This ethnic group, which has lived in the northern region of Iran along the course of the Jeyhun River for about 6,000 years, has a rich history, but endured by numerous hardships. I once heard a Turkmen woman say that after parts of Iran were separated during previous wars, many of their people were left on the other side of the border, while others remained in Iran. This seemingly simple statement was expressed with such a lump in her throat and such regret that I will never forget the pain it conveyed—the exhaustion and torment it had caused them. She added that sometimes, in order to visit their relatives, they have to cross the border, all the while teaching their young children lessons in resilience and hope. What an unbearable task...
During my brief journey, I became more acquainted with the myriad arts of these women, from setting up the "Owi" (a type of Turkmen tent) to grinding flour, picking and drying fruits, milking cows and sheep, weaving carpets, felting, producing dairy products, and cleaning wool. They are particularly renowned for their exceptional skill in carpet weaving.
For centuries, Turkmen women have expressed their emotions and feelings through two distinct forms of song known as "Laleh Khani" and "Hodi Khani."
Another remarkable aspect of this culture is their clothing. Turkmen women weave their clothes from silk produced by silkworms, and these garments are worn by women, men, and children alike.
The renowned Iranian writer Nader Ebrahimi also wrote one of his most famous novels, "Fire Without Smoke," about a Turkmen woman named Maral, who holds a significant place in Iranian literature.
