Turkmenistan: Shameful questions about one of the most closed countries in the world. Ashgabat is a white marble garden city and the capital of Neutral Turkmenistan

Turkmen carpets And Akhal-Teke horses, Sunday markets and countless monuments of antiquity: the ruins of ancient fortresses of the Achaemenid dynasty and the settlements of the Parthian kingdom, ancient cities Merv, Kunya-Urgench, Nisa, medieval castles, forts, kavaran-sheds, mosques, mausoleums and tombs - that's what attracts tourists to hot Turkmenistan. Numerous studies and excavations have proven that people lived on the territory of Turkmenistan 3 million years ago!

Of the modern sights that are definitely worth a visit in Turkmenistan, the main ones can be distinguished: cyclopean mosque « Turkmenbashi Rukhy”, the palaces of Turkmenbashi and Rukhyet, the Monument of Independence and the Arch of Neutrality, and, of course, Carpet Museum, where, among the many ancient artifacts, a modern a giant carpet of 301 sq. m- "Golden Age of the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi".

In addition to the most interesting historical and modern monuments, Turkmenistan has many natural attractions: huge Karakum Desert with its classic dunes, the Bakharden cave and the underground sulfur lake Kou-Ata, burning Darvaza gas crater, dinosaur plateau - Khodzhapil, Yangikala canyons, Repetek, Kugitang and Kopetdag national parks and other interesting natural objects.

Turkmenistan can actually be compared with the traditional oriental beauty, which, due to established habits and religious national principles, does not have the right to keep its face open to everyone it sees in front of it, or those who themselves have an irresistible desire to admire her extraordinary beauty. Her appearance is the silhouette that appears before our eyes when a woman in a hijab appears, and her inner world is not known to almost anyone. However, in the event that a person has exceptionally noble and serious intentions in relation to her, she can open up to him and show all the beauty that was heard so much about, but until a certain moment remained hidden from the eyes.

Turkmenistan today, despite the strict visa regime, it is one of the popular tourist destinations Central Asia. And although the government of Turkmenistan does not strive to make life inside the country public and, in fact, is rather sparing in the development of foreign policy relations, however, the state hosts tourists, there are a number of modern hotels of the world's leading hotel chains, many private mini-hotels, etc. .

Turkmenistan surprises and delights, feeds delicious food and colorfully celebrates holidays - this country has been making connoisseurs of Asian culture fall in love with it for many years. The Turkmens themselves say that their land is sacred as the hearth of the Turkmen, pure as the conscience of the Turkmen, great as his pride and strong as his faith!

Useful information for traveling in Turkmenistan:

General information about Turkmenistan.

Location. Turkmenistan, which during its long history has been under the rule of almost all the major rulers of the East, is now a sovereign state. Located in Central Asia, it has borders with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran. The country does not have access to the World Ocean, but the Caspian Sea provides local residents with the opportunity to listen to the sound of the surf without leaving their homeland.

Square. The territory of the country is spread over 491,200 sq. km. The lands of Turkmenistan are 80% represented by deserts. Much less fertile than their neighbors, they nevertheless make the state one of the world leaders in natural gas production.

Population Turkmenistan - 5,169,660 people.

National composition. The indigenous nation of Turkmenistan is the Turkmen, they make up 91% of the country's population, 3% are Uzbeks and 2% are Russians. Teaching in general education schools is conducted in the Turkmen language. A significant number of Uzbeks live in the valley of the Amu Darya near the Turkmen-Uzbek border. Kazakhs are concentrated mainly in the north of Turkmenistan and along the coast of the Caspian Sea.

Political structure. The country is ruled by a president. The past decade has changed the political system of the state quite a lot. If until 2006 S. Niyazov was the permanent president, then the current head should be elected for a term of up to five years. Legislation in the country is handled by the Parliament, Majlis. Before the death of S. Niyazov, the People's Council, the Halk maslahaty, also functioned in the country, and was also involved in the preparation of bills. Relatively recently, parties began to appear.

Administrative-territorial division. Turkmenistan is divided into 5 regions / velayats and one city with the rights of the region - the capital.

Capital- the city of Ashgabat with a population of approx. 900,000 people, which became the Guinness book record holder for the number of buildings made of white marble. This material, as well as a mixture of elements of Eastern and European architecture, make the capital one of the most magnificent cities in Central Asia.

Official language. The only state language is Turkmen, which is natural, because the population consists of more than 77 percent Turkmen. However, many locals are fluent in both Russian and Uzbek.

Currency unit- manat. It is possible to make payments in the country only in manats, consisting of 100 tenge. The use of other currencies is officially prohibited.

Religions. The vast majority of the population - 89% profess Sunni Islam, 9% - Christianity. Only 2 percent are representatives of other religions.

The residence of the head of the Muslims of Turkmenistan - Kazi - is located in the city of Chardzhev. There are several Muslim shrines in Turkmenistan, where pilgrimages are quite often made. These are mainly Muslim cemeteries and tombs of the Middle Ages. Among them, the most revered are Ag-Ishan near Bakharden northwest of Ashgabat, two religious buildings Babaghammar (Gammarbaba) near Iolotan and Kushka, the mausoleum of Serakhsbab, built on the site of the tomb of Sheikh Abul-Fazl near Serakhs.

Standard Time Zone. Clocks in Turkmenistan do not translate. It constantly differs upwards from Greenwich Mean Time by five hours.

Electricity. Sockets are used standards B and F. The voltage in them is 220 volts with a current frequency of 50 hertz.

Climate of Turkmenistan.

The climate of Turkmenistan is continental, arid with large temperature fluctuations, low rainfall and high evaporation. Summers are usually hot and dry, with average July temperatures of 28-32°C. Winters are mild, with little snow, but in some years there are heavy but short-term snowfalls and temperatures can drop to -20°C. Average January temperatures range from -5°C in the northeast of the country to +4°C in the south. Of course, the maximum performance can scare anyone, but they are recorded extremely rarely. The presence of the sea has a positive mitigating effect on coastal regions, making recreation in them very comfortable.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the almost constantly blowing winds of the northern component, which bring cold air masses from the steppe regions of Kazakhstan in winter, and hot winds and stock air masses from the mountain slopes in summer, causing sandstorms and dry winds.

The best time to visit Turkmenistan- spring ( March to May) and autumn ( September to November). From March to May, Turkmenistan is colored with fresh greenery, and the sweet aroma of flowering trees is in the air. September and October can also give a lot of pleasant sensations, when the summer heat has subsided, but nature still does not think to fall asleep. The capital of Turkmenistan has especially comfortable climatic conditions for recreation.

How to dress in Turkmenistan.

As in most secular states of Central Asia, there are no official prohibitions regarding the styles and colors of clothing in Turkmenistan. On the streets you can often meet people in national attire, but the locals do not condemn the wearing of European trousers, dresses and other outfits.

The only thing to avoid is visiting shrines in inappropriate and overly revealing clothing. The hot climate of the country suggests wearing the lightest possible clothes, mainly made of cotton and other natural fabrics.

In nature, you should not use styles of T-shirts where the shoulders and part of the back are open, as there is a risk of sunburn. It is also better not to neglect hats.

Urban shoes may well be limited to light sandals or slippers, but outside of settlements, especially in desert areas, you should put your feet in sneakers, as the region is replete with poisonous insects.

Cuisine of Turkmenistan.

Despite their nomadic roots, which are present to some extent in most of the Central Asian republics, the people of Turkmenistan did not reduce their culinary traditions to only types of fried meat. Undoubtedly, meat has played and continues to play an important role in the preparation of national dishes, but in this country, not so much second courses are common as first ones.

Nowhere in Central Asia can you find so many species soups like in Turkmenistan. This is flour porridge umpach-zashi and pea soup gaynatma, and tomato gara-chorba, and many other options. What unites all this diversity is that the basis for each type of soup is chorba - lamb broth. This is the same broth that is customary to drink among Kazakhs and which, seasoned with vegetables, is served to the table by Uzbeks (shurpa).

Fragrant kosushki of Turkmen soup often surpass in nutritional value similar stews of their neighbors, and a limited amount of spices allows the taste of meat and other ingredients to be fully revealed. After such first courses, the European is sometimes no longer up to the second.

Although, you should not rush to refuse, because the splendor of second courses in Turkmenistan will also impress a true gourmet. What is worth just one govurlan-et- fried lamb with tomatoes, where the balance of vegetables and meat is so well chosen that the former saturate the latter with delicate sourness, and the latter with fragrant spicy aroma and fat.

Do not ignore and Turkmen types of pilaf, even if he has already become quite boring during his trips to other countries of Central Asia. This dish is prepared in a completely different way. Very often, in addition to rice, meat, onions and carrots, various dried and fresh fruits are added, ennobling the rest of the components and bringing a touch of freshness and unusual piquancy. Only here you can taste the most unusual swim where instead of meat is used fish. It is impossible not to distinguish such pilaf from the number of similar dishes of the East.

