The latest issue of the quarterly popular-science “Miras” journal, being published by the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, has been released. The publication continues to introduce readers to new discoveries and research findings concerning the historical and cultural heritage of our people, including manuscript traditions, as well as current trends in the development of linguistics, literary studies, and historical science within the country.
The opening pages feature congratulatory addresses from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. These include messages to the participants of the final round of the “Çalsana, bagşy!” competition among dutar players-bakhshis, schoolchildren, students, teachers, and educators of independent neutral Turkmenistan on the occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the start of the new 2026–2027 academic year; and to the Turkmen people in honor of a momentous historical milestone – the glorious 35th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
In the recurring classified column “New Scientific Discoveries”, there is an article by a leading researcher at the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts, a Candidate of Philological Sciences, titled “The History of the Turkmen Horse in Scientific and Literary Sources”. As the article notes, the horse has been an integral part of our history and a faithful companion to our people since ancient times; it is glorified in our national arts as an embodiment of beauty, perfection, and loyalty. The books authored by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, namely “The Ahalteke Horse – Our Pride and Glory”, “The Swift Step of the Horse Racer”, and “The Horse – a Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness”, serve as significant scholarly and literary sources, as well as invaluable guides for promoting the renown of our “heavenly” steeds across the globe. These works offer detailed insights into the history of our horses, the state-level care provided to them, the unique characteristics of the Ahalteke breed, etc.
Archaeological research has provided Turkmen scholars with compelling evidence, regarding the evolutionary history of the ancient Ahalteke breed. For instance, at the Gonur-depe site, excavations of a rich burial revealed that men were interred alongside their war-horses, and a miniature bronze sculpture of a horse’s head was also discovered there. The history of horse breeding is further explored in the medieval treatise “Baytarnama”, which details animal medical care, surgical procedures, herbal and mineral-based medicinal recipes, and guidelines for the proper maintenance of horses.
Additionally, readers are presented with an article by the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Bereketli toprak”, titled “Independence – the Unifying Force of the Turkmen Spirit”. The piece emphasizes that our sacred independence, a symbol of enduring stability and cohesion, stands as our most cherished value. Over the course of 35 years of a glorious history, guided by the principles of unity, cohesion, friendship, and constructive endeavor, Turkmenistan has steadily strengthened its foundations as a democratic, law-based, and secular state.
As a result of its economic revival, an industrially developed, independent, and neutral state has emerged, ensuring a prosperous life for the Turkmen people. The country has adopted a foreign policy course rooted in the principles of neutrality, trust, peace, and friendship. Turkmenistan has put forward initiatives concerning neutral, preventive, energy, transport, environmental, scientific-medical, and cultural diplomacy, initiatives that have evolved into global proposals serving the interests of all humanity, the author notes.
In the section titled “Interaction of Cultures and Civilizations”, the article “The ‘Masnuq’ Poetic Form in 16th-Century Persian-Language Turkmen Literature”, authored by a department head at the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts, a Candidate of Philological Sciences degree, observes that the nation’s literary and cultural heritage comprises a collection of material and spiritual values created by the people throughout their history, having withstood the test of time, these values are passed down from generation to generation, serving as the foundation of national identity. This heritage acts as a living spiritual bridge connecting the nation’s past, present, and future, while defining its unique place within global civilization.
It is also referred to a ‘qasida’ (ode) – one of the most enduring and popular traditional poetic genres of the Middle Ages. The ‘qasida’ is typically composed to praise an individual, a specific group of people, or an event. In the 16th century, a new variation of the ‘qasida’ known as ‘masnuq’ – ‘artful’ highly refined, and artistically sophisticated style.
The article “Ancient Examples of ‘Oghuzname’ Works” examines texts created over the course of many centuries. ‘Oghuzname’ refers to a cycle of ancient Turkic epic tales and legends that recount the origins of the Oghuz tribes, their customs and rituals, as well as the life, heroic deeds, and campaigns of Oghuz khan, the progenitor of the Oghuz people. One of the oldest written versions of the ‘Oghuzname’ is the Karluk-Uyghur variant, dating back to the 13th century. The manuscript is currently kept in the National Library of Paris. The work of Fazlallah Rashid al-Din (13th–14th centuries), a historical and genealogical treatise titled “Jami’ al-tawarikh” (“Compendium of Chronicles”), contains a detailed account of the 24 grandsons of Oghuz khan and the division of the tribes. The version by Abu al-Ghazi Bahadur khan (17th century), titled “Shejere-i Terakime” (“Genealogy of the Turkmens”), is based on classical traditions concerning Oghuz khan.
Readers may also be interested in the publication “The Concept of 'Bek' Among the Turkmens”, which explores the semantic meaning of this term. In Turkmen history and culture, the word ‘bek’ (beg) has deep roots and a multifaceted nature. It functions simultaneously as a social title, an element of the tribal structure, and a significant component of anthroponymy (the study of proper names).
Historically, among the Oghuz-Turkmen tribes, a ‘bek’ is a leader, ruler, prince, or major landowner. During the epoch of the ancient Turks and the early Middle Ages, a ‘bek’ stood at the head of his clan or tribe, subordinate to a ‘khan’ – as the title ‘bek’ ranked below than ‘khan’. The title was held by members of the military and administrative aristocracy, influential elders, and commanders.
Over the course of history, the meaning of the term ‘bek’ evolved beyond its original designation as a title subordinate to that of a ‘khan’, expanding to encompass the status of a high-ranking political position. The inclusion of the word ‘bek’ came to symbolize authority, respect, integrity, nobility, and wisdom. In Turkmen culture, ‘bek’ has become a popular element in the formation of male names; it is traditionally added to a name either as a suffix or a prefix (for example: Amanbek, Nurbek, Dovletbek, Bekmurad, Orazbek, etc.).
The publication concludes with a “Chronicle of Scientific and Cultural Life”, which provides an overview of public, scientific, and cultural events in the country from July to September of this year, observed under the motto “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”. This section presents a chronological account of significant, socially-oriented transformations carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic power, ensuring the continued prosperity of the Fatherland, and fostering the well-being and happiness of the Turkmen people.
Published in Turkmen, English, and Russian, the “Miras” journal is produced at a high level of print quality. It is richly illustrated with reproductions of paintings, contemporary photographs, and cartographic drawings, and also features rare materials from museums and archives. This publication is intended for a broad readership.
