Turkmenistan, a country often overlooked by travelers, is a land of fascinating contrasts and hidden gems.
From its vast Karakum Desert to its opulent capital city of Ashgabat, this Central Asian nation boasts a wealth of intriguing facts that are sure to captivate the curious mind.
In this article, we will uncover some of the most interesting and little-known details about Turkmenistan, shedding light on its unique history, culture, and natural wonders.
History of Turkmenistan
The history of Turkmenistan dates back to around 2000 BC with the arrival of Indo-European Iranian tribes, primarily nomadic due to the region’s arid climate.
The area became part of the Achaemenid Empire and later saw conquests by Alexander the Great and various Turkic tribes.
The Islamic influence began in the 7th century, leading to a cultural fusion that shaped the region.
By the 19th century, Turkmenistan was incorporated into the Russian Empire.
It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, establishing a presidential republic under Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled until 2006.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Turkmenistan;
1. Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world, with only 8,900 visitors in 2012 due to a complicated visa regime.
2. The country is 70% covered by the vast Karakum Desert, which was once home to a giant sea 30 million years ago.
3. Turkmenistan has several well-preserved Silk Road cities, including Merv, which was the largest of the Silk Road urban centers in the 11th-12th centuries.
4. Turkmen men are easily recognized by their distinctive telpek, a large sheepskin hat worn as a symbol of their nomadic heritage.
5. The capital city of Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest density of white marble buildings.
6. Plov, a dish made with carrots, rice, spices, and meat, is the favorite food of Turkmens and is considered a must-try for visitors.
7. Turkmenistan produces some of the world’s best melons, which are celebrated with a national holiday on the second Sunday of August.
8. The country has several bizarre laws, including bans on opera, gold teeth, and spandex, all in the name of preserving Turkmen culture.
9. Turkmenistan is considered the most censored country in the world, ranking 178th out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
10. The country has been ruled by an authoritarian government since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
11. Despite its large natural gas reserves, much of Turkmenistan’s population lives in poverty.
12. Turkmenistan produces roughly 70 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year, with a significant portion exported to Russia’s Gazprom.
13. The government has sought to diversify its gas exports, signing deals with countries like China and Iran to reduce dependence on Russia.
14. Turkmenistan’s current president, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, took office in 2022, continuing the family’s authoritarian rule.
15. The government maintains an absolute monopoly on the media, with state TV and radio pumping out propaganda.
16. Turkmenistan was part of the Persian Empire of Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC.
17. Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th century BC.
18. Arabs introduced Islam to the area in the 7th century AD.
19. Nomadic Oghuz Seljuk tribes and Mongols immigrated to the region in the 10th-13th centuries.
20. The southern part of modern Turkmenistan came under Persian rule in the 15th-17th centuries.
21. The northern part was dominated by the Uzbek-ruled states of Khiva and Bukhara during this period.
22. Turkmenistan was incorporated into Russian Turkestan after the Battle of Gok Tepe in 1881.
23. In 1916, Turkmens joined other Central Asians in violently opposing a Russian decree conscripting them for non-combatant duties.
24. Turkmenistan became a fully-fledged constituent republic of the USSR in 1925.
25. Over 100,000 people were killed when an earthquake devastated Ashgabat in 1948.
26. Turkmen cotton production expanded dramatically between 1960-67 following the completion of the Karakum Canal.
27. Turkmenistan proclaimed independence in 1991, with Saparmurat Niyazov as its leader.
28. In 1999, parliament voted Niyazov president for life.
29. In 2002, Niyazov renamed the months of the year after himself, his mother, and a book he wrote called the Ruhnama.
30. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov became president in 2007 upon Niyazov’s death, with no opposition candidate allowed to participate in the election.
31. A pipeline was opened in 2009 for gas exports to China, breaking Russia’s stranglehold on Turkmenistan’s energy reserves.
32. Construction began in 2015 on a $10 billion pipeline to carry gas from Turkmenistan to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
33. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov stepped down as president in 2022 in favor of his son Serdar.
34. Turkmenistan has an area of 488,100 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than California.
35. The Karakum Desert covers 80% of the country’s territory.
36. Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea to the west, Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, and Iran to the south.
37. The country’s largest city and capital is Ashgabat, with a population of over 1 million.
38. Other major cities include Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, Mary, and Turkmenbashi.
39. Turkmenistan has a subtropical continental climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
40. The official language is Turkmen, although Russian is also widely spoken.
41. The currency is the Turkmen manat, which was introduced in 1993.
42. Turkmenistan has a population of around 5.6 million people, with an average life expectancy of 64 years for men and 71 years for women.
43. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Persian, Turkic, and nomadic traditions.
44. Traditional Turkmen crafts, such as carpet weaving and jewelry making, are still practiced today.
45. Turkmenistan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient cities of Merv and Kunya-Urgench.
46. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from the vast Karakum Desert to the Kopet Dag Mountains along the Iranian border.
47. Turkmenistan is known for its natural gas reserves, which are estimated to be the fourth-largest in the world.
Conclusion
Turkmenistan, with its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a wealth of intriguing facts that highlight its distinct identity in Central Asia.
From the grandeur of Ashgabat’s marble architecture to the ancient Silk Road cities, the country is a tapestry of tradition and modernity.
Despite its challenges, including a complex political landscape and limited international exposure, Turkmenistan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage continue to captivate those who seek to explore its hidden treasures.
As the nation navigates its future, it remains a fascinating destination for adventurers and scholars alike, inviting curiosity and appreciation for its remarkable story.