It is worth noting that in Turkmenistan, the use in cooking seafood much more developed than in other countries of the region. This is explained by the presence Caspian Sea- a reliable supplier of this kind of goods to local markets. Therefore, dishes such as balyk-gavurdak- fish baked in pots are an integral part of the feast of local residents.

You can also enjoy the unusual taste of a number of dairy products in Turkmenistan. And many of them - chala, teleme, agarana and others are made from camel milk. Another culinary distinction of the country has become a favorite throughout the region Turkmen pastries. Cookie write me or pies Shilekli- all of them will appeal to both adherents of oriental cuisine and lovers of European cuisine.

The cost of food in Turkmenistan.

Guests will also be pleased with the prices for local dishes in restaurants and cafes. Food products in the country are relatively cheap, which ensures the formation of fairly democratic prices. In order to eat to satiety in a metropolitan cafe, it will be enough to have 10-15 US dollars with you, and in smaller towns you can spend 8 dollars on this.

Visa and registration.

With all the richness of its tourism potential, Turkmenistan has a rather inconvenient visa policy for travelers.

To visit the country, it is necessary to issue visa to Turkmenistan(more). Turkmen visas are issued on the basis of invitations issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. You can get a Turkmen visa either directly at Ashgabat International Airport (with the collection of consular fees necessary in such cases for the urgency of processing, there is also a possibility of refusal with subsequent deportation to your homeland at your own expense), and in advance at the consular department of the Embassy of Turkmenistan.

In connection with the internal policy of Turkmenistan, at present, issuance of positive decisions on obtaining visas at the request of travel agencies for citizens of the CIS is extremely rare. Refusal without explanation is issued in 95 out of 100 applications.

Registration. Foreign citizens arriving in Turkmenistan for a period of more than three working days, no later than the third working day from the moment of entry into the country, must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The hotel staff also check in arrivals and provide them with relevant documents. These certificates must be kept, otherwise problems may arise when leaving the country. Staying at visiting points (stops) without registration is allowed for a period of not more than 3 days.

Visiting border areas requires special permission.

Customs regulations of Turkmenistan.

As well as everywhere else, it is forbidden for the entrant to carry weapons, drugs, ammunition, pornographic materials and materials that pose a potential threat to the constitutional order of the state. Foreigners are also prohibited from importing and exporting local currency.

currency other states can be imported in any quantity subject to mandatory declaration, but when leaving the amount should be less. customs declaration should be filled in as detailed as possible and kept until the moment of departure from Turkmenistan. If any products were purchased on the territory of the country, then appropriate certificates should be issued for them, confirming that they do not carry historical value.

Large souvenir shops prepare the necessary export documents for the goods sold in advance, so purchases made at such outlets will save a lot of time and nerves.

It is strictly forbidden to export from the country fish and black caviar. Also prohibited for export from Turkmenistan jewelry without hallmarks, precious and semi-precious stones and their semi-finished products; bee and snake venom, mumiyo, propolis; meat of all kinds and products of its processing; plants and animals listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan; carpets and rugs without the appropriate permission of the State Association "Turkmenhaly".

When paying for any purchases and services, it is advisable to keep receipts.

Currency of Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan it is forbidden to make payments in foreign currency. To exchange it, you should contact banks and official exchange offices. Banks in the country rarely work after 17.00, but exchange offices at hotels and airports often operate around the clock.

They accept mostly new US dollars only. Banknotes must not have defects, otherwise the employees of the point or the bank may refuse to exchange. It is categorically not recommended to get involved with bazaar money changers and illegal businessmen, tk. there is a risk of being deceived or caught by the police in conducting illegal foreign exchange transactions.

Bank cards issued outside the state, practically do not have circulation in the territory of Turkmenistan. It is possible to use them only in large hotels and shopping centers of the capital.

Internet in Turkmenistan.

The Internet in Turkmenistan is limited (not all sites are accessible), the connection is not very high quality, the traffic speed is low, and the prices are quite high. In recent years, the situation with the Internet in Turkmenistan has been improving, but it is still far from universal high-quality Wi-Fi.

Photographing in Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan, it is allowed to capture on film everything except military and some government facilities. It is also not recommended to take pictures and shoot videos at airports and border areas.

Souvenirs of Turkmenistan.

In addition to numerous photographs from Turkmenistan, it would be nice to bring some souvenirs that remind you of this wonderful country. The most popular and world-famous Turkmen products are, of course, carpets.

Craftswomen make them exclusively by hand, using tools and machines that have not changed in the least for hundreds of years. The subtlety of the ornament of Turkmen carpets is amazing! Looking at them, one gets the impression of a striking volume. The only drawback of such a souvenir will be its price.

