The ceremony of awarding the UNESCO certificate was held at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag

​On October 12, a conference was held at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag, during which a certificate ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere to include the nomination "Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Horse Decoration" in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind.

Attention and care at the state level to increase the number of Ahal-Teke horses in the country, which are the pride of the Turkmen people, and to increase their fame in the world are yielding positive results. This is another evidence that the noble beginnings of the Arkadag Hero are successfully brought to life thanks to the efforts of the Arkadagla Hero Serdar.

The conference was preceded by an exhibition in the foyer of the main building of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where numerous photographic materials, works of fine, decorative, applied, carpet and jewelry art, horse equipment were presented.

The holding of this event in the city of Arkadag is of historical importance. As you know, this corner of the Turkmen land has been recognized as an ancient habitat of Ahal-Teke horses. It has become a noble tradition to hold meetings here and discuss issues related to the development of Ahal-Teke horse breeding.

The ceremony of awarding a Certificate confirming the inclusion of the nomination "Ahal-Teke horse breeding Art and traditions of horse decoration" in the Representative List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage has a deep meaning in the context of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of poet and thinker Mahtumkuly Fragi. This is a vivid evidence that the Turkmen people live a happy life, and their holidays go on in succession.

As the speakers noted, the decision to include the Ahal-Teke horse breeding art and the tradition of decorating "heavenly" horses in the UNESCO list of outstanding examples of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind was made during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held in Kasane (Republic of Botswana) in December 2023. The proposal put forward by our country was unanimously supported by the 24 member States of this group.

The Ahal–Teke horse is a faithful friend of man and the pride of the Turkmen people – thanks to the efforts of the Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, it is widely known all over the world.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chairman of the UNESCO General Conference, Ms. S.Michelescu, congratulated the Hero Arkadag, the connoisseur of Ahal-Teke horses, and the President of Turkmenistan, as well as the entire Turkmen people, on a significant event of great importance in the life of the country, and presented a Certificate of inclusion of the national nomination "Ahal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions of horse decoration" in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This event is a vivid evidence that the national values formed by the Turkmen people over the centuries are being recognized in the world, and the glory of the "heavenly" horses is multiplying. The traditions of Turkmen jewelers have also gained popularity. As the speakers emphasized, UNESCO's decision is a tribute to Turkmenistan and the dedication of the Turkmen seyis and riders.

The participants, on behalf of all horse breeders of the country, expressed gratitude to Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for constant attention and support in preserving horse breeding traditions and increasing the glory of Ahal-Teke horses.

As noted, the Ahal-Teke people have been a source of inspiration for jewelers, poets and artists throughout history. The works of carpet, jewelry and fine art dedicated to the "heavenly" horses become a worthy decoration of international exhibitions and receive universal recognition.

The conference participants also visited the UNESCO club "Ahal–Teke Horses - Ambassadors of Peace", created on the basis of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annaev, where they got acquainted with the history of the development of Akhal-Teke horse breeding, the achievements of Turkmen equestrian athletes at international competitions.

The participants were greatly impressed by the performance of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games group at the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus in Arkadag, where riders on horseback, striking with their plasticity, beauty and dexterity, performed acrobatic tricks.

The certificate of inclusion of the nomination "Akhal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions of horse decoration" in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind will occupy a worthy place in the history of Turkmen horse breeding.

Source: State News Agency