The second day of the National Leader of the Turkmen people’s working visit to Tatarstan was exceptionally productive. On 14 May, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov not only participated in official OIC events but also dedicated significant attention to equestrian sports—a symbolic bridge connecting Ashgabat and Kazan.
Triumph of Turkmen Jockeys at the Kazan Hippodrome
The day began with a visit to the Kazan International Equestrian Complex. At one of Europe’s largest racing venues, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, were greeted with warm hospitality. Prior to the races, the leaders toured an exhibition of Tatarstan’s agricultural achievements organized on the complex grounds.
The highlight of the day was the festive horse races. A unique feature of the tournament was that the Turkmen riders competed on Tatar-breed horses, showcasing the versatility and depth of their equestrian skills.
The results were immediate:
- Master Jockey B. Agamyradov secured a brilliant victory in one of the heats, setting a winning pace for the entire Turkmen team.
- In the 1800-meter race, B. Berdimuhammedov took first place, crossing the finish line to reaffirm the high standards of the national school of horsemanship.
In a symbolic gesture, special prizes were established at the tournament in honor of the legendary Akhal-Teke horses. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov personally congratulated the winners and presented them with honorary cups, noting that such competitions strengthen the centuries-old traditions shared by the two nations.
“KazanForum 2026”: Turkmenistan in the Spotlight
Beyond the sporting events, the visit included a significant economic component. As part of the “Russia – Islamic World” international forum, Turkmenistan presented a large-scale exhibition pavilion.
Forum guests explored the full diversity of the country’s export potential, ranging from oil and gas products and industrial chemicals to textiles and modern building materials. The electronics section—a burgeoning industry currently acting as a new driver for the Turkmen economy—drew particular interest.
The visit also featured a cultural and aesthetic dimension. During the Modest Fashion Day festival, the Turkmen fashion house Miras showcased national costumes that caused a true sensation. The intricate embroidery and adherence to traditional tailoring, blended with contemporary trends, left a lasting impression on spectators and experts alike.
Conclusion of the Visit
The program for the second day in Kazan served as a logical conclusion to the fruitful visit. Following the OIC forum, which marked Kazan’s designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov departed for Ashgabat.
This visit has once again demonstrated that the relationship between Turkmenistan and Tatarstan is built on more than just trade contracts; it is rooted in sincere mutual respect for culture, sport, and shared traditions. ///nCa, 15 May 2026