Turkmens know the value not only of their carpets, but also of horses. So, for example, to take out of the country argamak(Akhal-Teke horse) will not succeed for any money. But on the shelves of shops you can find a large number of figurines of this and other breeds of horses. Ceramic or wooden, it will become a worthy decoration of your desktop.

From ceramics funny whistles are made here. The sounds extracted with their help resemble the overflowing of streams, the whistling of the desert wind and the sound of the surf. Not only a child, but also an adult will be happy with such a gift from a distant country.

If you want to protect a loved one from the evil eye, then the artisans of Turkmenistan are ready to offer a variety of carnelian products. Jewelry made using this material drives away evil spirits and brings happiness to its owner. A guest who does not believe in either evil or good spirits, hot Turkmenistan gives the opportunity to take away a piece of his warmth, placed in a telpak - a national headdress made of white sheep's fur.

National characteristics, norms of behavior and local customs.

In everyday life and everyday life, Turkmens are benevolent and hospitable, calm and self-possessed people. Local customs and traditions are based on the ancient Turkic culture and Islamic religion. In the past, Iran had a strong influence on the region, then the Russian Empire.

In addition to official laws, there are well-established traditions and unspoken principles for solving everyday issues: tribal relations are still strong here; Turkmen society of the patriarchal type, dominated by men; Elderly people enjoy special respect among Turkmens, aksakals (elders) have indisputable authority.

National holidays in Turkmenistan.

State symbols of Turkmenistan: flag, coat of arms and anthem.

Flag.
The flag of Turkmenistan was adopted on 02/19/1992 and is a rectangular green panel with a vertical red-burgundy stripe, which depicts five national gels, with a white crescent and five stars. Each of the gels is framed with a carpet ornament, the outer edge of which is aligned with the edges of the strip. In the lower part of the red-burgundy stripe, two olive branches intersecting at the base and directed upwards in different directions are depicted, symbolizing the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. Together with carpet gels, they form a single composition. Each olive branch consists of ten leaves decreasing towards the ends, arranged in pairs, except for the lower and upper. The larger green part in the upper left corner shows a crescent and five white five-pointed stars.
Five national carpet gyols, each of which is framed by a carpet ornament, also symbolize the velayats. There is a deep philosophical meaning in the symbolism of carpet gels. The word "gel" itself has different interpretations: gul (flower) or kol (lake). All gels are built on the principle of the golden section, in proportions of 21 to 34. At the bottom of the red-burgundy stripe one-sixth of the flag wide are two intersecting olive branches, a symbol of the independence and neutrality of the nation. February 19 - Day of the State Flag of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is a country that in the 90s of the XX century, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, went through a rather difficult path. At first there were destructions, then there was a period of gradual formation. Turkmenistan, whose standard of living still wished for the best, began to develop steadily. The people played an important role in this process. One of the first republics adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty. In 1995, this state became neutral.

Complicated development process

The first decade of the independent existence of Turkmenistan passed in complex processes of destruction of the way of life that existed before this period.

All these negative phenomena were accompanied by a lack of economic development accompanied by the plundering of industrial enterprises, defense facilities and the energy complex. Life in Turkmenistan during this period was further complicated by the redistribution of power and property, accompanied by bloody and fratricidal events.

Factors contributing to economic development

Turkmenistan, whose standard of living has risen significantly thanks to the perseverance and hard work of the people, was able to stop the destructive processes in the economy.

Turkmenistan is a luxuriously gifted place. Its main features are sunny and warm climate, gas and oil fields. The country is characterized by a closed type of economy, expressed in the fact that they are involved only in complex deposits. It should be noted that Turkmenistan is a geographically closed space, has no access to the sea, and is surrounded by states in which the political situation often makes it difficult to expand gas pipelines. And, of course, talented people, politically conservative in the oriental way, but

These factors contributed to the economic recovery of the country, namely:

• the modern agricultural sector can bring annually about two million tons of wheat and the same amount of cotton;
• equipping the processing industry with new plants for processing raw cotton or sugar beets;
• new factories for jeans and cotton fabrics appeared in the light industry;
• lubricating oils and high-octane gasoline are produced from Turkmen oil at modern facilities;
• Thanks to the annual supplies of natural gas and oil by the extractive industry, Turkmenistan's need for energy materials is fully covered.

Turkmenistan through the eyes of a foreigner

A person who has been absent from the country for some time is struck by almost everything in Turkmenistan. Thus, the landscape, architecture and infrastructure of both the country as a whole and its individual cities are changing with great speed. There is a fabulous speed in the construction of new high-rise buildings, swimming pools, hospitals, highways, concert halls, tennis courts, business centers, hotels, stadiums, as well as the most beautiful Ashgabat airport made of marble and glass.

