Undiscovered Frontiers, a US-based travel company run by Abdylla Geldiyev, has organized a Turkmenistan tour “Celebrate the Carpet Festival: A Legacy of Turkmen Carpets & Weaving” from May 21 – May 31, 2026.
“Turkmenistan’s carpet weaving tradition is central to its cultural identity. This tour offers a rare opportunity to observe carpets in their homeland, meet artisans, and study historical and technical aspects of weaving. The tour will be lead by tour lecturer Deniz Coşkun and local licensed guides” says Abdylla Geldiyev to Jozan Magazine.
Deniz Coşkun, The Black Tent Project, is an experienced tour lecturer well-known for several carpet related and cultural tours in Turkey.
Ashgabat and the National Carpet Museum
The tour begins in Ashgabat with a visit to the National Carpet Museum, home to a very large number of exhibits, including one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets. The museum showcases traditional patterns, wool processing, dyeing techniques, and restoration efforts. One of the highlights is a handwoven replica of the 2,500-year-old Pazyryk carpet.
A visit to the Mahirli Zenan Showroom provides hands-on experience in Turkmen embroidery, offering insight into traditional techniques.
Carpet Study in Context
Tour leader Deniz Coşkun emphasizes “This tour offers the advantage of observing Turkmen carpets with their producers and ancestral owners in their cultural environment. It allows participants to study the history, sociology, and technical aspects that shaped these carpets. Turkmen carpets are well studied in the West but rarely observed in their homeland with local experts. This tour provides that unique perspective.”
Ancient Merv and Traditional Weaving
A visit to Ancient Merv highlights the influence of Silk Road trade on Turkmen carpets. At Gadymy Turkmen Ojak, participants witness wool spinning, carpet weaving, and traditional textile production.
Gyzylarbat and Nokhur: The Weaving Heartlands
In Gyzylarbat, a local family demonstrates the entire carpet-making process, from fiber dyeing to weaving. Nokhur provides insight into keteni silk weaving, another key Turkmen textile tradition.
Darvaza Gas Crater
The tour includes a visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater, an unusual geological feature in the Karakum Desert. The experience contrasts Turkmenistan’s natural wonders with its cultural heritage.
Turkmen Carpet Festival
The final day includes the Turkmen Carpet Festival, featuring live weaving demonstrations and exhibitions.
Find the detailed program for the tour attached (pdf).
More information: Undiscovered Frontiers, 1955 W Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan