TURKMENISTAN- WHERE THE HISTORY BLENDS INTO THE MODERN
Turkmenistan is a land that is gripped by authority from one side and yet flooding by spirituality on the other. Although the inaccessible terrain and the harsh desert conditions have not made it a preferable tourist destination, many tourists have now started visiting this country for its rich history. The country is located in Central Asia bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Caspian Sea to the west. It was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991 making it another reason for it to remain largely closed to the outside world.
Turkmenistan consists of one the driest deserts in the world covering almost 80% of the country by Karakum Desert. The climate is mostly hot with very little rainfall having maximum temperature to 49 degree Celsius. Winters are mild and dry with little rainfall in January and May. Kopet Dag Range receives maximum precipitation in the entire country. The country has provided the bedrock for most of the powerful empires including Alexander the Great who conquered the area in the fourth century BC. Later, Arabs invaded this region bringing Islam with them and integrating the Turkmen into the greater Middle Eastern culture. It was annexed by Russia in 19th century becoming a Soviet republic in 1925.
ECONOMY
Turkmenistan is an underdeveloped country having extensive reserves of natural gas proving to be a boon to the economy. The country ranks fourth in the natural gas reserves resulting in gas production to be the most dynamic and promising sector of the national economy. The discovery of oil, coal and other non ferrous and rare metals has contributed to the setting up of oil, petroleum products and textile industries in the country. Although most of the land is arid and infertile, half of Turkmenistan’s irrigated land is planted with cotton making it world’s tenth largest producer. Other agricultural products include wheat, melons and livestock providing employment to majority of the people. The currency is Manat though US dollars can be easily exchanged. Ukraine and Iran are the main export partners contributing substantially to the GDP growth rate.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Majority of the population of Turkmenistan consists of ethnic Turkmens around 85% with small minorities of Uzbeks and Russians. Turkmen is the main and official language widely spoken by 72% of the population. Russian and Uzbek are also widely spoken in cities for inter ethnic communication. The most dominant religion of the country is Islam followed by 89% of the population. There are mostly Sunni Muslims which primarily came to Turkmen through the missionary activities of the sheiks. The rest of the population practices Eastern Orthodox Church consisting mainly of Russians.
Turkmenistan enjoys the literacy rate of 98% as the education is made universal and compulsory through the secondary level. The best Turkmen experience can be achieved by mingling with the local welcoming Turkmen themselves who are known for their hospitality and still follow a nomadic lifestyle. The women proud of their heritage are seen decked with colourful headscarves and ankle length dresses adorned with Turkmen designs. Another unique evidence of Turkmenistan’s rich culture is their Turkmen carpets whose ancient designs come from the Turkmen tribes such as Yomut and Salor. The most typical and unique is the Bukhara rug which is a traditional carpet with a red or tan background. Tourists must also listen to the folk music of the rural and nomadic Turkmen people which includes travelling singers and shamans called bakshy.
ASHGABAT
This modern capital of Turkmenistan is commonly known as the city of love giving a glimpse of Turkmen culture and reinventing itself as a showcase city for the newly independent republic. The city is rebuilt in Soviet style and is a fairly relaxed city at its heart with good accommodation and many attractive sights making it a pleasant place to visit. The visitors interested in the history of the country can visit the Carpet Museum which also houses the world’s largest hand woven rug making it a stunning unique piece. The other historical sights are the Earthquake Museum, Independence Park, and Arch of Neutrality, Palace of Turkmenbashi and the Presidential Administration Building. Tourists can also visit the modern mosque of Khezrety Omar famous for its wonderfully garish painted ceilings, futuristic Iranian mosque and the Azadi mosque for its religious awakening. Ashgabat also has a ballet theatre and an opera for nightlife entertainment. Tourists can enjoy in the Sunday market to buy Bukhara rugs, traditional Turkmen handicrafts and costumes with unique Turkmen sheepskin hats.
ATTRACTIONS
Bakharden: Tourists can take a day trip and visit the underground mineral lake fed by hot springs where bathing is also permitted.
Mary and Merv
Mary is a large industrial centre of Turkmenistan housing an interesting Regional Museum. Another historical city located close to it is Merv which is known as one of the great centre of Islam. It has become a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered the most striking historical site of Turkmenistan.Chuli
Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this popular mountain resort which is easily accessible by taxis and private cars through a pictorial gorge. Nature lovers can also go for climbing and hiking trips here.Turkmenbashi Stud Farm
Tourists can take a trip to this national farm to view the famous pure bred Akhal-Teke horses.Yangykala Canyon
This Painted Desert is another ideal site for camping and exploration and is a must visit for adventure lovers.Dashgouz
This is the largest city in the north of the country where the tourists can see one of the tallest minarets in Asia, Kutlug Timur Minaret along with Turabeg Khanym, Sultan Tekesh and Najm-ed-din Kubra Mausoleums. Konye-Urgench
This modern town is again listed as UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient fortress with relics dating back to 14th century. It is located on the historical Silk Road leading to Caspian Sea and Russia and the Kugitang Nature Reserve which bears impressions of hundreds of dinosaurs’ footprints.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
There is only one international airport in Turkmenistan located in the capital Ashgabat catering many international flights from Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan Airlines is the national carrier having regular flights to London and other Middle East countries. Tourists are advised to book their tickets in advance as the prices soar high up at the last minute. The airport is well served by buses and taxis to take passengers to their hotels and destinations. Some travellers can take the Trans Caspian Railway connecting Turkmenistan with the rest of Central Asia. There is also a rail network connecting the country to Turkey. Travellers can also enter the country by road through borders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Afghanistan by taxis or buses. However, the borders of Iran and Uzbekistan are most frequently used. For travelling within the country, cars and motorcycles are the best form of transportation. Bus service is available from Ashgabat to all major tourist attractions in the country.
The communication system is not well developed in the country as the government closed down all internet cafes and strictly controls the internet access. The mobile telephone coverage is good but only in Ashgabat. The postal services take two weeks to two months to reach Europe or USA. There is no freedom of press in Turkmenistan and all media is operated and controlled by the Turkmen government. TV and Radio channels are also state owned.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
The Turkmen food bears a strong resemblance to rest of Central Asia although there is a strong Russian influence owing to the history. Plov which consists of mutton chunks in shredded yellow turnip and rice is the staple food of the Turkmen served daily and at many celebrations. Shorpa which is a meat and vegetable soup is also the national speciality. Tourists must try skewered mutton chunks grilled over charcoal and served with raw sliced onions called Shashlyk which is often served with unleavened bread called lipioshka sold at the roadside street shops. Green Tea is the most famous drink available anywhere along with Kefir which is a thick drinking yogurt usually served with breakfast. Alcohol is available in all main restaurants.
Turkmenistan has recently come up with many hotels to boost tourism in the country. There are several hotels in Ashgabat having all basic facilities and comfort though visitors should not expect Western standards of luxury. It is advisable to get a reservation in advance through a recognised tour company in the country. There are also some government owned small hotels which are relatively cheaper than the other hotels. Travellers can also obtain accommodation in the rest houses built along the shores of the Caspian Sea which are called Dom Otdykha. Travellers wanting to experience outdoor staying can go for camping or caravanning at the campsites on the shores of the Caspian Sea where the facilities are gradually improving.
Turkmenistan is ideal for tourists who like living on the edge and want to experience a mystical holiday. It offers plentiful off beat experiences though it may constrict for independent spirit of travel as this country can best be enjoyed with a local tour guide.
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