Economy of Turkmenistan

Modern Turkmenistan, whose standard of living has improved significantly, is characterized by political calm and stability.

The high rate of economic development contributes to the creation of a warm investment climate. As a result, investments in the development of Turkmenistan by world construction companies.

The economy of Turkmenistan is successfully developing thanks to significant investments of foreign investors in the energy and mining industries.

In a fairly short period, this country has turned from a resource base into a rapidly developing state. The modern economy of Turkmenistan confirms its independence. impresses with its calmness on the streets and beneficial external changes.

Today, Turkmenistan (the standard of living of the people) ranks first among the CIS. The population has the opportunity to use natural resources free of charge: salt, gas, water and light. Air communication between the cities of Turkmenistan is well developed.

Main macroeconomic indicators

The International Monetary Fund predicts a decline in GDP growth to 9% in 2015 (this information is posted on the official website of the IMF).

As stated in this press release, 2014 for Turkmenistan was marked by GDP growth of 10.3%. At the same time, the state economy remained quite resistant to various shocks in the regional market. Such a life in Turkmenistan has become possible thanks to the active export of hydrocarbon resources and public investment.

The expected decline in GDP this year, according to the IMF, will be due to a decrease in the level of revenues from the export of natural gas, as well as a decrease in public investment in relation to GDP.

Despite the recent depreciation of the national currency, the expected inflation at the end of the year will be about 6.5% (Turkmenistan's average is 7.5%). This situation will become possible due to the subsequent fall in food prices in the world and the appreciation of the dollar.

Life in Turkmenistan for other nationalities

The 2003 census showed that Turkmens make up only 85% of the total population of the state, the remaining 15% are representatives of other nationalities.

Let's take a closer look at the life of Russians in Turkmenistan. So, all in the same 2003, an agreement was signed between Moscow and Ashgabat, according to which Gazprom began to purchase natural gas from Turkmenneftegaz until 2028. However, the same year is significant for Turkmenistan by the termination of the 1993 Agreement, according to which this state unilaterally terminated the possibility of having dual citizenship. Despite this fact, the Russian embassy still issued Russian passports even later than 2003, explaining this by the lack of ratification of this protocol by the Russian parliament.

In 2013, the situation worsened somewhat, as under the pretext of changing old-style international passports to a new one, the authorities of Turkmenistan offered the “twins” to renounce citizenship other than Turkmen. This problem has not been solved to this day.

Standard of living in Turkmenistan today

The standard of modern life in the state under consideration has increased significantly in recent years, and this is confirmed by the analysis of this indicator on the example of the capital - Ashgabat.

Thus, the answer to the question “Is it easy to live in Turkmenistan?” serves as an increase in the number of foreign cars on the roads, as well as expensive mobile phones among residents.

For ordinary people, such arguments may seem a little naive. However, economists can confidently say that an improvement in the well-being of the population of any state can only take place with an increase in GDP, an increase in per capita income. At the same time, an ordinary person only focuses on the prices of products that are on store shelves. Based on these components, we can say that the average standard of living of the population in Turkmenistan has become higher.

Priorities in development

To further improve the standard of living in Turkmenistan, strong social guarantees for the population should be provided, which are the basis for the development of economic activity, as well as forms of ownership. The reform of the banking, credit and financial system of the state must continue, the most favorable conditions have been created for the protection of the population as well.

The first decade of the 21st century, in order to ensure the socio-economic development of the country, is due to the need to refine legislation, as well as to develop completely new approaches to regulating economic relations in the legal field. Therefore, legislative activity should be carried out in the following directions.

Improving the regulatory framework

This is the first direction that should strengthen and develop the market economy. One of the main directions for finalizing the economic block was the development of new legislation, which defines the legal basis for the implementation of commercial (entrepreneurial) activities. This circumstance is the need for subsequent legal regulation of the processes of creation and operation of business entities. Enterprises occupy an important place among them.

Legislation of tax, monetary and budgetary spheres

This is the second direction of improving the regulatory framework. The modern legal framework is distinguished by a certain solidity, and also regulates relations in the financial system of the entire state. The main attention in this process should be given to improving the efficiency of the state budget as a macroeconomic mechanism for managing the entire economy of the country.

The success of the budget policy directly depends on the tax system of the state. The main principle of legislative work is the codification of the entire tax regulatory framework that Turkmenistan has today. Scientific life in this can significantly improve the general state of legislation. So, based on a systematic study of various taxes and fees, as well as methods and forms of ensuring their payment to the budget, a unified system for the formation, collection and approval of all mandatory payments should be developed and legally fixed.

