In Turkmenistan, Akhal-Teke horses are treated as if they were sacred beings. While the Berdimuhamedov family, which has ruled the country for about two decades, exploits animals to improve the image of the ruling regime and this almost isolated country on the international scene.

Published on: 06/05/2026 - 14:41

Under the watchful eye of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the elegant horses of Akhal-Teke showed off their beauty in a competition to choose the most beautiful horse in this closed Central Asian country.

In a country often described as authoritarian and internationally isolated, the authorities have turned this rare and ancient breed into the focus of a national cult.

This year, the sandy-coloured stallion, Hankerven, won the title of the most beautiful horse after he appeared decorated with gold jewelry and carpets bearing traditional decorations, during the annual competition that took place in late April in the capital, Ashgabat.

Its owner received a white Toyota four-wheel drive car, before thanking President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who received gifts that represented the most beautiful examples of this breed known for its graceful figure, strength, and shiny fur.

Educator Asher (70 years old), who preferred to remain anonymous because talking to the rare foreign media without an official permit is undesirable: “There are no beauty contests for women in Turkmenistan, but there are beauty contests for horses.”

He added: "Every nation has something that distinguishes it, but we Turkmen are known for our carpets and horses." He continued: "For this reason, our national flag is decorated with carpet motifs, while the Akhal-Teke horse is at the top of the state emblem."

"Homeland of loyal winged horses"

Turkmenistan, a gas-rich, desert-rich former Soviet republic, is one of the most closed countries in the world. It is often classified alongside Afghanistan and North Korea in the reports of human rights organizations concerned with freedom and human rights.

Akhal-Teke horses have an exceptional status in the country. This is clearly reflected in the ubiquitous phrase of 2026: “Independent and neutral Turkmenistan... Homeland of loyal winged horses.”

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's former president (2006-2022) and father of the current president, said last year that these horses, "which have always been loyal companions of the Turkmen people, have become an embodiment of the nation's rapid development."

The official media confirms that "the veneration of these heavenly horses has become a strategic priority for the state and a firm foundation of national identity."

One legend tells that the Akhal-Teke horse gained the title of “Heavenly Horse” after it overtook a falcon in a race.

The authorities believe that this legacy links the historical existence of this dynasty to the Turkmen people who lived on these lands before the Russian invasion in the nineteenth century.

To embody this status, memorials and statues of horses are constantly being inaugurated, the most recent of which was last spring.

In 2023, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov erected a 43-meter-high golden statue depicting him riding his favorite horse in a pose that recalls the famous painting by artist Jacques-Louis David of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Passion for records

The Turkmen leader is known to be fond of records. He ordered the construction of the largest Akhal-Teke horse head in the world inside the Ashgabat racetrack. His horse also entered the Guinness Book of World Records after covering a distance of ten meters in 4.19 seconds while standing on its hind legs.

His interest was not limited to that, as he wrote many books glorifying these horses, and he also wrote a rap song dedicated to one of the foals.

An employee of the State Organization for Turkmen Horses, who requested that his name not be revealed, says that the Berdymukhammedov family “has increased their interest in the Akhal-Teke breed,” which was “on the verge of extinction” during the Soviet era.

Horses are a tool for diplomacy

This official believes that the inclusion of Akhal-Teke horse breeding in 2023 on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage represents “an important achievement for the national cultural policy.”

The number of Akhal-Teke horses in the world is estimated at between four thousand and seven thousand heads, the vast majority of which are found on government farms inside Turkmenistan.

Retired veterinarian Sabargildi (66 years old) explains that this breed is “characterized by its height, long legs, and strong muscles, in addition to a graceful head, long straight neck, expressive eyes, and strong hooves.”

He adds that the horse “sparkles in the sun” thanks to its “fine, hollow hair that reflects light in a different way.”

He continued: "The Akhal-Teke is a wonderful sports horse. This breed developed in harsh desert conditions, and demonstrated its capabilities in endurance races, dressage, and show jumping."

Despite the limited relations of Turkmenistan with the outside world, these horses occupy a pivotal position in Turkmen diplomacy.

Foreign dignitaries who visit the country often receive a horse of this breed as an official gift, including the late French President Francois Mitterrand, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who are among the most prominent allies of the Turkmen regime.

France 24/AFP

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