There are only a few days left before the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. This means that very soon the names of the winners of the "Türkmen bedewi - 2024" competition, held among creative figures for the best embodiment of the image of the Akhal-Teke horse in art, will be announced.

This year, 342 creative works were presented at the competition review, held at the gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, corresponding to the nominations: carpet weaving, jewelry art, painting, photography, sculpture. Journalistic materials and video clips are also considered as part of the competition.

Currently, the jury commission, consisting of prominent figures of culture and art, famous seyises and horse breeders, has started evaluating the works.

The competition for the best embodiment of the image of the Akhal-Teke horse in art, held since 2012 and already become a tradition, does not cease to amaze. The current exhibition is held under the auspices of the motto of the current year "Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi", the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the outstanding thinker and poet of the East Magtymguly Fragi and the declaration of the city of Anev as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024.

The classic of Turkmen literature, the founder of the Turkmen literary language Magtymguly Fragi sang in his works the beauty of his native land, its heroic history and folk traditions.

In philosophical lyrics, he repeatedly adressed to the main companions of Turkmen young men - the Akhal-Teke horses. Therefore, many creative works, including sculptural compositions, embody the image of the poet accompanied by a horse.

"The wealth of a dzhigit is only a horse and a whip", wrote Magtymguly. "Priceless on earth at all times: a horse that will not let you down, a friend whose hand is true". "Another steed is more valuable than any earthly riches". These conclusions are an example of the fact that the Akhal-Teke horse, born on Turkmen land, is rightfully the symbol of the national heritage and the treasure of our people.

In 2023, "The Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decoration" were included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This significant event served as another inspiring source for masters of the creative guild to create new works of art depicting the beauty, grace, elegance and power of the legendary "winged" horses.

The exhibition "Türkmen bedewi -2024", which is currently open, offers a fresh look at one of the wonders of Turkmenistan.