In Turkmenistan, Horse Worship Becomes a 'Strategic State Priority'

In Turkmenistan, the Akhal-Teke horse, a breed native to the country, has been elevated to a status of near-divinity, becoming a "strategic state priority." This veneration is deeply woven into the national fabric, with the horse not only mentioned in the national motto but also prominently featured on the country's flag and coat of arms. The regime of President Serdar Berdymoukhamedov actively cultivates a cult around this ancient and rare breed, organizing elaborate events and erecting numerous monuments.

An annual beauty contest for Akhal-Teke horses recently took place in the capital, Ashgabat, where an AFP correspondent observed the proceedings. The winning stallion, a sand-colored horse named Hankerven, adorned with golden jewelry and a traditional carpet, secured the title of the most beautiful steed. Its owner received a white Toyota 4x4 as a prize and immediately expressed profound gratitude to the president, to whom the most exquisite specimens of this slender, powerful, and brilliantly-coated breed are often gifted.

"There are no beauty contests for women in Turkmenistan, but there are for horses," remarked Achir, a 70-year-old breeder who spoke on condition of anonymity, as unauthorized communication with foreign media is discouraged. He emphasized the horse's role in national identity, stating, "Every nation is recognizable, and we Turkmens are recognizable through our carpets and our horses." This sentiment is reflected in the country's motto for 2026: "Independent and neutral Turkmenistan, homeland of determined winged horses."

Turkmenistan, a gas-rich desert nation and former Soviet republic, is known for its reclusive nature, often grouped with countries like Afghanistan and North Korea in human rights and freedom rankings. The Akhal-Teke's significance is further amplified by official media declarations, which describe the "veneration of these celestial horses" as a cornerstone of national identity and a strategic state objective. Legends attribute the Akhal-Teke's "celestial horse" nickname to a victory over a falcon in a race, linking the breed's ancestral presence to the history of nomadic tribes in the region before Russian conquest.