The Turkmen Carpet Day celebrations took place in Ashgabat. The XV International Conference of the World Association of Connoisseurs of Turkmen Handmade Carpets was held in conference hall of Turkmenhaly State Association on May 31. The participants included representatives of the branches of the Humanitarian Association of World Turkmens from Astrakhan and Stavropol, the national cultural centres of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, scientists, historians, art historians, experts, carpet makers and collectors from Japan, China, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

The issues under discussion included the achievements in the preservation and promotion of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, enrichment of the national traditions of handmade carpet weaving and other arts and crafts and development and application of advanced manufacturing technologies in the industry.

The conference participants presented the reports and presentations on the results of research in the history of the art of carpet weaving, the specific features of ancient carpet patterns and the development of the art of carpet weaving in different countries.

The ceremony of awarding the best workers of Turkmenistan’s carpet industry, who received the honorary title of Honoured Carpet Maker of Turkmenistan in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, was held at the Ashgabat Cinema and Concert Centre.