A CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ARTISTIC EVENT DEDICATED TO THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY OF THE TURKMEN HORSE WAS HELD IN KYIV

On April 26, 2026, in the city of Kyiv, at the Library named after Magtymguly, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine, in cooperation with educational institutions and creative associations of the Svyatoshynskyi district of the capital, organized a large-scale cultural and educational event with elements of artistic creativity and an interactive program titled “The Akhal-Teke Horse: Beauty, Strength, and Nobility in Artistic Images”.

The event was held within the framework of the year proclaimed in Turkmenistan as “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”, marking the 35th Anniversary of the country’s Independence, and was dedicated to the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse — one of the essential symbols of national pride of the Turkmen people.

From the very first minutes, the guests of the event — school students, participants of art clubs, parents, representatives of the embassy, Turkmen youth, and library staff — were immersed in the atmosphere of Turkmen culture. The event was accompanied by live performances of the national instruments dutar and gyjak by Turkmen youth, screenings of thematic video materials, and a photo exhibition presenting the graceful Akhal-Teke horse breed, as well as books by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, about the legendary horses: “Ahalteke Horse is Our Pride and Glory”, “Swift Step of a Race Horse”, “The Flight of Celestial Race Horses” and “A Horse is a Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness”, presented in Ukrainian.

Particular interest was drawn to the exhibition of artworks dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses, created by young artists specifically for the celebration. The youth presented their vision of the beauty, grace, and nobility of this legendary breed.

The Director of the Library named after Magtymguly in Kyiv, Yuliya Lopata, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of such events for strengthening intercultural dialogue and fostering respect for global cultural heritage among the younger generation.

A diplomat of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine also spoke at the event, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, which is celebrated at the state level in Turkmenistan with large-scale festivities, horse races, beauty contests for horses, exhibitions, and scientific conferences dedicated to the development of horse breeding. The diplomat also emphasized the official recognition of the uniqueness and global significance of this ancient tradition, noting that in 2023, the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the tradition of horse adornment were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The embassy representative stressed the importance of strengthening cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Ukraine, as well as the role of such events in promoting friendship and cultural exchange between the peoples. Special attention was also given to the importance of engaging youth in cultural initiatives that broaden their horizons, introduce them to the rich heritage of Turkmenistan, and foster their creative potential.

An interactive quiz titled “Secrets of the Akhal-Teke Horses” sparked lively interest among children, where participants answered questions, demonstrating a high level of engagement and knowledge about Turkmen horses.

One of the participants, a young artist Polina Kosinova, conducted a master class on drawing horses, showcasing artistic techniques and her own creative skills to the audience.

As part of the celebration, a formal award ceremony was held, during which all participants of the art exhibition were presented with certificates and commemorative gifts. Winners of the art competition in various categories were also recognized for demonstrating the highest level of skill and originality in depicting the Akhal-Teke horse.

The event became yet another platform showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, reflecting the depth of bilateral cultural interaction and the shared aspiration to further develop cooperation between friendly nations.