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 horse decoration traditions” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was announced by the Chairman of the State Committee for Construction of the city of Arkadag D. Orazov at a working meeting, TDH reports.

The presentation of the certificate will be an international recognition of Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve and develop Akhal-Teke horses, which are famous for their outstanding qualities and are part of the country’s cultural heritage. Akhal-Teke horses are known for their endurance, grace and unique appearance, which makes them the national pride of Turkmenistan.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of careful preparation for this event. He noted that the presentation of the UNESCO certificate will fully demonstrate international recognition of the work carried out in Turkmenistan to preserve the purity of the breed, increase the number and enhance the world fame of elite horses.

Ahal-Teke horse breeding art includes not only horse breeding and care, but also rich traditions of horse decoration. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and include naming rituals, horse competitions and wedding ceremonies. A whole layer of cultural practices has developed around Akhal-Teke horses, which are an integral part of the historical heritage of Turkmenistan.

Let us recall that the nomination “Ahal-Teke horse breeding art and horse decoration traditions” was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, which took place last December in Kasane, Republic of Botswana. The nomination dossier prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO included the broad participation of research scientists, horse breeders, masters of horse decoration, as well as famous experts and connoisseurs of equestrian art.