In independent Turkmenistan, under the leadership of the esteemed President, comprehensive efforts are being consistently implemented to promote and develop national culture and arts on the international stage. Alongside other creative fields, special attention is devoted to the advancement of the national circus arts. Thanks to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, and the efforts of the esteemed President, Turkmen circus art has gained international recognition. Today, large-scale work continues to expand its potential and strengthen international cooperation in this field. A special place in the development of Turkmen circus art belongs to the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group.
The ensemble was established in 2007 at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Widely known far beyond the country’s borders, the group makes a significant contribution to promoting Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage around the world. It regularly takes part in state celebrations, festive events, and cultural activities, adding a unique atmosphere of grandeur and spectacle to every performance. The beauty and grace of Akhal-Teke horses, combined with the riders’ exceptional skill in performing highly complex acrobatic stunts at full gallop, consistently leave an unforgettable impression on audiences.
The Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group has performed in numerous countries around the world and has received many prestigious international awards in the field of circus arts. Among its most notable achievements are the top prizes at the IDOL World Festival of Circus Arts held in Moscow, Russian Federation, in 2013; the 16th International Circus Festival in Latina, Italy, in 2014; the 2nd International Circus Arts Festival in the People's Republic of China in 2015; and the 2nd World Nomad Games held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, in 2016. In 2018, the group was awarded the prestigious Golden Gaetano statuette at the 1st International Circus Arts Festival "Na Fontanke" in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation.
The group’s international reputation was further strengthened last year at the 47th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo in the Principality of Monaco. At this prestigious event, which brought together some of the world's finest circus performers, the Galkynysh group received the highest praise from both the jury and the audience. The Turkmen group was awarded the festival’s Grand Prix, along with several special honors, including the Young Audience Jury Prize, the Italian Circus Award, the Audience Choice Award, the Indian Circus Award, and the official certificate of the 47th International Circus Festival.
The group’s achievements continued in 2026, celebrated under the national motto “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” In January of this year, at the 48th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group was presented with international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association in recognition of its significant contribution to the development of circus arts. These honors became yet another testament to the international recognition of the Turkmen ensemble’s outstanding achievements.
The activities of the Galkynysh group extend far beyond participation in festivals. The ensemble regularly receives invitations to perform at major international ceremonial and cultural events. Its performances help strengthen friendly relations between nations and serve as a vivid embodiment of the cultural diplomacy consistently pursued by Turkmenistan.
The group’s outstanding international achievements are the result of the state's strong support for the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding. In response to the comprehensive care by the state to the Akhal-Teke horse, Turkmen horse breeders, drawing upon their knowledge, experience, and professionalism, continue to accomplish the tasks entrusted to them with dedication. Inspired by the opportunities created for them, the members of the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group continually refine their skills. Their performances represent a harmonious blend of grace, beauty, and exceptional artistry, clearly demonstrating the highest professional standards of the performers.
There is every reason to believe that the members of the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group will continue to inscribe the name of the Turkmen circus school in golden letters into the history of world performing arts.
