The Turkmen people have a centuries-old history and rich culture. The antiquity of some traditions and customs requires a more detailed description of their hidden facets. Over time, the ancient customs of our ancestors spread widely, leaving their mark not only on the history and culture of the Turkmen people but also on the cultures of neighboring countries. One such cultural treasure is the bread oven. The tamdyr is a unique spherical oven, long used by Asian peoples for preparing various dishes and baking bread. This device is suitable not only for heating homes but also for performing religious rituals and treating illnesses. The bread oven is widespread in Asian countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, as well as in northwest China, southern Russia, Kazakhstan, Crimea, Tajikistan, and India. The culture and life of the Turkmen people are inextricably linked with the customs, rituals, traditions, proverbs, and legends associated with the tamdyr. Turkmens believed in the magical and healing powers of the bread oven. It was always considered sacred because bread was baked in it. To protect against evil spirits, two semicircles called GOCHAK are still depicted on the outer wall of the tamdyr. According to legend, to cure a sick child, it is enough to walk around the bread oven three times. Many dishes prepared directly in the tamdyr or whose names are associated with the bread oven have survived in Turkmen cuisine to this day.
