At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on February 13 of this year, the President of the country noted that a Program of Events in the Field of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sports had been developed in honor of the 2026 motto: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” In this context, in accordance with the Program, a ceremony dedicated to the international achievements of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group was held in the city of Balkanabat.
As a Turkmen proverb says: “When the moon rises, the whole world will see it.” Good news spreads quickly. The presentation of international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association to the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group for its significant contribution to circus art at a ceremony held in the first month of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” in Monte Carlo (the Principality of Monaco) further strengthened our country’s position in this field. This landmark event became yet another confirmation of the international recognition of the achievements of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan and the growing fame of Turkmen steeds around the world.
The good news about the impressive successes of the “Galkynyş” group, achieved thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and the President of the country, Arkadagly Hero Serdar, in developing equestrian sports, was met with great enthusiasm by the residents of the Balkan velayat. The celebrations taking place here these days serve as vivid confirmation of this. Today, residents of the velayat festively welcomed the members of the National Equestrian Games Group “Galkynyş,” who brought with them the joy of the first victories of the new year. Warm congratulations and good wishes marked the beginning of the festivities.
The ceremony was preceded by a procession along Uzboy Street in Balkanabat. Throughout the entire route—up to the “Türkmeniň ak öýi” building—the members of the “Galkynyş” group were warmly greeted by residents of the velayat center, spread out at the foot of the Greater Balkan Mountains.
A festive atmosphere prevailed in front of the “Bagt köşgi” Wedding Palace. Dance and folklore groups of the Balkan velayat presented national traditions characteristic of Turkmen weddings. Literary and musical performances organized in the square in front of the library building evoked sincere emotions among the guests. They expressed gratitude to the students of the Balkan Velayat Specialized School of Arts for their vibrant performances.
Hospitality and cordiality are ancient traditions of our people, and in keeping with them, a rich and meaningful celebration filled with inexhaustible spiritual inspiration took place in front of the Balkan Velayat Historical and Local History Museum. Here, artists of the Saparmyrat Niyazov State Drama Theater of the Balkan velayat masterfully performed the literary and musical composition “Bedew batly at-myradyň mekany, bagta besläp Arkadagly zamany.” The program was adorned with a dance to the melody “At çapar,” performed by regional creative groups—“Dehistan,” “Dagdan,” “Misserian,” “Bagtyýarlyk,” “Miras,” and “Balkan.”
At the entrance to the museum, young talents welcomed the guests, enthusiastically reciting poems dedicated to the present beautiful era. The presentation to the “Galkynyş” group of a horseshoe carved from dagdan wood was accompanied by thunderous applause. Guests also viewed a modern exhibition of decorative and applied arts, horse harness items, carpet weaving, jewelry, and museum treasures.
The festive decorations at the “Türkmeniň ak öýi” building, complemented by white yurts and the surrounding landscape, gave the celebration a special color. The united creative ensemble of the velayat presented a musical number that concluded with the performance of the “kushtdepdi” dance.
The celebration continued on the stage of “Türkmeniň ak öýi.” During the ceremony, emphasis was placed on the significance of the new achievements of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” including the high accomplishments of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group, which it achieved in the current historical era. Speakers expressed words of gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for creating all conditions necessary for achieving victories, developing and demonstrating talent and mastery. It was particularly noted that the successes of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group at prestigious international festivals and competitions contribute to the popularization of national circus art.
The songs performed were dedicated to the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state and to the unmatched beauty of the “paradise” steeds.
As part of the event, demonstration performances by the artists of the “Galkynyş” group were held. The filigree technique of trick riding and complex stunts on galloping horses filled the three-thousand-seat hall of the “Türkmeniň ak öýi” building with an atmosphere of sincere admiration. The members of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group, infinitely grateful for the care and attention of Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, skillfully and flawlessly demonstrated the richness of national circus art.
