Akhal-Teke Horses as a Showcase for the Regime: Seven Years Later, John Oliver’s Satire Feels Relevant Again

Akhal-Teke Horses as a Showcase for the Regime: Seven Years Later, John Oliver’s Satire Feels Relevant Again The recent Akhal-Teke horse competition in the Netherlands has once again highlighted the extent to which the Turkmen authorities use a national treasure to shape the international image of the country’s political leadership. Progres.online recently recalled a 2019 episode of the American satirical programme Last Week Tonight, in which John Oliver devoted a segment to Turkmenistan. In the episode, he discussed the country’s authoritarian system, the personality cult surrounding Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Berdimuhamedov’s highly public and symbolic fascination with Akhal-Teke horses. Watch John Oliver’s “Turkmenistan” episode of Last Week Tonight (2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9QYu8LtH2E Seven years later, the subject has unexpectedly resurfaced in Europe. An Akhal-Teke horse beauty competition was held in the Netherlands, where Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received conspicuous public honours and attention. It is important to be clear: the problem is not the Akhal-Teke horse itself. This unique breed is a national treasure and an important part of the cultural heritage of the people of Turkmenistan. The problem arises when culture and national symbols are transformed into instruments of political propaganda and international legitimisation of the authorities. Such ceremonies appear particularly troubling against the background of systematic human rights violations in Turkmenistan, including exit bans, passport restrictions, pressure on government critics, the absence of an independent judiciary and effective protection mechanisms, violence against women and children, and transnational repression targeting citizens and activists outside the country. This creates a striking contrast: while civil society appeals to European governments about the fate of specific individuals and serious human rights violations, representatives of the Turkmen leadership continue to receive European platforms, honours and opportunities to strengthen their international image. For this reason, John Oliver’s 2019 episode now feels like more than an old piece of political satire. It serves as a reminder of a system that, in many respects, has remained unchanged. The Akhal-Teke horse belongs to the cultural heritage of the people of Turkmenistan. It should not be turned into an instrument of personality cult or political public relations. European governments and organisations should draw a clear distinction between respecting Turkmenistan’s culture and taking part in events that may be used by an authoritarian government to enhance its international standing.