CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN
During the Revival of the new era of a powerful state our esteemed President is successfully continuing the implementation of the activities initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people to enhance the world fame of Ahal-Teke horses. Because the Ahal-Teke horses as frisky as the wind and the national pride of the Turkmen people.
Our horses are one of the oldest horse breeds, famous for their beauty, speed and recognized as a heritage of world culture. On the occasion of the national holiday of the Turkmen horse celebrated annually on the last Sunday of April, the International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, scientific and practical conferences, horse racing and equestrian competitions are held in a highly organized and enthusiastic atmosphere.
As you know in accordance with the Decree of our esteemed President, on April 26 of this year – The traditional International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest will be held in the city of Arkadag, dedicated to the national holiday of the Turkmen horse, as well as a competition among artists, sculptors, carpet makers, jewelers, photographers, publishing workers, designers and cameramen in the artistic expression of their beauty in works of fine art and decorative – applied arts, printed materials, photographs and TV shows. This further elevates the worldwide fame of our heavenly horses, whose fame has spread throughout the world.
Modern equestrian complexes, relevant scientific and educational centers are currently being built and put into operation, the living and working conditions of horse breeders are constantly improving, young specialists are being trained for the horse breeding industry. Vivid examples of this are the opening of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus, the creation of a Scientific and Production Center for Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag.
In addition, Turkmenistan's nomination “The Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horse decoration” was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind of the United Nations.
Turkmen horses have been mentioned in folklore, art and manuscripts since ancient times under the names of “Asman aty”, “Nusaý aty”, “Suw aty”, “Ýel aty”, “Behişdi bedew” and their fame is growing all over the world. Of course, the Turkmen proverb “Irden turup ataňy gör, ataňdan soň atyňy” (“Get up early in the morning, greet your father and then your horse”) it is shows the importance of horses in the life of Turkmens.
The beauty, gentle nature and devotion of the Ahal-Teke horse are artistically revealed in the books of the National Leader of the Turkmen people: “Ahalteke bedewi — biziň buýsanjymyz we şöhratymyz”, “Atda wepa-da bar, sapa-da”, “Gadamy batly bedew”.
The Italian traveler Marco Polo, who traveled to the Far East through Central Asia in the 13th century, wrote about our wonderful horses in his book “On the Diversity of the World”: “I’ll tell you, there are very good Turkmen horses and expensive carpets here.”
Gorkut ata said about the horse: “Ata namart ýigit münüp bilmez, münenden münmedigi ýeg “ (“A timid youth cannot saddle a horse, it is better for him not to mount a horse”). The artistic image and chanting of the horse are expressed in the epic “Gorogly”, in the poems of the wise poet of the Turkmen people Makhtumkuli Fragi and other poets, as well as in the songs of Bakhshi. National games of Turkmen youths on horses and prize races give Turkmen weddings and holidays a unique flavor.
As we know, in the “International Year of Peace and Trust” from January 17 to 26 the successful performance of the “Galkynysh” National Equestrian Games Group at the 47th International Circus Art Festival held in Monte Carlo, the capital of the Principality of Monaco and the presentation of the Gold Prize and other special awards further increased our pride in this a significant year.
Turkmenistan has created all the necessary conditions for practicing various types of equestrian sports, holding international competitions and participating in competitions, as well as for keeping horses in accordance with the advanced requirements of modern times. Because our heavenly Ahal-Teke horses, which are one of our values, elevating the spirit of our nation and spreading its glory throughout the world are a symbol of peace and beauty.
We wish Hero Arkadag and our esteemed President, who brought glory to the paradise horses of the Turkmens, health and success in great deeds for the benefit of the people and the country!
Gokjayev Allanur,
Main specialist of Organizational management of the Central commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan.