Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a fascinating country in Central Asia, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
However, for adventurous travelers who are willing to explore its hidden treasures, Turkmenistan offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Population of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has a population of about 6.3 million people, most of whom are ethnic Turkmen, a Turkic-speaking people who practice Islam.
The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. It has a mostly desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
The country is famous for its vast reserves of natural gas, which account for most of its economy and exports.
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Turkmenistan also has a diverse and ancient cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations that have ruled or passed through its territory,
such as the Persians, the Greeks, the Mongols, the Timurids, and the Russians.
Capital of Turkmenistan
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat, a modern and impressive city that showcases the country’s wealth and power.
Ashgabat is known for its white marble buildings, golden domes, and lavish monuments,
such as the Independence Monument, the Neutrality Monument, and the Ruhnama Monument.
The city also boasts the world’s largest indoor ferris wheel, the world’s largest star-shaped building, and the world’s largest flagpole.
Ashgabat is a showcase of the personality cult of the country’s former president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled Turkmenistan from 1991 until his death in 2006.
Niyazov was a self-proclaimed Turkmenbashi, or leader of the Turkmen,
who imposed his policies on the country, such as renaming the months and days of the week, banning opera and ballet,
and requiring all citizens to read his book, the Ruhnama, a spiritual guide that mixes Turkmen history and mythology.
Flag of Turkmenistan
The flag of Turkmenistan reflects the country’s identity and values.
It features a white crescent and five stars, representing the Islamic faith and the five regions of the country.
It also has a vertical red stripe with five carpet patterns, symbolizing the country’s famous carpet industry and the five major tribes of the Turkmen people.
The carpet patterns are also found on the country’s coat of arms and currency.
The flag was adopted in 1992, after Turkmenistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union, and modified in 2001, when an olive branch was added to the red stripe.
Continent of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, a region that lies between Europe and Asia, and is sometimes considered as part of both continents.
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Central Asia consists of five former Soviet republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
These countries share a common history, culture, and geography, but also have their own distinct features and challenges.
Central Asia is home to diverse landscapes, such as mountains, deserts, steppes, and lakes, as well as diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions.
Central Asia is also a strategic region, as it borders Russia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan, and has significant natural resources, such as oil and gas.
Economy of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s economy is largely dependent on its natural gas sector, which accounts for about 85% of its exports and 40% of its GDP.
Turkmenistan has the fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves in the world, and is a major supplier to China, Russia, and Iran.
Turkmenistan also produces oil, cotton, wheat, and other agricultural products,
Turkmenistan has a state-controlled economy, with most of the enterprises owned or subsidized by the government.
The country has a low level of foreign investment, trade, and tourism, and a high level of poverty, unemployment, and inflation.
Currency of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s currency is the manat, which was introduced in 2009.
The official exchange rate of 15 November 2023 fixed at 3.51 manat to the U.S. dollar.
Country Code of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has various country codes assigned to it.
The ISO 3166-1 numeric country code for Turkmenistan is 795.
The ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 or two-letter country code for Turkmenistan is TM, while the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 or three-letter country code is TKM.
The dialing code or calling code for Turkmenistan is +993.
When making a phone call to Turkmenistan, you would need to dial this code before entering the local phone number.
In terms of internet domains, Turkmenistan utilizes the top-level domain (TLD) .tm for country-specific websites.
Websites associated with Turkmenistan would typically end with .tm.
Pronounced of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is pronounced as /tɜːkˌmen.ɪˈstɑːn/ in British English and /tɝːkˈmen.ɪ.stæn/ in American English.
The stress is on the second syllable, and the vowel in the last syllable is different depending on the accent.
The word Turkmenistan is derived from the Persian word “munāt” and the Russian word “монета” (“moneta”) meaning “coin”.
It was used as the name of the Soviet currency in Turkmen and in Azerbaijani Turkish.
Abbreviation of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s country abbreviation is TM, which is the same as its ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code.
This code is used to identify Turkmenistan in various contexts, such as international organizations, sports events, and postal services.
For example, Turkmenistan is a member of the United Nations (UN),
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Turkmenistan’s national football team uses the FIFA code TKM, while its Olympic committee uses the IOC code TKM.
Turkmenistan’s license plate code is TM, while its aircraft registration code is EZ.
Culture of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its Turkic, Persian, Islamic, and Soviet heritage.
Turkmenistan’s culture is characterized by its strong traditions, hospitality, and pride.
Turkmen people are known for their colorful and elaborate carpets, which are considered as national symbols and art forms.
Turkmen people are also known for their music, poetry, literature, and folklore, which reflect their history, identity, and values.
Turkmenistan’s culture is also influenced by its nomadic and rural lifestyle, as well as its desert environment.
Turkmen people have a close relationship with their animals, especially horses and camels, which are used for transportation, sport, and entertainment.
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Turkmen people celebrate various festivals and holidays, such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Gurban Bairam, the Feast of Sacrifice, and Independence Day.
Turkmenistan’s culture is also shaped by its political and social situation,
Turkmenistan’s culture is therefore a mix of tradition and modernity, continuity and change, and diversity and unity.
Places of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has many attractions and places to visit, both natural and man-made.
Some of the most popular and interesting places to visit in Turkmenistan are:
Darvaza Gas Crater:
Also known as the Door to Hell, this is a huge burning pit in the middle of the Karakum Desert, created by a Soviet gas exploration accident in 1971.
The crater has been burning continuously since then, creating a spectacular and eerie sight, especially at night.
The crater is about 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep, and attracts many tourists and adventurers who camp nearby and watch the flames.
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa:
These are the ruins of an ancient city that was the capital of the Parthian Empire,
a powerful Iranian civilization that ruled from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century.
The city was located near the modern-day Ashgabat, and was a center of trade, culture, and religion.
The ruins include temples, palaces, walls, and tombs, decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a testimony to the Parthian art and architecture.
Turkmen Carpet Museum:
This is a museum dedicated to the country’s famous carpet industry, located in Ashgabat.
The museum displays a collection of over 1,000 carpets, some dating back to the 17th century.
The carpets are of various sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns, representing the different regions and tribes of Turkmenistan.
The museum also showcases the tools, techniques, and history of carpet making, as well as the legends and stories associated with the carpets.
The museum is housed in a building shaped like a giant carpet, and has a Guinness World Record for the largest carpet in the world, measuring.
Landmarks of Turkmenistan
some of the landmarks in Turkmenistan.
Monument of Neutrality:
This is a 95-meter tall tower that symbolizes Turkmenistan’s official policy of neutrality.
The tower was built in 1998 and features a golden statue of the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, on top.
The statue rotates to face the sun throughout the day.
The tower also has a viewing platform, a museum, and a restaurant.
The tower was originally located in the center of Ashgabat, but was moved to the outskirts of the city in 2010.
Kow Ata Underground Lake:
This is a natural thermal lake located in a cave near the town of Baharden.
The lake is about 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 16 meters deep.
The water temperature is about 33-38 degrees Celsius and contains various minerals and salts.
The lake is popular among locals and tourists for its healing and relaxing properties.
Visitors can swim in the lake, admire the stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy the fresh air.
Gypjak Mosque:
This is the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and one of the largest in Central Asia.
The mosque was built in 2004 and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.
The mosque is also the mausoleum of the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who is buried in a marble tomb inside.
The mosque is decorated with white marble, gold, and turquoise, and has four minarets and a large dome.
The mosque is located in the village of Gypjak, near Ashgabat.
Ashgabat Independence Monument:
This is a monumental complex that commemorates Turkmenistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The complex consists of a 118-meter tall column topped with a golden crescent and five stars, representing the country’s flag.
The column is surrounded by statues of Turkmen heroes, a museum, a park, and a fountain.
