Recognizing the Art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration in Turkmenistan

On 11-12 October, 2024, the President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, undertook an official trip to Turkmenistan, to award the high-level authorities of the country and of the city of Arkabag the UNESCO Certificate recognizing the inclusion of "Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Art and Traditions of Horse Decoration" in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Art and Traditions of the Akhal-Teke horse breeding

The Akhal-Teke is a horse breed celebrated both for its beauty and endurance, which also crystalles the intrinsic connection between humans and nature. , An entire culture of breeding was shaped around this horse, as artisans and communities committed to enhance its important significance. Starting from this solid symbolism behind the Akhal-Teke breeding tradition, horse decoration became a loyal portrayal of identity and a powerful representation of the harmony between craftsmanship and culture.

In Ashgabat, during her mission, the President of the General Conference met with H.E. Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Ms Chinar Ramatulova, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO. On this occasion, President Miculescu expressed her congratulations for the inscription of the Akhal-Teke horse breeding art and traditions on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. On this occasion, she also invited Turkmenistan to participate in her endeavor to reinvigorate international intellectual cooperation a through solid initiatives to safeguard UNESCO's documentary heritage. Moreover, the discussions also led to the recently adopted UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, as well as events for th celebration of 2025 International Year of Peace and Trust.