Gulbanguli Berdimuhamedov's love for the Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai), one of the oldest dog breeds, has long be known. HE has already dedicated a book and a song to him, and in 2017, the world toured the video when he gave alabai puppy to Russian president Vladimir Putin. Now he has decided to go a step further. A giant statue of the Turkmen leader's favorite dog was recently unveiled in a square in the capital, Ashgabat, where mostly statesmen and prominent members of society live.

On a high pedestal proudly stands a golden quadruped, one of the most significant national symbols, with a raised head and tail. Beneath it are screens showing alabai running across the grass. The unveiling of the monument was organized as it were an important national holiday. People with raised flags stood in the street, dancing in folk costumes, and singing in honor of the dog as if it were, to say the least, a deity. On that occasion, a boy received a puppy of a Central Asian shepherd as a gift.

The domestic media covered an important event with the paper and praised Alabai for his "pride and self-confidence". However, no one dared to asked how much the six-meter statue cost. Nor did the president need to do justice to anyone on that issue.

Despite the condemnation, the president doesn't care much about it. The statue dedicate to the dog is another of the numerous actions which he made it known taht all power is in his hands and that he can do whatever he wants. And those who "dug" a little more according to his biography, discovered that this leader, apart from alabai, has other occupations. The former dentist and The Minister of Health like to drive classic car model, participates in horse races, and in his free time - raps.

Fearless guard

The Central Asian shepherd is descended from the Tibetan dog. It was created by natural selection that lasted for more than four thousand years in a cast area, from a Caspian Sea to China, and form southern Urals to Afghanistan. The best specimens were chosen to protect the herd from wolves and other predators, but also to protect the caravans and houses of their owners. The dog had to used to very difficult conditions, extremely hot and cold temperatures, he survived with little food, which he often hunted by himself, and at the same time he was constantly on guard to protect people and cattle.

All this influenced the Alabai to become a strong and fearless dog. His body is muscular, his hair short and thick, his jaws strong and pronounced. The hair can be in different colors - white, yellow, gray, tiger, red, black... And in ancient times, they are now adorned with a natural protective feeling, which is why they can be distrustful of strangers and other animals that could be a danger.

It was declared as national treasure in Turkmenistan in 1990, but in some countries, such as Denmark, it is considered a dangerous breed, which is why its cultivation is prohibited.

Literature and images: Politica's Entertainer, number 3590