UNDER THE SIGN OF WINGED HORSES: THE EMBASSY OF TURKMENISTAN IN UKRAINE HELD A SOLEMN EVENT IN HONOR OF THE YEAR'S MOTTO AND THE ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

Today, February 4, 2026, a solemn event was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine with the participation of representatives of Turkmen youth, students, and diaspora. The event was dedicated to the motto of 2026 - "Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan - homeland of purposeful heavenly horses" as well as the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence, celebrated this year.

Opening the event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Ukraine emphasized in his speech that the 35th Anniversary of Independence is not only a milestone but also an important stage in reflecting on the country's history, achievements, and strategic goals for its future development. The Ambassador noted that it was during the years of independence that Turkmenistan emerged as a respected player in international relations, consistently promoting the ideas of peace, trust, and mutual respect.

Turkmenistan has traveled a worthy path to becoming a sovereign state, building its own model of political, socioeconomic, and spiritual development based on the principles of independence, permanent neutrality, peacefulness, and creativity.

The speech focused on the symbolism of the 2026 motto and its profound connection to Turkmenistan's history and modernity. Ahalteke horses, a national treasure and an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people, were presented as the embodiment of determination, nobility, fortitude, and forward movement—qualities that fully reflect the path of independent Turkmenistan. The "heavenly horses" have become not only a symbol of national pride but also an important element of the country's international image, embodying its unique identity, ancient traditions, and modern development. Their image symbolizes the state's progressive development, based on stability, continuity, and strategic vision.

In this context, the speaker referred to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's New Year's address to the Turkmen people, in which he stated that the Ahalteke horses, which are our pride and treasure, are associated with the hopes and great aspirations of the Turkmen people.

Independence created the conditions for the comprehensive development of national culture, the preservation of historical heritage, and the revival of horse breeding traditions, centered on the Ahalteke horse as an integral part of the spiritual code of the Turkmen people and part of world culture. For this reason, in 2023, "The Art of Ahalteke Horse Breeding and Horse Decoration Traditions" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the efforts undertaken by the country's leadership to improve the national art of horse breeding and popularize beautiful racehorses worldwide.

At the event, a diplomatic officer from the Embassy delivered a report, highlighting key milestones in Turkmenistan's 35-year Independence, including achievements in statehood, economics, culture, education, and international politics. It was noted that independence created the conditions for the revival and preservation of national values, including the traditions of horse breeding and the veneration of the Ahalteke horse.

Performances by Turkmen youth added a special touch to the celebration. Students recited a dedication poem, " Bedew " (A Horse), written by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and also delighted the audience with lively melodies on the national instrument, the dutar.

The event featured a thematic photo exhibition dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence, the gracefulness of Ahalteke horses, and their place in the country's culture and national symbols. The exhibition vividly demonstrated the inextricable link between the country's historical heritage and its contemporary development.

The exhibition was complemented by a video showing the noble Ahalteke horses—a living symbol of national pride and the spiritual strength of the people.

Following the event, it was noted that celebrating the anniversary of independence in the context of the 2026 motto highlights the harmonious blend of historical traditions and modern aspirations of Turkmenistan, and the image of the Akhal-Teke winged horses serves as a vivid symbol of the country's confident movement forward, toward new achievements, prosperity, and well-being.

The event helped deepen understanding of the significance of Turkmenistan's 35th Anniversary of Independence, strengthen a sense of national pride among youth and the diaspora, and foster awareness of the continuity of generations and responsibility for the country's further development.