A ceremony of awarding a UNESCO certificate was held in the city of Arkadag

14.10.2024

On October 12, a conference was held at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag, during which a ceremony was held to award the Certificate of Inclusion of the nomination 'Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The state-level attention and care for increasing the population of Akhal-Teke horses in the country, which are the pride of the Turkmen people, and for enhancing their fame in the world, yield positive results. This is another testament to the successful implementation of the noble initiatives of Hero-Arkadag thanks to the efforts of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. The conference was preceded by an exhibition in the foyer of the main building of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where numerous photographs, works of visual, decorative-applied, carpet, and jewelry art, and horse equipment were presented. The holding of this event in the city of Arkadag is of historical significance. As is known, this corner of Turkmen land was recognized as an ancient habitat of Akhal-Teke horses. It has become a noble tradition to hold meetings here and discuss issues related to the development of Akhal-Teke horse breeding. The ceremony of awarding the Certificate confirming the inclusion of the nomination 'Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has deep meaning in the context of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Fragi. This is a vivid testimony that the Turkmen people live a happy life, and their holidays follow one another. As the speakers noted, the decision to include the Akhal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions of decorating 'heavenly' horses in the list of outstanding examples of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO was made during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee held in the city of Kasane (Republic of Botswana) in December 2023. The proposal put forward by our country was unanimously supported by 24 member states of this group. The Akhal-Teke horse – a faithful friend of man and the pride of the Turkmen people – is widely known throughout the world thanks to the efforts of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar. During the ceremony, the Chairperson of the UNESCO General Conference, Ms. S. Miclescu, congratulated the connoisseur of Akhal-Teke horses, Hero-Arkadag, and the President of Turkmenistan, as well as the entire Turkmen people on this significant event, which is of great importance in the life of the country, and presented the Certificate of Inclusion of the national nomination 'Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This event is a vivid testimony that the national values formed by the Turkmen people over the centuries are recognized in the world, and the fame of the 'heavenly' horses is increasing. The traditions of Turkmen jewelers have also gained popularity. As the speakers emphasized, the UNESCO decision is a tribute to Turkmenistan and the dedication of Turkmen horse breeders and riders. The attendees, on behalf of all the horse breeders of the country, expressed their gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for their constant attention and support in preserving horse breeding traditions and enhancing the fame of Akhal-Teke horses. As noted, Akhal-Teke horses have been a source of inspiration for jewelers, poets, and artists throughout history. Works of carpet, jewelry, and visual art dedicated to the 'heavenly' horses become worthy decorations of international exhibitions and receive universal recognition. The conference participants also visited the UNESCO Club 'Akhal-Teke Horses – Ambassadors of Peace,' created at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where they learned about the history of the development of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the achievements of Turkmen equestrian athletes in international competitions. The performance of the national equestrian games group 'Galkynyş' at the Gyorogly State Equestrian Circus in the city of Arkadag made a great impression on the participants, where riders on horseback, impressing with their plasticity, beauty, and dexterity, performed acrobatic tricks. The Certificate of Inclusion of the nomination 'Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Decorating Horses' in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will take a worthy place in the history of Turkmen horse breeding.