The complex is located in the center of Ashgabat and is a popular spot for celebrations and ceremonies.
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque:
This is a mosque and a spiritual center located in the town of Kipchak, near Ashgabat.
The mosque was built in 2004 and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.
The mosque is also the mausoleum of the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, and his family, who are buried in a separate building.
The mosque is designed in a traditional Turkmen style, with white marble, blue tiles, and gold domes.
The mosque is named after Niyazov’s self-given title, Turkmenbashi, meaning the leader of the Turkmen.
Cities of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has many cities that vary in size, location, and history.
Some of the most important and interesting cities in Turkmenistan are:
Ashgabat:
This is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, with a population of about 823,000 people.
Ashgabat is located in the south of the country, near the border with Iran. Ashgabat is a modern and impressive city that showcases the country’s wealth and power.
Ashgabat is known for its white marble buildings, golden domes, and lavish monuments,
Such as the Independence Monument, the Neutrality Monument, and the Ruhnama Monument.
The city also boasts the world’s largest indoor ferris wheel, the world’s largest star-shaped building, and the world’s largest flagpole.
Ashgabat is a showcase of the personality cult of the country’s former president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled Turkmenistan from 1991 until his death in 2006.
Niyazov was a self-proclaimed Turkmenbashi, or leader of the Turkmen,
Who imposed his policies on the country, such as renaming the months and days of the week.
Banning opera and ballet, and requiring all citizens to read his book, the Ruhnama, a spiritual guide that mixes Turkmen history and mythology.
Türkmenabat:
This is the second-largest city of Turkmenistan, with a population of about 280,000 people.
Türkmenabat is located in the east of the country, on the banks of the Amu Darya river.
Türkmenabat is an ancient and historic city that was once part of the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Türkmenabat is also a cultural and educational center, with several museums, theaters, and universities.
Türkmenabat is known for its cotton industry, as well as its production of carpets, silk, and ceramics.
Türkmenabat is also a gateway to the Koytendag Nature Reserve, a protected area that hosts a variety of wildlife, such as leopards, gazelles, and vultures.
Türkmenbaşy:
This is the third-largest city of Turkmenistan, with a population of about 74,000 people.
Türkmenbaşy is located in the west of the country, on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Türkmenbaşy is a major port and industrial city, with a large oil refinery, a shipyard, and a fishery.
Türkmenbaşy is also a popular tourist destination, with several resorts, beaches, and islands.
Türkmenbaşy is named after the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who changed the city’s original name of Krasnovodsk in 1993.
Türkmenbaşy means “the leader of the Turkmen” in Turkmen.
Mary:
This is the fourth-largest city of Turkmenistan, with a population of about 126,000 people.
Mary is located in the southeast of the country, near the border with Afghanistan.
Mary is an old and historic city that was founded in the 19th century by the Russians, who built a fortress and a railway station there.
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Mary is also a cultural and religious center, with several mosques, churches, and museums.
Mary is known for its production of natural gas, cotton, and wool.
Mary is also a base for exploring the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once one of the largest and most influential cities in the world.
Merv was a center of civilization and culture for over 2,500 years, and witnessed the rise and fall of various empires,
Such as the Persians, the Greeks, the Arabs, the Mongols, and the Timurids.
Balkanabat:
This is the fifth-largest city of Turkmenistan, with a population of about 90,000 people.
Balkanabat is located in the southwest of the country, in the Balkan province.
Balkanabat is a modern and industrial city, with a large oil and gas sector, as well as a chemical and metallurgical industry.
Balkanabat is also a cultural and sports center, with several theaters, cinemas, and stadiums.
Balkanabat is situated near the Caspian Sea, and has a mild and pleasant climate.
Balkanabat is also close to the Yangykala Canyon, a spectacular natural attraction that features colorful rock formations and cliffs.
Beaches of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has a coastline of about 1,768 kilometers along the Caspian Sea, which is the largest inland body of water in the world.
The Caspian Sea is not a true sea, but a large lake that has a mix of fresh and salt water.
The Caspian Sea is home to various species of fish, birds, and mammals, such as sturgeon, caviar, flamingos, and seals.
The Caspian Sea also has a rich history and culture, as it was a part of the ancient Silk Road and a battleground for various empires and kingdoms.
Turkmenistan has several beaches along its Caspian Sea coast, which are popular among locals and tourists for their recreation and relaxation.
Some of the best beaches in Turkmenistan are:
Awaza Beach:
This is the most famous and developed beach in Turkmenistan, located in the resort town of Awaza, near the city of Türkmenbaşy.
Awaza Beach is a long and sandy beach that offers various facilities and activities,
such as hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, spas, pools, water sports, and entertainment.
Awaza Beach is also known for its yacht club, which hosts international sailing competitions and events.
Awaza Beach is a favorite destination for domestic and foreign tourists, especially from neighboring countries, such as Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Cheleken Beach:
This is a natural and secluded beach in Turkmenistan, located in the Cheleken Peninsula, near the city of Hazar.
Cheleken Beach is a rocky and pebbly beach that has a wild and rugged beauty.
Cheleken Beach is ideal for those who seek a quiet and peaceful escape from the crowds and noise.
Cheleken Beach is also a good place for fishing, birdwatching, and camping.
Cheleken Beach is not very accessible, as it requires a long and bumpy drive or a boat ride to reach.
Avaza Beach:
This is a new and modern beach in Turkmenistan, located in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, near the city of Türkmenbaşy.
Avaza Beach is a artificial and landscaped beach that has a high-end and luxurious appeal.
Avaza Beach is part of a large and ambitious project that aims to transform the Caspian Sea coast into a world-class tourist destination,
with hotels, resorts, casinos, golf courses, and amusement parks.
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Avaza Beach is designed to attract wealthy and elite visitors, especially from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Climate of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia that has a cold desert climate, which means that it is very dry and hot in summer, and cold and dry in winter.
The country has a continental and arid climate, which means that it is influenced by different air masses that can cause sudden changes in temperature and weather.
Turkmenistan has very low rainfall, which mostly occurs in winter and spring.
The country is mostly covered by the Karakum Desert, which is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth.
The Caspian Sea coast and the mountainous regions in the south and east have a slightly milder and more humid climate,
but they are still very hot in summer and cold in winter.
Turkmenistan has four seasons:
winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Some more details about the climate of Turkmenistan in each season:
Winter:
Winter lasts from December to February, and is cold and dry throughout the country.
The average temperature in January is below freezing in the north, and around 6/7 °C (43/45 °F) in the south.
However, cold spells can occur anywhere in the country, and the lowest temperature ever recorded was -32 °C (-26 °F).
Snowfalls are rare and light, except in the mountains, where they can be heavier and last longer.
Winter is also the wettest season, with most of the annual rainfall occurring from December to March.
The average rainfall in winter is about 50 mm (2 inches) in the north, and about 25 mm (1 inch) in the south.
The Caspian Sea coast is the mildest and most humid area in winter,
with temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 °C (41 to 50 °F), and rainfall of about 40 mm (1.6 inches) per month.
Spring:
Spring lasts from March to April, and is the best time to visit Turkmenistan, as the weather is moderate and pleasant.
The average temperature in April is around 18 °C (64 °F) in the north, and around 22 °C (72 °F) in the south.
However, the weather can still be unstable, and there can be sudden changes in temperature and wind.
Spring is also the season of light showers, which are more frequent and abundant in the mountains and the Caspian Sea coast.
The average rainfall in spring is about 30 mm (1.2 inches) in the north, and about 15 mm (0.6 inches) in the south.
The Caspian Sea coast is the most humid and rainy area in spring,
with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F), and rainfall of about 30 mm (1.2 inches) per month.
