For each exhibition, a poster is produced, and the best doll is selected through a competition to appear on it. For the exhibition “The World of Dolls and Toys,” the poster featured a doll depicting a Turkmen bride, created by Tatyana Dvoryaninova. On the exhibition table, Tatyana presented the display titled “Tea Party,” which included the bride from the poster, her mother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. According to Turkmen customs, a bride must be accompanied by two girls. If there are no girls in the groom’s household, neighbors are asked to help. One of the sisters-in-law in the display has reached the age of a bride; therefore, in accordance with Turkmen etiquette, she is shown sitting with her eyes lowered.
Maral Garaeva, Olga Ragulina, Jahan and Shasenem Ataeva not only presented national dolls but also shared production techniques with one another. The exhibition tables featured an amazing variety of items: red fiery horses—the symbol of 2026 according to the Eastern calendar; roomboxes—cutaway yurts where hosts receive guests; charming camel calves that, according to legend, bring prosperity to the home; faceless dolls with pronounced character, including Malvina and Buratino, though not at the age depicted in The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Buratino, but about 70 years older.
Jennet Yusupova is a graphic artist by profession; she graduated from the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan in 2010. Applied art is her passion. She decorates Christmas tree ornaments with portraits of Turkmen beauties, stunning landscapes, and fairy-tale characters. Bahar Annamamedova knits dolls; at the exhibition she presented dolls of Ayaz Baba, Ded Moroz, and red horses. Bahar Mukhammedova specializes in lamps, which were lit up for the New Year as a festive installation.
Natalya Kalugina presented the exhibition titled “Turkmenistan.” It consists of six display columns featuring red fiery Akhal-Teke horses and Eastern vessels. The display showcases items that have become hallmarks of Turkmenistan: horses, camels, Alabay dogs, as well as various jugs and characters from Turkmen folk tales. The exhibition is framed by elegant magnets with national ornaments.
As part of the exhibition, a master class was organized for children on coloring elements of Turkmen ornamentation.
“We were happy to provide the venue for the New Year exhibition ‘The World of Dolls and Toys,’” says Jahan Dovletallyeva, Head of the Marketing Department of the ES “Berkarar”. “Our visitors are keen to join the festive event. Taking this opportunity, I would like to remind everyone that on December 26 the “Berkarar” shopping and entertainment center will celebrate its 11th anniversary. We invite everyone to share this joyful occasion with us.”
