On Saturday, 19 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, where he visited the modernized Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports.
During the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the completed roadworks along major highways and at key interchanges in the foothills. H. Hajymyradov, Head of the Affairs Department of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, briefed him on the modernisation of the road network, including sections near the monument to the legendary racehorse Yanardag and the Atly aýlaw ring road.
The upgraded roads have been built to international standards, with high-strength three-layer asphalt surfacing, modern road signage and advanced lighting systems. Particular attention was given to the durability of bridges built over floodwater channels, as well as to systems allowing the collected runoff to be reused.
Sculptures depicting Akhal-Teke horses have been installed along the renovated highways.
Upon arriving at the President of Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was introduced to a new feature of the facility.
P. Bayramdurdyyev, Rector of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, presented a distinctive art installation. The sculpture depicts a globe formed by butterflies, crowned with a figurine of a foal. The composition symbolises the international recognition of the Akhal-Teke breed as a model of beauty and harmony with nature.
The butterfly has long been associated with an open spirit and is widely regarded as a symbol of renewal, love, beauty, freedom and peace. Its life cycle is seen as a metaphor for overcoming hardship, spiritual growth and humanity’s natural connection with the environment. Its wings, in turn, embody freedom, the beauty of life and grace.
A specialized photo studio for horse-themed photography has also been set up on the complex’s grounds. Its interiors recreate the four seasons and a range of landscapes characteristic of Turkmenistan — from the Caspian Sea coast and the dunes of the Karakum Desert to snow-capped mountain peaks and spring landscapes in bloom.
After viewing the studio, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the new facility could provide an attractive setting for young people and newlyweds, as well as for musicians inspiring them to create artistic projects featuring Akhal-Teke horses.
B. Rejepov, Vice-President of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the “Türkmen alabaý itleri” Association, reported on efforts to ensure that the horses receive a balanced nutrition. Special plots at the complex have been used to grow local varieties of carrots and apples, which have traditionally been included in the diet of Turkmen horses to support their health and vitality.
Highlighting the exceptional value of fresh produce grown in the environmentally clean foothills, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to explore the possibility of expanding the area devoted to these crops, extend the practice to Arkadag city, and involve students of the International Academy of Horse Breeding more actively in the initiative. ///nCa, 21 September 2026 (photo credit – TDH, TV broadcast screenshots)