On February 4, 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 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.

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 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.

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.

ORIENT