Turkmenistan demonstrates a unique symbiosis of centuries-old metalworking heritage and modern technologies, notes Ogulgul Geldiyeva, a lecturer at the Department of Metalworking Technology at the country's State Energy Institute, in an article published in the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, the Turkmenportal news resource reports.

According to the expert, the tradition of metalworking in modern Turkmenistan dates back to the Eneolithic era and spans the heyday of ancient and medieval centres. Archaeological finds from Merv, Serakhs, Abiverd, Kunya-Urgench, Dehistan and Shehrislam testify to the high level of skill of local craftsmen, especially in the IX-XII centuries.

A valuable contribution to the study of pre-Islamic culture was made by a complex of artefacts discovered in Gonur Depe, the capital of the ancient state of Margush. Bronze axes, daggers, spearheads and jewellery were found here, revealing the high level of development of metallurgy in the Bronze Age.

The collections of Turkmenistan's museums illustrate the evolution of metalworking, from simple utilitarian objects to exquisite jewellery compositions, confirming the strong link between cultural heritage and modernity.