In the coming days, the city of Arkadag will be awarded a UNESCO certificate confirming the inclusion of the nomination 'Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was announced by the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag, D. Orazov, at a working meeting, reports TDH.
The awarding of the certificate will be an international recognition of Turkmenistan's efforts to preserve and develop Ahal-Teke horses, which are renowned for their outstanding qualities and are part of the country's cultural heritage. Ahal-Teke horses are known for their endurance, grace, and unique appearance, making them a national pride of Turkmenistan.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for this event. He noted that the awarding of the UNESCO certificate will fully demonstrate the international recognition of the work being done in Turkmenistan to preserve the purity of the breed, increase their numbers, and enhance the global fame of these elite horses.
Ahal-Teke horse breeding art includes not only the breeding and care of horses but also rich traditions of decorating horses. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and include rituals of naming, equestrian competitions, and wedding ceremonies. Around Akhal-Teke horses, a whole layer of cultural practices has developed, which are an integral part of Turkmenistan's historical heritage.
It should be noted that the nomination 'Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, which took place in December last year in the city of Kasane, Republic of Botswana. The nomination dossier, prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Affairs, included extensive participation from researchers, horse breeders, masters of horse decoration, as well as well-known experts and connoisseurs of equestrian art.
