Necd Yaylası’ndan Dünya Markası’na: Arap Atı.

In this article, the origin of the Arabian horse, which is seen as one of the most valuable horse breeds, and the purposes for which it was used by human beings in the historical process, where it was seen, how it was raised and how it gained value enough to be gifted in inter-state relations are examined. The horse breed known as the Arabian horse includes horses raised in the Najd region. The Arabian horses raised and produced there requires special care. Until a certain age, a set of long-established rules are applied for their nutrition and training. Afterwards, these carefully selected horses would either be given to the service of nobles or used for show purposes. Arabian horses, which were in demand by the Ottoman Palace and other state rulers, had been forbidden to be sold commercially outside the region where they were bred. Arabian horses found a place in the palaces of other countries merely by getting gifted by the sultan. The Ottoman sultans always showed a special interest and care for the Arabian horses raised in the palace stables. The horses raised in the palace stables, which is called “Istabl-ı Amire”, were preferred as gifts depending to the state of relations with European states during the period. In this context, it is known that the horses gifted by the Ottoman Empire reached the palaces of Austria, Germany, France, Italy, England, Greece, Romania, Japan, Russia, the United States of America and Iran. The Arabian horses, which attracts attention with its appearance were not only used as gifts but were also the center of attention at exhibitions held in various capitals of Europe and the United States. Arabian horses, also started to get attantion in the horse races which is started to getting popular after the second half of the 19th century. Thus, the Ottoman administration took action for the Arabian horses which were becoming increasingly famous and established farms in various parts of the empire for their breeding and popularization. With the establishment of these farms, it was aimed to prevent the deterioration of the Arabian horse breed, to increase the number of horses and to prevent illegal sales. In the end, the Ottoman Empire failed to use Arabian horses which were accepted by all circles, as a world brand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]