Today, the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag hosted a conference during which a ceremony was held to award a certificate for the inclusion of the nomination "Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decorations" in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The conference began with an introduction to an exhibition in the foyer of the main building of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, which presented the history of "heavenly" horses, traditions of national breeding work, modern principles of caring for racehorses, as well as numerous photographs and works of fine arts, decorative-applied, carpet, jewelry art, and horse equipment.

The ceremony of awarding the certificate confirming the inclusion of the nomination "Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decorations" in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity holds deep significance in the context of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi. It is a vivid testament to the fact that the Turkmen people live a happy life with a succession of celebrations. 

Speakers at the meeting noted that the decision to include art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of heavenly horses’ decorations in UNESCO list of outstanding examples of intangible cultural heritage of humanity 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 24 member states of this group. 

At the ceremony, Ms. S. Miculescu, President of UNESCO General Conference, congratulated the connoisseur of Akhal-Teke horses Hero-Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan, as well as all Turkmen people, on this significant event with great importance in the country's life, and presented the certificate of including the national nomination "Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decorations" in UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It was noted that Akhal-Teke horses have been a source of creative inspiration for jewelers, poets, and artists throughout history. Works related to carpet weaving, jewelry making, and fine arts dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses become worthy decorations at international exhibitions and receive universal recognition.

Then participants of the ceremonial conference visited UNESCO club "Akhal-Teke Horses – Ambassadors of Peace", created at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where they learned about Akhal-Teke horses' history and achievements by Turkmen equestrians at international competitions.

A vivid impression was made by a performance of the national equestrian games group "Galkynysh" at the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus in Arkadag city, where young people on horseback impressed with their gracefulness, beauty, and agility while performing complex routines.

The certificate of including "Art of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and Traditions of Horses’ Decorations" in UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will hold an honorable place in Turkmen horse breeding history.