Turkmenistan Hosts High-Level International Conference on Peace, Culture and Akhal-Teke Heritage

Arkadag, The Gulf Observer: An international high-level conference titled “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Winged Horses: A Zone of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation” was held at the Ruhyýet Palace in the city of Arkadag.

The event brought together members of the Government, heads of ministries and state agencies, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Turkmenistan, representatives of public organizations and political parties, elders and young people.

Prior to the conference, participants visited an exhibition displayed in the foyer of the palace featuring works highlighting the historical and contemporary achievements of the Turkmen people and the country’s development. Exhibits showcasing equestrian and decorative arts attracted particular attention.

The conference featured discussions on Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, international cooperation and the country’s longstanding traditions of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and equestrian sports.

Participants were especially impressed by a new poem titled “The Pride of the Turkmen” by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reflecting the country’s deep cultural connection with the Akhal-Teke horse.

Hero of Turkmenistan Annajemal Nurmuhammedova highlighted the successful development of Turkmenistan’s international relations and efforts to promote the country’s art and culture globally. She noted that major initiatives aimed at the country’s long-term development are contributing to stronger intercultural cooperation and wider international recognition of Turkmenistan’s achievements.

Hero of Turkmenistan and State Academy of Arts lecturer Saragt Babaev spoke about the comprehensive educational process at the academy and emphasized the importance attached by the Turkmen state to the development of contemporary art. He said continued state support was creating favorable conditions for nurturing a new generation of sculptors and other creative professionals.

Chinar Rustemova, Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, highlighted the international recognition of the country’s cultural heritage and national traditions.

She noted that a number of elements of Turkmen cultural heritage have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include the Gorogly epic, the national singing and dancing art of Kushtdepdi, the craft of making the dutar and related musical performance traditions, the art of Bakhshi, Turkmen carpet weaving, embroidery, sericulture and traditional silk production, the tradition of telling stories about Molla Ependi, as well as the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions associated with horse adornment.

British Ambassador to Turkmenistan Stephen Conlon praised the work being carried out in the homeland of the Akhal-Teke horse, particularly the conditions created for the preservation and breeding of the renowned breed. He noted that the Akhal-Teke horse enjoys growing recognition in Europe, Asia and the Americas and has demonstrated its outstanding sporting qualities on the international stage.

French horse breeder Audrey Martinez, who won the main prize at the world championship of equestrian sport and Akhal-Teke horse beauty competition in Kronenberg, the Netherlands, addressed the conference via video link. She expressed appreciation to the Turkmen leadership for creating opportunities for the further development of horse breeding and equestrian sport.

French Ambassador to Turkmenistan Aline Grand emphasized that modern equestrian complexes have been established in the country to host major competitions. She said these facilities demonstrate Turkmenistan’s efforts to raise equestrian sport to a new level.

The forum also heard remarks from Viktor Maiko, Special Representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister for Central Asian Affairs and Ambassador of Ukraine to Kazakhstan. He expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen leadership for the hospitality extended to international guests and the high standard of organization of the events.

Maiko described the Akhal-Teke horses, which connect different eras and generations, as a symbol of peaceful relations and noted their high reputation internationally.

Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Şener Cebeci said it was an honor to share in the pride associated with the world-renowned Akhal-Teke horses. He emphasized that relations between the two brotherly countries are being systematically strengthened through regular and trusting high-level political dialogue.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkmenistan Gismat Gozalov highlighted the broadening of Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan relations, particularly in the cultural and humanitarian spheres and in the promotion of national horse-breeding traditions. He noted the prominent role of horses in the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, including in the epics “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud” and “Gorogly.”

Uzbek Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov also praised Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage and develop its horse-breeding traditions, emphasizing the long-term focus of the country’s national equestrian school.

Liliana Annaeva, a lecturer at the Department of Equestrian Sports, Tourism and National Equestrian Games of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, spoke about initiatives encouraging young people to learn national horse-breeding traditions and acquire skills in horse care and management through international cooperation.

Performances by the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group were also shown during the conference, highlighting the country’s distinctive equestrian traditions.

The conference, held as part of the year dedicated to “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” provided a platform for a broad exchange of views on initiatives and proposals related to the country’s cultural heritage, equestrian traditions and international cooperation.

Following the conference, a festive concert was held in the square in front of the Arkadag monument in the “smart” city of Arkadag to celebrate the successful organization of the World Equestrian Championship and Akhal-Teke Horse Beauty Competition at the Pilbergen Equestrian Complex in Kronenberg, the Netherlands.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the celebrations with members of his family, underscoring the importance attached to the achievements of Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke horses and the preservation of the country’s equestrian heritage.

The President praised the organization of the events and noted the contribution of the country’s cultural and artistic figures to enriching the spiritual life of the Turkmen people. He wished them further success in developing national art and cultural traditions.

The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the evening city. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated those present on the significant events and wished them continued success before departing the venue.