On 20 February 2026, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation hosted a solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026 “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful heavenly horses”, the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence, as well as the presentation of the new book by the President of Turkmenistan “Turkmenistan’s Neutrality – a bright path of peace and trust”.
The event brought together representatives of public and academic circles, experts in the field of horse breeding, equestrian sports professionals, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora in Russia, students from Turkmenistan studying at higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation, as well as media representatives.
In his welcoming address, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, E.Aydogdiyev, stressed that the year 2026 in Turkmenistan is being held under the motto “Independent, neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful heavenly horses.” The image of a purposeful steed reflects the current pace of development of the country. The motto has set the guidelines for the near future, becoming a reference point for political and cultural events in Turkmenistan throughout 2026.
As noted, in the new historical era, thanks to the efforts of the National Leader and the President of Turkmenistan, who are true connoisseurs and admirers of “heavenly” horses, talented riders and popularizers of equestrian sports, the Akhal-Teke horse has become one of the main symbols of Turkmenistan, embodying the inseparable connection of times and generations.
Speaking about the significance of the new work of the President of Turkmenistan, “Turkmenistan’s Neutrality is a bright path of peace and trust,” Aydogdiyev stressed that the book reveals the legal and political foundations of neutrality, its role in ensuring regional and global stability, and Turkmenistan’s contribution to promoting a culture of peace and trust.
During the ceremony, Turkmen students presented a literary and musical composition based on the poem “Rovaç” by the National Leader Arkadag Berdimuhamedov.
Following this, speeches were delivered by Y. Kuznetsova, a member of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding, Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan, Department Head at the Scientific and Artistic Museum of Horse Breeding, and Editor-in-Chief of the Akhal-Teke Inform almanac. She was joined by N.Abramova, Senior Researcher at the Kalashnikov All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding, Head of the Akhal-Teke Breeding Center, and Chief Registrar of the State Studbook for the Akhal-Teke breed. Also speaking was P. Lazdyn, a student at Lomonosov Moscow State University, professional athlete, horse owner, and co-founder of the equestrian media project MediaKon.
Speakers emphasized that for centuries, the Turkmen people have meticulously bred and perfected the Akhal-Teke, preserving the breed’s peerless qualities. The horses’ signature silky metallic sheen, refined exterior, and swift, bird-like gait—paired with tireless endurance—are the legacy of master breeders and ‘seis’ (trainers) who reached the pinnacle of their craft.
The inclusion of Akhal-Teke breeding and traditional horse decoration in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has further elevated the prestige of these ‘heavenly’ horses, cementing their status as a masterpiece of both national and global culture.
The song “Melekush” became the final chord of the celebration.
As part of the event, a thematic exhibition was organized in the Embassy building. The exhibition featured books by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the works of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as various photographs taken in Turkmenistan and Russia, reflecting the beauty of the “heavenly” Akhal-Teke horses.
///Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia, 20 February 2026