Regulation of the activities of certain sectors of the economy

This area is the third most important and should contribute to the legal regulation of activities carried out in some industries that occupy one of the key places in the entire economic structure of Turkmenistan.

Thanks to the socio-economic reforms and transformations carried out, intensive development will be achieved in such agro-industrial, fuel and energy and construction complexes. In this case, we must not forget about the textile industry, the construction industry, transport and communications.

Summing up the above material, it should be noted that Turkmenistan was able to overcome the difficulties that arose after the collapse of the Union, and not only overcome the crisis, but also take the path of economic development.

Hot Turkmenistan is the brilliant heart of Central Asia. The great dynasties of the past left behind magnificent palaces, mosques and caravanserais. Karakums, the capital Ashgabat and ancient Merv, horses, carpets and plov - all about Turkmenistan: map, cities, photos, tours.

• Tours for May Worldwide
• Hot tours Worldwide

The country of the Great Silk Road and the great Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan today is one of the popular tourist destinations in Central Asia. Tourists are attracted here by the ruins of the brilliant cities of the past of almost all the known history of the powerful dynasties of Asia and Persia, the endless steppes and the eternal "black sands", thoroughly forgotten in the post-Soviet era, but such an alluring way of life: skullcaps and pilaf, Akhal-Teke horses and colorful folk weddings, kyzyl, green tea, famous carpets of breathtaking beauty, the lightest silks and honey melons. Among other things, here you can see with your own eyes that there is a cult of personality in Turkmen style - and, frankly, not to believe that this is possible in the 21st century, and not in Neronian Rome or the feudal-vassal Middle Ages. What are at least the golden statue of the president, turning after the sun, life-long “shahism” and the obligatory oath of allegiance to the “father of the Turkmens” every morning! In a word, now, as before, Turkmenistan knows how to surprise us.

Cities and regions

Consular office in Turkmenbashi: Magtumguly st., 81a; tel.: 243 770-83.

Codes of some cities: Ashgabat - 12, Turkmenabad - 422, Dashoguz - 322, Mary - 522, Balkanabat - 222, Turkmenbashi - 243.

Unified rescue service - 03.

Tourist safety

While in Turkmenistan, you should follow standard security measures: keep documents and valuables in a hotel safe, do not take large sums of money with you, and always keep an eye on your bag and wallet. In crowded places - in markets and bazaars, you need to beware of pickpockets. At night, it is better not to walk alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. A trip to the border regions of the country is possible only with official permission and with a Turkmen escort.

In conversations, one should not touch on the topic of politics and the controversial era of the reign of Saparmurat Niyazov, as well as everything related to this in one way or another: from the artistic value of the book “Rukhnameh” to the golden statue of the “father of the Turkmens” on the main square of Ashgabat. Considering that the state religion of Turkmenistan is Islam, one should show respect for the norms of Islamic morality and not dress provocatively.

You can drink only bottled or boiled water, wash fruits and vegetables and brush your teeth with it. In bars and restaurants, you should order pre-chilled drinks and refuse food ice.

Carpets and horses are the two main treasures of Turkmenistan. It is unlikely that it will be possible to take home the handsome Akhal-Teke horse (although nothing is impossible), but anyone can buy an authentic Turkmen carpet or rug.

Transport

The internal transport of Turkmenistan is represented by planes, trains, buses, minibuses and taxis - official and "illegal".

It is most convenient to cover long distances on the wings of Turkmenistan Airlines and other local carriers: many flights daily connect Ashgabat with Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabad and Turkmenbashi. The fleet consists of brand new Boeing 717s, which makes the trip very pleasant. The cost of tickets can be safely called a penny, the only inconvenience is the high demand for tickets with a limited offer; Reservations must be made as early as possible.

Officially, tickets for domestic flights go on sale 14 days before the date of the flight, but they are immediately swept away by resellers, so it is likely that you will have to overpay when buying a ticket at a travel agency.

By train, you can get from the capital to Turkmenbashi, Mary and Turkmenabad. There are no electrified lines, the trains run on thermal traction and move quite slowly: the journey from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi, for example, will take about 12 hours.

Between cities it is convenient to travel by minibuses and buses - it's cheap and fast. The first ones traditionally set off when all the places are occupied, and the second ones go on schedule. A trip from the capital to Turkmenbashi by minibus will take 6 hours and cost about 8 USD, Mary can be reached in 4 hours and 3 USD. Travel in intercity buses will not cost more than 2-3 USD, even for the longest distances.

