Following the 9th meeting of the Subcommittee on Humanitarian Cooperation of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, the delegation from Turkmenistan visited the National Museum of China in Beijing.
During the visit, the Turkmen delegation viewed a special exhibition dedicated to the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese calendar. The exhibition explored the historical and cultural role of the horse in the development of Chinese civilization and explored its significance as a symbol of strength, nobility, progress, military valor, artistic inspiration, and intercivilizational ties.
Of particular interest was the tour’s emphasis on the importance of equestrian culture in fostering contacts between the peoples of Eurasia. In this context, the historical parallel with the Turkmen national tradition of horse breeding took on special significance. It was noted that the finest racehorses of Central Asia have been highly prized since ancient times for their beauty, endurance, and speed. This emphasis echoes the worldwide fame of the Akhal-Teke horse—a national treasure of Turkmenistan, embodying grace, nobility, high agility, and exceptional endurance.
The exhibition was structured into thematic sections dedicated to the horse’s connection with civilizational development, ritual culture, chariot-making traditions, the artistic image of the horse, and its role in expanding historical ties between the regions of the East and West. The materials presented allowed for a clear understanding of the important place the horse has played in China’s social, military, artistic, and spiritual life.
After touring the special exhibition, the Turkmen delegation also toured several halls of the permanent collection at the National Museum of China, dedicated to the country’s ancient history. Archaeological sites dating back to various stages of Chinese civilization were on display, from the earliest forms of human culture and Neolithic art to the Bronze Age and the formation of the centralized state. Particular attention was paid to the early history of China, examples of ancient ceramics, bronze ritual vessels, stone inscriptions, as well as terracotta figures and a horse from the Qin Dynasty.
The museum visit was an important part of the Turkmen delegation’s cultural program during their stay in Beijing and allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the People’s Republic of China. Such events contribute to the further strengthening of mutual understanding, the development of humanitarian ties, and the expansion of cultural dialogue between Turkmenistan and China.
