Culture & Traditions

Turkmen people have been nomads and horsemen throughout their early history. Some are still nomadic to this day. Turkmen are famous for their colourful handmade rugs made to distinguish between different clans. Carpet weaving is an important part of the country's culture and an economic sector.

Turkmen clothing and jewelry are designed to reflect a person's region of origin and social status. Many still wear the traditional costume, comprising of embroidered shirts, custom shoes, and sheep hats for men, and a robe and headdress for women. Shades of red dominate in clothing as red is believed to ward off evil eye. Jewelry, a symbol of social status and an amulet among Turkmen, is typically made of silver.

Nearly 93% of the population practices Islam, with Sunni Muslims representing a higher percentage of the Muslim population. Islam was re-introduced in the country after the fall of the Soviet Union. Eastern Russian Orthodox is the minority religion in the country, and a small portion of the population remains unaffiliated with any religion.

Turkmen music and dance reflect the local culture and figure prominently during national celebrations. The dance movements convey a special meaning and showcase many traditions through the ages. The most ancient Turkmen folk dance is kushtdepdi, characterized by flowing moments of a girl and boy who are encircled by other dancers clapping their hands. National instruments and traditional polyphony accompany the folk dances. The ritual instruments include the tambourine, Jew's harp, flute, a stringed, plucked instrument called durat, and a stringed, bowed instrument called gidjak.