A bit about Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan: Full information

Turkmenistan is a mysterious and unique country in Central Asia that attracts travelers with its ancient monuments, rich culture and extraordinary natural phenomena. Known for its deserts, Silk Road history, and cultural heritage, Turkmenistan remains one of the region's most mysterious states.

General information

• Official name: Turkmenistan
• Capital: Ashgabat
• Major cities: Ashgabat, Turkmenabad, Dashoguz, Mary, Balkanabad
• Square: 491.210 km2
• Population: About 6 million people (2024)
• Official language: Turkmen
• Currency: Turkmen Manat (TMT)
• Form of government: Presidential republic
• Religion: Islam (mainly Sunni), a small proportion of Orthodox Christianity.

Geography

Turkmenistan is a country of deserts and oases, with unique natural landscapes.

• DesertsKarakum mountains occupy more than 80% of the country's territory.
• Mountains: To the south are the Kopetdag Mountains.
• Rivers: Amu Darya, Murghab, Tejen.
• Lakes: Sarikamish Lake, an artificial reservoir of Karakum.
• Climate: Subtropical desert. Summers are very hot, temperatures can reach +50°C, and winters are mild.

History

1. Ancient times

• The first settlements on the territory of Turkmenistan appeared in the IV millennium BC.
• In ancient times, the region was an important part of the Achaemenid, Sasanian, and Parthian empires.

2. Silk Road

• Turkmenistan was an important hub on the Great Silk Road connecting China and Europe.

3. Middle Ages

• In the 8th-10th centuries, the region was part of the Arab Caliphate, then the Seljuq state.
• The city of Merv was a major cultural and scientific center of Central Asia.

4. Russian Empire and USSR

• In the 19th century, Turkmenistan became part of the Russian Empire.
• In 1924, it became the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR.

5. Independence

• It was proclaimed in 1991. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan became one of the most closed countries in the world.

Culture

The culture of Turkmenistan was formed under the influence of nomadic traditions and Islamic customs.

• National clothing:
  • Men wear dressing gowns and headdresses (telpek).
  • Women — long dresses with embroidery.
• Kitchen:
  • Main dishes: pilaf, shurpa, manti, govurma.
  • Drinks: green tea, ayran.
• Art:
  • Famous Turkmen carpets are a UNESCO Intangible Heritage site.
• Traditions:
  • Nowruz and Carpet Day holidays.
  • Horse games and horse racing.

Economy

Turkmenistan's economy is mainly based on gas production and agriculture.

• Main industries:
  • Natural gas production: Turkmenistan is among the world leaders in terms of gas reserves.
  • Cotton growing: The country is actively growing cotton.
  • Textile industry: production of fabrics and carpets.
• Trade:
  • Main partners: China, Russia, Turkey, Iran.

Tourism

1. Natural attractions

1. Darwaza Crater (Hell's Gate)

   • Burning gas crater in the Karakum desert.
   • A huge fire pit that has been burning since 1971.
   • One of the most popular places among tourists.

2. Kopetdag Mountains

   • Picturesque mountains on the border with Iran.
   • Opportunities for trekking and outdoor recreation.

3. Karakum mountains

   • One of the largest deserts in the world.
   • Exotic routes through the dunes.

2. Historical landmarks

1. City of Merv

   • One of the oldest cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • An important hub on the Silk Road.
   • Ruins of palaces, temples and madrasas.

2. Kunya-Urgench

   • Ancient city, capital of the Khorezm state.
   • Tyurabek-khanym mausoleum and Kutlug-Timur minaret.

3. Nisa

   • The ancient capital of the Parthian kingdom.
   • An archaeological complex that includes ruins of palaces and temples.

4. Ancient fortresses in Dashoguz

   • Fortresses of the Khazar and Sasanian eras.

3. Modern attractions

1. Ashgabat

   • A city with magnificent white marble architecture.
   • Attractions:
     • Independence Monument.
     • Archaeological Museum.
     • Парк «Алтын Асыр».
     • Ashgabat TV Tower.

2. National Carpet Museum

   • The largest collection of Turkmen carpets in the world.

3. Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex

   • Monument to the famous Akhal-Teke horses.

Visa requirements

Turkmenistan has a strict visa policy. Entry requires a visa, as well as an invitation from the host country.

How to get there

1. Airplane:
   • Ashgabat International Airport accepts flights from Russia, Turkey, Iran and other countries.
2. Train:
   • Railway communication with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
3. Bus:
   • Regular routes from neighboring countries.

Useful tips

1. Best time to visit:
   • Spring and autumn are mild weather suitable for traveling.
2. Clothes:
   • Comfortable clothing for the desert and closed for visiting religious places.
3. Currency:
   • Most payments are made in manats.

Interesting facts

1. Turkmenistan is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the world.
2. The capital city of Ashgabat is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest white marble city.
3. Akhal-Teke horses are the national pride of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is a country that preserves the uniqueness of its culture and traditions. Traveling here will be a real discovery for those who want to see something unusual and special.