Turkmen bakhshis, who are a valuable part of Turkmenistan’s culture, are artists who reflect the national characteristics of the people, express spiritual values, and are deeply respected and loved by the nation. The emergence of Turkmen folk music, its paths of development, its interaction with historical events—these have always attracted the interest of researchers. This article presents an external perspective on Turkmen art by providing examples of the methods used by past Russian and European researchers and travelers in studying traditional Turkmen music. It describes the initial efforts of folklorists to systematize, classify, and transcribe traditional music. The article also evaluates the influence of Russian classical music on Turkmen folk music during the Soviet era. The second section of the study discusses epics, which are the most important part of Turkmen folk culture. The article emphasizes that epics, which vary greatly in theme, volume, and type, are a much-loved art form among the people. It also touches on the unique characteristics of epics specific to different regions of Turkmenistan. The importance of epic education in various provinces of Turkmenistan is highlighted, along with the establishment of specialized training centers. This section also discusses prominent representatives of traditional Turkmen music and their stage and life experiences. In the final section of the study, the challenges faced by women—who historically had no civil rights—in gaining the right to perform on stage are highlighted. The living conditions, environment, and work of female bakhshis in the 19th and 20th centuries are examined. The article concludes with a discussion of the differences and unique features in the performances of male and female epic bakhshis.

Keywords: Turkmenistan, Folk Music, Women, Bakhshi, Performance