Turkmenistan: A Land of Culture and History in the Heart of Central Asia
Turkmenistan, a country with a rich history and vibrant culture in the heart of Central Asia, is a lesser-known gem along the historic Silk Road. With its diverse geography, ancient heritage, and living traditions, the country plays a key role in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). This article offers an overview of Turkmenistan, from its geography and history to its culture and regional ties, presenting it as a cultural destination for ECO audiences.
Geography: A Land of Deserts and Oases
Turkmenistan covers an area of 491,21 km² in Central Asia, and is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the northeast and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west, offering a 1,768-kilometer coastline. The Karakum Desert, which spans around 70% of the country, creates a stunning landscape of sand dunes and lush oases. Ashgabat (Aşgabat in Turkmen), the modern capital with its white marble architecture, serves as the cultural and political center of the nation. The Amu Darya River and the Caspian coastline give the country a unique strategic position.
History: From Ancient Empires to Independence
Turkmenistan was the cradle of civilizations such as the Parthians, Sasanians, and Seljuks.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
o Nisa (the Parthian capital, inscribed in 2007)
o Merv (the “Queen of the World” on the Silk Road, inscribed in 1999)
During the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), Turkmenistan was part of the Persian realm, playing an influential role in Silk Road trade and culture.
In the 19th century, Turkmenistan fell under the influence of the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared independence in 1991. Since 1995, the country has pursued a policy of permanent neutrality, symbolized by the Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat.
Government and Political Structure
Turkmenistan is a democratic, law-based, secular state governed as a presidential republic, with its political framework outlined in the Constitution adopted on May 18, 1992, and revised on September 14, 2016.
Culture: A Blend of Tradition and Identity
Turkmen culture is a fusion of nomadic traditions and rich artistic heritage.
• National Symbol: The Akhal-Teke horse, known as the “Heavenly Horse,” is celebrated annually on Turkmen Horse Day (the last Sunday of April).
• Handicrafts: Turkmen handwoven carpets, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019, feature floral patterns unique to each tribe, reflecting artistry and identity.
• Festivals:
o Nowruz (the Persian New Year), marked with dances such as Kushtdepdi and traditional foods like Semeni.
• Music & Literature: Traditional Turkmen music with instruments such as the dutar, and the poetry of the renowned poet Magtymguly Pyragy (1724–1797), keep cultural spirit alive.
• Traditional Dress & Cuisine: Attire like the chapan and telpek, along with dishes such as pilaf and chorek, form an essential part of cultural identity.
Economy: Natural Resources and Growing Tourism
Turkmenistan’s economy is heavily based on its vast natural gas reserves and exports, making it one of the largest gas exporters in the region.
• Agriculture: Cotton production and the famous Turkmen melons play a significant role.
• Tourism Growth:
o Museums of Ashgabat
o The historic parks of Merv and Nisa
o The Monument of Neutrality
According to 2023 statistics, the country’s population stood at about 6.5 million, and tourism infrastructure has been expanding to showcase its cultural heritage.
Ties with ECO’s Regional Culture
As a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Turkmenistan shares deep cultural bonds with countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Common Heritage: The Silk Road, Nowruz, and handicrafts such as carpet weaving.
• ECO Events: Active participation in events and cultural forums in ECO region.
Exhibitions featuring Akhal-Teke horses and Turkmen carpets have introduced Turkmenistan’s culture to the world, strengthening regional unity.
How to Get to Know Turkmenistan?
For those interested in culture, visiting Ashgabat’s museums (such as the National Museum and the Carpet Museum), the historic sites of Merv and Nisa, and participating in festivals like Nowruz or Carpet Day offer unique experiences.
For ECO audiences, regional exhibitions and cultural events provide opportunities to discover this living heritage. Cultural tours of Turkmenistan also showcase both its natural beauty and rich traditions.
General Information Table of
Turkmenistan
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CATEGORY
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DETAILS
|
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OFFICIAL NAME
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THE
REPUBLIK OF TURKMENISTAN (TÜRKMENISTAN RESPUBLIKASY)
|
|
CAPITAL
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ASHGABAT
|
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FORM OF GOVERNMENT
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PRESIDENTIAL
REPUBLIC
|
|
PRESIDENT
|
SERDAR
BERDIMUHAMEDOV (IN OFFICE SINCE 19 MARCH 2022)
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|
POPULATION
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7,345,000
|
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AREA
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488,100
KM²
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|
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
|
TURKMEN
|
|
COMMON LANGUAGES
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TURKMEN,
RUSSIAN
|
|
MAJOR RELIGION
|
ISLAM
(~93%, MOSTLY SUNNI HANAFI); RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY (~6%)
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|
CURRENCY
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TURKMEN
MANAT (TMT)
|
|
COASTLINE LENGTH
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1,768
KM (CASPIAN SEA COASTLINE)
|
|
HIGHEST POINT
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MOUNT
AÝRYBABA – 3,137 M
|
|
LOWEST POINT
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AKJAGAÝA
DEPRESSION – −81 M
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|
MAJOR CITIES
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TÜRKMENABAT,
DAŞOGUZ, TÜRKMENBAŞY, MARY
|
|
NATURAL RESOURCES
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NATURAL
GAS (4TH LARGEST RESERVES GLOBALLY), OIL
|
|
CLIMATE
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CONTINENTAL
ARID; VERY HOT SUMMERS (UP TO 45°C), COLD WINTERS (DOWN TO −10°C)
|
|
INDEPENDENCE DATE
|
27
OCTOBER 1991 (FROM THE SOVIET UNION)
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|
INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY)
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27
SEPTEMBER (INDEPENDENCE DAY – NATIONAL HOLIDAY)
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|
INTERNET CODE
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.TM
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|
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CODE
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+993
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Source:
Carpet exhibition images on the official
Turkmenistan government website (https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/94447/turkmen-carpets-beauty-and-tradition).