The Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan has established a research and creative group to carry out ethnographic research in the country’s regions. The group comprises cultural figures, academics, journalists and students. This is reported on the ministry’s website.

The research work began in the Lebap velayat. From 10 to 12 March, members of the expedition visited a number of etraps and towns in the region, where they gathered material on folk decorative and applied arts, folklore and musical traditions, as well as on the process of making national musical instruments — the dutar and the tuyduk.

In addition, the group members learnt about the distinctive features of preparing national dishes, family and wedding customs, as well as the traditions of making national clothing.

During the trip, the researchers also studied the national practice of breeding Alabay dogs.