Taxis, most of which are privately owned bombers, are a convenient way to get around cities. In order to stop the car, just stretch out your hand while standing on the side of the road - it is guaranteed that if not the first, then certainly the second approaching car will stop. Fares by European standards are ridiculous - 0.30-0.40 USD for a short trip and 0.60 USD for a longer one. The price must be negotiated in advance and, of course, you must follow the elementary rules of caution when getting into an unfamiliar car. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Rent a Car

To rent a car in Turkmenistan, you will need an international driving license. The age of the driver must be at least 21 years old, driving experience - at least a year. Roads outside the capital and major cities are narrow, unlit and often unpaved, so extreme caution must be exercised when driving.

The ideal option for renting a car in Turkmenistan is with a driver, since at any taxi rank you can find a driver with a car who is ready to ride you for a fixed fee for days on end. You can also hire a car with a driver at local travel agencies. Renting the most affordable option will cost 50 USD per day.

Climate of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is the hottest country in Central Asia. In July and August, the temperature in Ashgabat can reach +50 °C. In general, the country is dominated by a sharply continental arid climate with constantly blowing northern winds, which bring cold air from the steppes of Kazakhstan in winter, and heat, sandstorms and dry winds in summer. The average January temperature in the southern regions is +4 °C, in the north of the country - -5 °C, in the Karakum Desert - up to -25 ... -30 °C. In July, in the south of Turkmenistan, the average temperature is +35 °C, in the north - +27 °C, in desert regions the temperature reaches +50 °C during the day and +14...+17 °C at night. In the Caspian lowland, the climate is milder, quite comfortable both in summer and in winter. The best time to visit the country is from April to June and from September to early November.

shopping

Carpets and horses are the two main treasures of Turkmenistan. It is unlikely that it will be possible to take home the handsome Akhal-Teke horse (although nothing is impossible), but anyone can buy an authentic Turkmen carpet or rug. The largest selection is in the bazaars of Ashgabat, as well as in the store at the Museum of Carpets, but you can easily find a product to your liking and wallet in any city of Turkmenistan. Knotted carpets made of wool or silk are the most expensive goods, and felt mats "koshma" will cost much less, while they are no less pretty.

It is more convenient to buy a carpet in a state store - in this case, all taxes are already included in the price and it is enough to present a sales receipt at the border to export the product. When purchasing a carpet in a private store, it will be necessary to send it at your own expense for examination to the Expert Commission at the Carpet Museum in Ashgabat, which will certify that the age of the carpet does not exceed 50 years.

From Turkmenistan, you can bring items of national costume, which are not a rarity here - they are still worn daily by middle-aged and older people, especially outside the capital. Hats are popular - well-known from the Soviet past, a skullcap and a fur hat made of sheep's wool "telpak". It is worth paying attention to the bright, thin and extremely durable Turkmen silks "keteni". Among other souvenirs are figurines of Akhal-Teke horses of all styles and sizes, national silver jewelry - both for women and men. From the "goodies" we recommend buying a couple of jars of Turkmen halva, as well as cognac and local wines.

In Turkmenistan, you should definitely try the Caspian sturgeon or stellate sturgeon - baked in a clay oven "tandoor", smoked or grilled.

Turkmenistan

Cuisine and restaurants

As in neighboring Asian countries, the main dish of Turkmen cuisine is plov. It is prepared from rice, lamb, with the addition of many aromatic herbs, seasonings and spices, dried fruits and nuts. It is customary to drink fatty dishes with sour-milk drinks: “airan” and “chal” from camel milk or yogurt.

From soups, shorba with meat and vegetables, spicy and spicy stew of camel meat “gaynatma”, soup of lamb and crushed hard flatbread with onion “dograma” are common. A very tasty, albeit fatty dish - "kaurma" - a lamb cooked in its own juice. Everywhere you can taste real manti - dumplings with steamed lamb and hearty pies: "ishlekli" from meat with onions and "gutapy" - meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.

Finish the meal with "gok tea" - green tea with mint and dried fruits. As for alcoholic beverages, you should pay attention to Turkmen cognac, wines and Turkmenbashi vodka.

Entertainment and attractions of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is the center of the monuments of the great dynasties of the past: Timurids, Sassanids, Khorezmshahs, whose offspring built new cities and erected majestic palaces, laid mosques and caravanserais, created the basis for magnificent libraries and observatories. The ancient cities of Kunya-Urgench, Merv, Nisa, stops of the Great Silk Road, medieval forts and mausoleums are the basis of the Turkmen “excursion”. In addition, there are many natural attractions on the territory of the country: the Karakum desert, the sulfur lake Kou-Ata, the burning crater of Darvaza, the Repetek, Kugitang and Kopetdag national parks and many other interesting places.

