At the latest International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group was awarded international certificates for its significant contribution to circus arts

The first month of the new year, 2026, was marked by an outstanding achievement, in keeping with the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”. This event, which once again confirmed the international recognition of Ahalteke horses and our country’s cultural heritage, enhances the feelings of pride and gratitude of Turkmen citizens to the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, and President Arkadagly Hero Serdar.

From January 16th to 25th of this year, the 48th International Circus Arts Festival was held in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco). Serdar Pygyyev, Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan and Head of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, and Serdar Gurbangulyyev, Director General of the State Circus of Turkmenistan, participated as honorary guests on behalf of our country.

During the ceremony held as part of the International Festival, the delegation of the State Circus of Turkmenistan was awarded international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for the significant contribution of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group to circus arts. This event further enriched the motto of 2026: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”.

The joyful news that arrived at the beginning of 2026 marked the beginning of a series of new achievements in our country, confidently moving forward with the speed of an Ahalteke horse. The current success of the Galkynyş Group is the first of the new year, which resonates with its motto: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”.

It is worth noting that this festival, established in 1974, is one of the most prestigious and significant in the world of circus arts. It is held annually in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco. One of the main goals of the festival is to increase the popularity of circus arts, continue its traditions, and identify talented artists. This large-scale event promotes the development of circus arts and strengthens cultural ties between countries.

The festival takes place in a specially erected circus tent in the center of Monte Carlo, and artists perform in various genres of circus arts.

As is known, in 2025, the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan successfully performed at the 47th International Circus Arts Festival in Monte-Carlo (Principality of Monaco) and was awarded the Grand Prix and other special awards. On this occasion, celebrations were held in Arkadag city, during which the Galkynyş Group received a cash gift of 17,000 euros on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, and a cash gift of 3 million manat on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In addition, the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan presented the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group with a 10-day trip to the Daýanç health center in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, sets of sportswear and high-tech equipment, as well as a beautiful Turkmen carpet.

The invitation of the Galkynyş Group to this prestigious international festival last year, and this year’s invitation of the Group’s leaders and the State Circus of Turkmenistan as guests of honor, is clear confirmation of the worldwide recognition of the achievements of Turkmen circus arts.

In our sovereign country, under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, extensive work is underway to develop national culture and art and their widespread popularization. In this regard, it should be noted that, along with other artistic genres, great importance is attached to the development of circus arts.

As is well known, national circus arts in our country were revived at the initiative of Hero-Arkadag. In April 2010, the State Circus of Turkmenistan reopened, marking an important milestone in the development of this art form.

The masterful execution of complex acrobatic and gymnastic feats by members of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, combined with the graceful movements of their horses, as well as their colorful performances demonstrating a high level of horsemanship, are a distinctive feature of our national circus arts.

It is worth noting that this group was established in 2007 at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag.

The Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group has played a significant role in the development of national circus arts. Having performed internationally, the group has received prestigious international awards, including the Grand Prix at the IDOL World Circus Arts Festival held in Moscow, Russian Federation, in 2013; the 16th International Circus Festival in Latino, Italy, in 2014; the 2nd International Circus Arts Festival in China, China, in 2015; and the 2nd World Nomad Games in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, in 2016.

The group was also awarded the Golden Gaetano statuette at the First International Circus Festival on Fontanka, held for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, in 2018. This event further enhanced Turkmenistan’s international sporting reputation.

The Galkynyş group, widely known beyond Turkmenistan’s borders, makes a significant contribution to the widespread promotion of our national cultural heritage worldwide and, by performing at celebrations and cultural events held to mark significant dates, and enhances their significance. The beauty and grace of magnificent horses, as well as the skill of horsemen performing various complex stunts on galloping horses, provide an ultimate experience for spectators.

Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who successfully continues the noble initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, the country is consistently working to develop and popularize national horse breeding traditions, including preserving the purebred Ahalteke horses.

The establishment of the Aba Annayev International Horse Breeding Academy in Arkadag city, built in a picturesque corner of the Kopetdag foothills, is tangible evidence of the extensive work being carried out in this area.

This higher education institution trains highly qualified specialists for the equine industry. It comprises faculties of horse breeding, equine veterinary medicine, equestrian sports, tourism and national equestrian games, and agricultural economics. The academy is supplied with modern equipment, specialized teaching aids, and innovative technologies for general, experimental, and practical classes, as well as research. The new, modern city also houses a Research and Production Center for Horse Breeding, which meets international standards.

Speaking of this, it’s worth mentioning the Gorogly State Equestrian Circus in Arkadag, which seats 1,500 spectators. This modern building, equipped with a digital system and modern technology and boasting a unique architectural design, provides all the conditions for performances by circus artists.

Raising horses that delight with their beauty and speed requires diligence, knowledge, love, and talent. Our courageous ancestors worked tirelessly in this direction. A striking example of this is the creation of the Ahalteke breed. As is well known, the books by Hero-Arkadag, “The Ahalteke – Our Pride and Glory”, “The Swift Step of the Horse Racer”, and “A Horse – a Symbol of Loyalty and Happiness”, are dedicated to these fast horses.

The International Ahalteke Horse Breeding Association, founded in 2010 on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag and headquartered in Ashgabat, plays a significant role in the extensive work being carried out in Turkmenistan to preserve, study, and develop the national art of horse breeding, continue the rich traditions rooted in millennia, promote equestrian sports, and expand fruitful cooperation in this field with all interested foreign partners.

Today, under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan and President of the International Ahalteke Horse Breeding Association, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, this organization brings together specialists, scientists, horse breeders, and admirers of these “winged” horses from around the world. Its regular meetings afford an opportunity to discuss important and promising areas of cooperation, expand the scope of new joint projects and business connections, and exchange mutually beneficial experiences.

In response to such tremendous care, Turkmen horse breeders expend tremendous effort, knowledge, and experience to fulfill the tasks before them with honor. Members of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group also contribute to this work.

The Group’s performances always generate great interest. They combine agility, beauty, and skill, enhancing the spectacle of their acts.

The Group’s colorful performances include unusual, daring, and risky stunts, including stunts on horseback, which combine acrobatics, gymnastics, and horse training, requiring the performers to demonstrate a wide range of skills. Thanks to traditions passed down from generation to generation, Turkmen equestrian games today attract the attention of a global audience.

It is worth noting that the success of Akhan, a horse trained by the master horse trainer and mentor of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, has further enhanced the fame of the Ahalteke horse.

As is well known, Akhan, a horse belonging to the Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for covering a 10-meter distance on his hind legs in just 4.19 seconds, twice the previous record. This achievement by Akhan is further evidence of the enormous effort and experience of Hero-Arkadag.

In 2009, Hero-Arkadag donated Akhan’s horse to the Galkynyş Group, thereby creating new opportunities for his future success. While competing with the Group, Akhan made a significant contribution to winning high awards at international festivals. These events, in turn, increased the international prestige of our country.

In the first month of 2026, marked by the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”, our people were honored to witness the continuation of these joyful events.

The leaders of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan and the State Circus of Turkmenistan, who participated as guests of honor at the 48th International Circus Arts Festival, held from January 16 to 25 in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco), proudly accepted international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association, awarded to the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group for its significant contribution to circus arts, and went back to native land.

This event, which is further confirmation of the high international recognition of the achievements of the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, serves as evidence of the successful continuation, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, of the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, to develop equestrian sports.