On July 5, a ceremonial forum was held at the Mukams Palace of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan, during which speeches were heard on organizing landmark events in the country's contemporary history, particularly the festive activities planned for this year, «Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses». The current event once again confirms the comprehensive approach demonstrated at the state level to preparing and holding celebrations significant to the life of the country and society.
Among the main events of this year, which will be inscribed in the glorious chronicle of the Turkmen people, is the 35th anniversary of the sacred independence of our Fatherland. Events marking the upcoming landmark date encompass every corner of our Homeland. It is gratifying that the rapid development of Turkmenistan in all directions serves as visible evidence of the efforts made at the state level to ensure a happy life for our citizens.
Forum participants viewed an exhibition set up in the Palace's foyer featuring decorative and applied art items, museum treasures, and works by painters and sculptors dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. A separate section was devoted to the remarkable works of the head of state, as well as of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag. As is known, among the works of Hero-Arkadag are many that describe in detail the history of the magnificent Akhal-Teke horses and the remarkable characteristics of this breed.
It was noted that the current exhibition of artworks and the materials presented on the role of national values, which have become a contribution to universal human culture, allow for more detailed information about the exemplary principles and heritage of the Turkmen people.
The ceremonial forum at the Mukams Palace then began its proceedings, dedicated to the festive events planned throughout 2026, the year declared «Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses» and marked by the 35th anniversary of the country's sacred independence. A separate place in its agenda was devoted to speeches concerning the promotion and enhancement of the world fame of the renowned Akhal-Teke horses.
Speakers noted the growing worldwide popularity of Akhal-Teke horses thanks to the large-scale reforms carried out in the country to develop domestic horse breeding. It was emphasized that these reforms, initiated by Hero-Arkadag — a true connoisseur and admirer of magnificent horses — are today being successfully implemented under the leadership of the Arkadagly Hero-Serdar. The results of the steps taken in this area fully demonstrate the growing world fame of the "paradise" horses, known since time immemorial. Our "paradise" steeds, elegant carpets, loyal Alabai dogs, and other treasures are a national heritage created by Turkmens throughout history and preserved to this day. The state policy laid down by Hero-Arkadag and now successfully continued under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero-Serdar is based on the noble principles of our people.
It was noted that the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero-Serdar place enormous trust in each of us. Inspired by this, we must take part in the celebrations held in our peaceful and prosperous state — this is a great honor for us.
It should be emphasized that Akhal-Teke horses, possessing truly remarkable qualities, have always been the main adornment of folk festivities. Thus, horse races are an attribute of national celebrations. It should be noted that horses of this unique breed are an outstanding contribution by Turkmens to the cultural treasury of humanity. That is why truly grand work is being carried out today to revive the former glory of the "winged" steeds. Notable in this regard are the achievements of our jockeys at prestigious equestrian competitions and international-level shows.
Mention should also be made of the successes of the "Galkynyş" National Horse Games Group, created on the initiative and through the efforts of the Hero-Arkadag. This group's performances at international events receive enormous recognition. Thus, its achievements, including the prizes won, fully attest to the development of national equestrian sport and equestrian circus art.
The significance of the current forum was further enhanced by video clips shown, dedicated to the celebrated Akhal-Teke horses and to bright moments from the celebrations marking the National Turkmen Horse Holiday, revealing the importance of the events of the holiday glorifying the magnificent horses, marked in April 2016.
As shown in the video clips, Hero-Arkadag, mounted on a dun-colored horse named Miras, presented to him on the occasion of the holiday on behalf of the country's horse breeders, reviewed national traditions and customs performed near the installed "ak öý" yurts.
The colorful atmosphere of the celebration organized at that time was further enriched by the wedding ceremony of members of the National Equestrian Games Group Galkynyş. This event served as evidence that significant celebrations follow one another in Turkmen society. Among the people, a wedding is considered the most important event in a person's life, and this truth was reflected in the celebrations that unfolded in April 2016. According to noble tradition, the bride was wished happiness. Giving a daughter in marriage and a son's wedding are considered among the most joyful moments in a person's life. Those gathered wished success for the large-scale celebrations, and wished every family happiness, unity, and prosperity.
The family foundations of the Turkmen people carry deep sacred meaning. They serve as an invisible bridge connecting generations, filling the way of life with special spirituality and harmony. The atmosphere of the celebration itself was permeated with sincere joy and merriment. One of the vivid attributes of Turkmen weddings is, of course, the wedding procession. Overall, in wedding traditions and rites, the wise precepts of our ancestors, passed down to us through the centuries, find new expression. Thus, in the current happy era, these traditions are not merely preserved but receive a worthy continuation in the spirit of modernity. All this testifies to the importance attached at the state level to maintaining continuity and developing national customs, reflected today in national holidays and celebrations. As is known from history, the Turkmen people created many wedding rites designed to help newlyweds live in happiness and harmony. All this shows that wedding traditions hold special significance.
In those unforgettable moments, Hero-Arkadag again addressed the newlyweds with warm words of guidance, wishing them a happy life. Thus, another family was formed within the renowned National Equestrian Games Group Galkynyş.
The parents of the newlyweds expressed sincere gratitude to those gathered, particularly noting that the happiness of their families is inextricably linked to Turkmen horses, and wished the young couple to find happiness in the profession they had chosen. All this, becoming yet another confirmation of the harmonious combination of Turkmen weddings with good traditions, enhanced the atmosphere of joy and merriment. Thus, celebrations characteristic of Turkmen weddings are held on a grand scale.