Summer:
Summer lasts from May to September, and is very hot and dry throughout the country.
The average temperature in July is around 28/29 °C (82/84 °F) in the north and on the shores of the Caspian Sea,
while it exceeds 30 °C (86 °F) in the center and south.
The highest temperature ever recorded was 51.7 °C (125 °F) in July 1983.
The temperature can reach as high as 50 °C (122 °F) in the Karakum Desert, which is one of the hottest places on Earth.
Summer is also the driest season, with almost no rainfall.
The average rainfall in summer is less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) in the north, and less than 5 mm (0.2 inches) in the south.
The Caspian Sea coast is the coolest and most humid area in summer, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F), and humidity of about 70%.
However, the coast is also affected by strong winds and dust storms, which can reduce the visibility and the comfort.
Autumn:
Autumn lasts from October to November, and is mostly dry and mild.
The average temperature in October is around 20 °C (68 °F) in the north, and around 24 °C (75 °F) in the south.
However, the weather can become colder and windier in November, especially in the north, where the temperature can drop to 10 °C (50 °F) or lower.
Autumn is also the season of occasional thunderstorms, which can be more intense and frequent in the mountains and the Caspian Sea coast.
The average rainfall in autumn is about 20 mm (0.8 inches) in the north, and about 10 mm (0.4 inches) in the south.
The Caspian Sea coast is the most humid and rainy area in autumn,
with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F), and rainfall of about 25 mm (1 inch) per month.
Borders of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia that has borders with four other countries:
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran.
The total length of its borders is 2,321 miles, of which the longest is with Uzbekistan (1,007.24 miles) and the shortest is with Kazakhstan (233.7 miles).
Turkmenistan also has a coastline of 1,768 kilometers along the Caspian Sea, which is the largest inland body of water in the world.
Some more details about each of Turkmenistan’s borders:
The border with Uzbekistan runs along most of the northern and eastern edges of Turkmenistan.
It follows the state lines that were determined during the Soviet era, when both countries were part of the Soviet Union.
The border is marked by barbed wire fencing that is meant to prevent illegal crossings of people, drugs, and goods.
The border is disrupted by the Sarygamysh Lake, which is partly shared by both countries.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have three border crossings:
the Farap - Arat Highway, the Dashoguz - Shavat Highway, and the Kunya-Urgench - Khodjeily Highway.
The border with Afghanistan runs along the southeastern edge of Turkmenistan.
It separates Turkmenistan from four Afghan provinces: Faryab, Herat, Jowzjan, and Badghis.
The first part of the border is marked by the Amu Darya River, which is also known as the Oxus River.
The rest of the border is marked by a series of hills and mountains.
The border is relatively peaceful and stable, as both countries have maintained friendly relations and cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have four border crossings:
the Imamnazar - Aqina Railway, the Serhetabat - Torghundi Railway, the Ymamnazar - Aqina Highway, and the Serhetabat - Torghundi Highway.
The border with Kazakhstan runs along the northwestern edge of Turkmenistan.
It follows the Uzboy River, which is a dried-up riverbed that used to flow into the Caspian Sea.
The border is marked by a series of concrete pillars and metal fences.
The border is relatively new, as it was established in 2001, after Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan agreed on the demarcation of their territories.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have two border crossings: the Garabogaz - Bekdash Highway and the Bolashak - Serakhs Highway.
The border with Iran runs along the southwestern edge of Turkmenistan.
It follows the Kopet Dag Mountains, which are part of the Alborz Mountain Range.
The border is marked by a series of stone markers and barbed wire fences.
The border is also the oldest, as it dates back to the 19th century, when Turkmenistan was part of the Russian Empire and Iran was part of the Qajar Dynasty.
Turkmenistan and Iran have three border crossings:
the Gaudan - Bajgiran Highway, the Lotfabad - Sarakhs Railway, and the Artyk - Lotfabad Highway.
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