Introducing Turkmenistan

Turabek Khanum Mausoleum © Stefan Krasowski

Turkmenistan is a central Asian country bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Caspian Sea, and is considered to be a somewhat off-beat destination. It has a subtropical desert climate with long, hot summers and cold and dry winters.

Turkmenistan is home to a good few captivating attractions, despite the fact that much of the country is desert and that the capital city Ashgabat was almost totally destroyed by a 1948 earthquake.

For those among visitors who are interested in the country's history, Turkmenistan certainly has one worth exploring. The country achieved independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 under the eccentric leadership of President Niyazov who ruled as dictator until his death in 2006.

Niyazov took autocratic narcissism to heights unscaled by some of the world's most notorious dictators. He renamed Monday after himself and decreed that bread be referred to by his mother's name, while he also famously insisted on being referred to as Turkmenbashi, which means 'Father of all Turkmen'.

Although Turkmenistan is a young state, this region is one of the oldest inhabited areas on earth. Dekhistan is a considered a lost city of the Silk Road, with its remote 10th-century ruins making for a fascinating excursion into the desert. Near the city of Mary are the remains of the ancient Persian town of Merv. With over 4,000 years of history, this is the oldest and best preserved oasis city on the Silk Road.

Despite these intriguing attractions, Turkmenistan still receives more business travellers than tourists. With Niyazov's demise, there are signs the country is opening up a bit but nevertheless Turkmenistan will in all likelihood remain an unconventional destination for some time to come.

Become our Turkmenistan Travel Expert

We are looking for contributors for our Turkmenistan travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Turkmenistan or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.