The ceremonial forum continued with speeches on the upcoming festive events of the year «Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses», aimed at enhancing the fame of Akhal-Teke horses and promoting the national art of horse breeding. It was noted that during the current year a whole series of large-scale events is being held to promote Akhal-Teke horses worldwide — a genuine national treasure nurtured by Turkmen seyises (horse trainers).
It was noted that our equestrian sports teams actively participate in international festivals, shows, and beauty contests held both in Turkmenistan and abroad, where they demonstrate a high level of skill. During visits to the USA, the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), Hero-Arkadag held meetings with horse breeders and specialized experts dedicated to the art of horse breeding. Such active engagement serves as clear confirmation of the special attention that Hero-Arkadag consistently devotes to the development of national equestrian sport. In this connection, particular mention was made of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people in the celebrations of the horse show held near Windsor Castle. As part of this prestigious event, held under the patronage of the British royal family, a meeting took place between Hero-Arkadag and King Charles III. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation.
At the same time, it is gratifying to note that the National Equestrian Games Group Galkynyş constantly participates in international competitions and wins prizes. Members of the Group worthily represented Turkmen national equestrian art in Azerbaijan and Türkiýe. The Group's triumphant performances added to a series of achievements in keeping with this year's motto, enriching its content.
Participants of the ceremonial forum also emphasized the comprehensive approach taken by the country's cultural and artistic workers to promoting the legendary Akhal-Teke horses and to creating works dedicated to the traditions of national horse breeding. This is a clear result of the efforts of creative figures to promote on the international stage the invaluable national treasure that the Turkmen people have given to the world.
It was noted that throughout history, Akhal-Teke horses have consistently been the central theme of poets' works and of bakhshi musical compositions. The traditions of artistic depiction of the image of Akhal-Teke horses, serving as a link between eras and generations, are being successfully continued in the modern era as well. Thus, the nationwide love and pride for Akhal-Teke horses find their reflection in works of art.
The song and music performances that were given, imbued with a lofty spirit, glorified the magnificent Akhal-Teke horses. Promoting the enormous contribution of our glorious ancestors to world culture is one of the important tasks facing masters of the arts. In this connection, on the eve of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of sacred independence, works of art glorifying Akhal-Teke horses complement the content of the festive events. The performances of masters of the arts sounded as a hymn to the beauty of Akhal-Teke horses, which occupy an important place in the history of our country and people, to the grand activities of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar in this field, and to the prosperous life in the current happy era.
In this connection, emphasis was placed on the great importance attached to the organizational level of events marking the significant date — the 35th anniversary of our great independence in the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds." Such a comprehensive approach will ensure that the festive celebrations are held at a level befitting the spirit of modernity.
During the ceremonial forum, it was also noted that works from the pen of Hero-Arkadag, such as "The Akhal-Teke — Our Pride and Glory" and "The Horse — A Symbol of Loyalty and Happiness," are recognized as a valuable contribution to the wide promotion worldwide of national horse-breeding traditions and to conveying them to the younger generation. This is one of the important directions of social development in the new historical era.
In the speeches devoted to the ceremonial events aimed at promoting the "winged" horses, national culture, and traditions, it was noted that in the modern era, guided by the instructions of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, the necessary efforts are being made to develop our national culture, art, and literature. It was emphasized that, alongside specialized structures, improving the work of the mass media is of great importance in promoting the creative potential of our Homeland. At the same time, the deep meaning of Hero-Arkadag's words was noted: love for horses is one of the glorious pages of Turkmen culture.
In the modern era, our country is recognized as a center for the regular holding of international cultural events, conferences, exhibitions, and film festivals. This opens up broad opportunities for enhancing the authority of independent neutral Turkmenistan on the international stage. Figures of culture and art, who make a worthy contribution to enriching the spiritual world of our people, pay special attention to holding large-scale celebrations at a high organizational level and to properly preparing the cultural program of the festivities.
The significance of showing video clips during the forum revealing bright moments of the celebration of the National Turkmen Horse Holiday was also noted. The historical fate and way of life of our people are inextricably linked to horses. The deep meaning lies in the fact that these noble traditions are being worthily continued thanks to the efforts of the grateful generation of the happy era. The traditions of horse breeding and the art of seyis craftsmanship are an invaluable treasure that the Turkmen people have contributed to the treasury of world culture. This fact enhances the world fame and honor of a people who show special devotion to their work and profession.
As is known, valuable finds discovered at the historical sites of Jeitun, Anau, Altyndepe, Nisa, Margiana, and others testify that the history of Akhal-Teke horses goes back thousands of years. In this connection, in the modern era, the cultural and artistic figures of our country, sparing no effort or talent, make a great contribution to enhancing the world fame of Akhal-Teke horses.
The ceremonial forum at the Mukams Palace of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan then continued with musical performances by masters of the arts. Bright and inspired songs and melodies performed by well-known pop stars and bakhshi musicians lent the event a special festive atmosphere. In the performances of the masters of the arts, who are making every effort to worthily mark the 35th anniversary of sacred independence by creating new works, the great goals being pursued in the country and the values that the Turkmen people have given to the world were glorified.
The culmination of the ceremonial forum was a joint performance by artists, bakhshi musicians, and young soloists of a song created by Hero-Arkadag, its title celebrating moving forward together for the native land of Turkmenistan.
