Horses have been instrumental in easing the burden of humans and in many ways aiding the development and settlement of many parts of the world. Horses are good companions, have unique personalities, are physically powerful, and often quite beautiful. In Azerbaijan, the national animal is a breed of horse that is a point of national pride.
Their images can be found everywhere—from the currency to paintings adorning hotels in Baku.The Karabakh horse is named for the region in which was initially bred and widely used: Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result of the conflict that occurred there in the 1990s, the horse population suffered greatly as owners of the stock had to constantly move the herds often, resulting in miscarriages for the mares. Now, though there are less than 1000 remaining in the country, efforts are being made by breeders and the government to rebuild the population. Even genetic testing and other scientific measures are being taken to ensure the health and vitality of the stock.
The horses are known for their speed, endurance, and good temperament. In 2004, a Karabakh horse was found to be the fastest on record, covering 1000 meters in 69 seconds. They are also prized for their beautiful golden coat and slender build. The horse’s characteristics are based on their historical function: not so long ago (around one hundred years), the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh region were semi-nomadic, moving between the mountains in the summer and the lowlands in the winter. The horses were adept at moving between the landscapes and the weather changes, and were thus increasingly bred for these qualities.
In the development and assertion of the Azerbaijani identity in the world, the Karabakh horse is a central symbol. In a Baku hotel, shops, restaurants, and museums display images to remind the visitor and the local that the horse is a central symbol to the country’s identity. Hopefully, the Karabakh population will continue to grow and impress the world with its strength and beauty.
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