Turkmen Wedding

Turkmen weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, with ceremonies and celebrations that have evolved over centuries. These events are a beautiful blend of religious customs and ancient folk practices, though modern elements have gradually replaced some outdated traditions. Despite the influence of new trends, the essence of a Turkmen wedding remains a captivating mix of the old and the new, offering a colorful and lively spectacle. 

Wedding festivities in Turkmenistan typically span three days, although they can extend to five if all preliminary ceremonies are observed. A relatively recent addition to these celebrations is the bachelorette party, where the bride and her friends gather to share jokes, discuss the wedding dress, and enjoy each other's company. 

While weddings today can occur at any time of the year, historically, the timing was determined by the agricultural calendar and the availability of resources. In the past, marriages were often arranged by parents, and couples would meet only on their wedding day. Today, however, while parental input remains important, the decision to marry and the choice of partner rests with the couple themselves.

One enduring tradition is at gulak, which occurs the day before the wedding. On this day, the groom’s mother presents gifts such as fabric, sweets wrapped in scarves, and carpets to the bride's family. These gifts are reciprocated with equivalent items in bundles of scarves, reinforcing the bond between the two families.

The most striking part of the wedding day begins the following morning, when the bride is dressed in a traditional ensemble. She wears a red keteni silk dress and a richly embroidered robe, both of which are adorned with large silver jewelry. In more recent times, however, many brides opt for copper jewelry, which is lighter and more affordable, or they may rent the ornaments. The weight of the bride's traditional attire, with all the jewelry included, can exceed 25 kilograms, and the complete set of accessories may weigh up to 60 kilograms. A luxurious scarlet robe called a gelin kurte is placed over the bride’s head, which she must wear for 40 days after the wedding. This garment was historically thought to protect the bride from evil spirits, as it completely covers her figure and face.

The wedding dress itself is a gift from the groom, and its creation is entrusted to a respected woman with many children, who is allowed to sew it only on specific days. Once the bride is fully dressed, she bids farewell to her family, and the procession to the groom’s house begins in a richly decorated car. The tradition of adorning the vehicles in the wedding procession dates back centuries, when horses were decorated with bright ribbons, cords, and bells. Today, the bride’s car is the most elaborately decorated, often covered in red or gold fabric and adorned with shiny metal plaques, while the other cars in the procession are decorated with scarves or ribbons.

A more modern tradition, which began in the 20th century, involves the newlyweds traveling to iconic locations in the city for photo opportunities, capturing memorable moments of their special day. 

Upon the bride’s arrival at the groom's house, she is showered with sweets, symbolizing the hope that her life will be "as sweet" as the treats. One long-standing custom is bet achar, or the "unveiling" of the bride, when the groom’s parents are permitted to lift the veil and see the bride’s face for the first time. In return, the bride’s family is presented with gifts from the groom’s family.

The evening festivities are typically held in a modern venue, such as a restaurant or banquet hall, and mark the beginning of the more contemporary portion of the celebration. The bride and groom change into formal Western attire, with the groom wearing a tuxedo and the bride donning a white dress and veil. The guest list for a Turkmen wedding can range from 200 to 1,000 people, and it is customary to have an abundance of food, music, and dancing. Guests often hand out small gifts, such as handkerchiefs, napkins, towels, or bags of sweets, as part of the festivities. Despite the grandeur of the event, the celebration usually winds down well before midnight.

Though modern influences continue to shape some aspects of the Turkmen wedding, the event remains a grand and unforgettable experience, characterized by a mix of traditional rituals, vibrant festivities, and a spirit of hospitality. The fusion of cultural splendor with deep respect for ancestral customs makes each wedding a memorable occasion, celebrating not only the union of two individuals but the shared history and traditions of the Turkmen people.