The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a round-table discussion dedicated to the historical significance of the international initiatives of Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at promoting the national traditions of horse breeding and Akhal-Teke horses—an invaluable heritage of the Turkmen people—around the world. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the work being carried out at the state level to further enhance the glory of the “heavenly” horses.
The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Academy of Sciences of the country, and the State Association “Türkmen atlary”, was attended by representatives of higher education institutions, specialised research institutes, and experts from the horse-breeding industry.
As was noted, the hosting of the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest among Akhal-Teke Horses in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as the organisation of a national exhibition pavilion within the framework of these events, clearly demonstrated that the work being carried out in Turkmenistan in this field serves as a model for the entire world. Akhal-Teke horses, bred on Turkmen soil and having become part of the heritage of all humankind, are rightfully recognised as among the finest purebred horses on Earth.
The speakers placed particular emphasis on the industry’s strong base of highly qualified specialists and on the important role played in this regard by the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy. This higher education institution trains experienced horse breeders, jockeys, and other specialised professionals and provides opportunities for their further professional development.
The establishment of the Horse Breeding Research and Production Centre in the city of Arkadag also contributes to the development of the industry and to enhancing the glory of Akhal-Teke horses. This is of great importance for the broad promotion of these “winged” horses, whose qualities have been refined throughout history through the painstaking work of Turkmen horse breeders and master seyises.
In our country, special attention is also given to celebrating Akhal-Teke horses through artistic creativity. Artists, sculptors, and jewellers employ a comprehensive, scientifically grounded approach to creating images of Akhal-Teke horses and producing modern types of horse harnesses.
Participants in the round-table discussion noted the important role of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding in developing Turkmenistan’s cooperation with foreign partners in this field. As was emphasised, the Association’s regularly held meetings provide an opportunity to discuss promising areas of cooperation and exchange experience. This also opens the way for Turkmen specialists to participate actively in international equestrian competitions.
The construction of modern equestrian sports complexes, educational and research centres, and other specialised facilities meeting international standards in the country’s regions enables domestic specialists to organise their work at a qualitatively new level. The new facilities located in the city of Arkadag—the first “smart city” in the region, built on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag—underscore the reverence of the Turkmen people for their horses. These include the monuments “Akhan” and “Taychanak” and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly. Further evidence of this reverence is the naming of one of the city’s central avenues “Ahalteke atlar”.
At the conclusion of the event, the participants expressed their gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag for the special attention given at the state level to enhancing the worldwide fame of Akhal-Teke horses. Those present assured that they would make every effort to make effective use of the opportunities that have been created in order to further promote Akhal-Teke horses, which are a national treasure of the Turkmen people.