In Ashgabat, it is worth visiting the settlement of Nisa (1000 BC), which was once the capital of the powerful Parthian kingdom. Here you can see the remains of two fortresses, temples, palace halls, the graves of the Arsacids dynasty. You should definitely walk around the colorful medieval bazaars: the huge Dzhygyllyk, Gulistan, Lalezar and the Tekinsky bazaar. The Carpet Museum interestingly tells about the history of carpet weaving, traditions and methods of weaving carpets, and many artifacts are exhibited - from the oldest copy (17th century) to the modern giant of 301 square meters. m, named, of course, "The Golden Age of the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi." The theme continues with the cyclopean-sized Turkmenbashi Rukhy mosque, built in the native village of the former president, 15 km from the capital, and the abundance of architectural structures of our time: the palaces of Turkmenbashi and Rukhyet, the Independence Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, business centers, parks and fountains.

The sights of Mary, ancient Merv - the citadel of Erk-Kala of the Achaemenid dynasty, the medieval settlement of Gyaur-Kala with the ruins of monasteries and castles of the nobility, the Seljuk settlement of Sultan-Kala and the citadel of Shahriyar-Ark, the ruins of the Parthian city of Gebekly, the sacred city of Gonur-Depe, the medieval castles of Haram -Keshk and Akuyli-Koushuk, mosques, mausoleums and tombs.

In Turkmenbashi, the Shir-Kabib mausoleum of the 10th century, the Parau-bibi mosque, which is an important center of pilgrimage for Muslim women, the Tasharvat caravanserai, the Dehistan valley and the ruins of the medieval city of Misrian with two well-preserved 20-meter minarets, are of interest.

In Turkmenabad, it is worth visiting the Repetek nature reserve, part of the Karakum desert, the hottest place in all of Central Asia, the settlement in Amul-Chardjuy, the city-museum of Atamurat with the mausoleum of Almutasir and Astana-baba, the ancient Bai-Khatyn caravanserai, in which relief fragments have been preserved decorative stone carving with the names of the righteous caliphs - Omar, Abu Bakr and Ali.

Sponsor of the post: Blood transfusion to animals - Blood transfusion is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of experienced resuscitators-hemotransfusiologists. Our donors are healthy, vaccinated and comprehensively examined.

Naturally, being a great fan of traveling around the post-Soviet territory, I could not miss such a chance, I took a couple of days of vacation and decided to see what kind of country it was and how ordinary working people live there. Looking ahead, I’ll say right away that this trip just completely blew the thread in my head - I didn’t even expect such a number of surreal impressions. But first things first.

I warn you right away - I am not going to give any assessments and will not talk about politics. As in the case of Georgia, I will only try to show photos and tell what I saw there, and the reader will decide for himself what is really happening there. Of course, I did not look into the "wrong side" of the country, there was no possibility, and what is here is nothing more than a "facade" through the eyes of an outsider. And I immediately apologize for the quality of many photos - I didn’t walk much on foot, and photographed mainly on the go from the car at the highest possible ISO.

The portrait of current President Gurbanguly Melyakkulimovich Berdimuhamedov hangs at the entrance of the Turkmenhavayolar plane. Immediately upon takeoff, they announce that we are flying not just with an airline, but with the Turkmen Airlines named after the Great President Saparmurat Turkmenbashi. Along the way, they are excellently fed with pilaf or kebab, and at this time you are stunned by the view of the endless desert under the wings.

Upon arrival, locals go one way, foreigners go the other. Moreover, all foreigners entering Turkmenistan must pay a fee of 12 dollars. By the way, a "tourist" visa costs $140. Customs is unhurried, but rather calm, unlike in Uzbekistan and Russia.

They also say that from August 1, all visiting foreigners are under surveillance. To be honest, I never noticed him, especially when we went to the desert 250 kilometers from the capital to watch the hellish burning well of Darvaza. In general, everything was extremely friendly and calm.

The first trip around Ashgabat turned out to be at night. And I'll tell you, it's mind blowing. This city and this country are a completely crazy mix of Dubai, desert, scoop, petrodollars, capitalism and Central Asian flavor. After cold Moscow, offices and flights, what is happening around seems like a complete fantasy.

2. The first impression is a city of luminous buildings, fountains and monuments of Turkmenbashi.

4. Same street during the day

5. Turkmenbashi ("father of the Turkmen") is the official title of the country's previous president, Saparmurat Niyazov. Until recently, the main attraction of the city was his golden statue on a huge tripod, which rotated after the sun (or did the sun rotate after it?).

6. All together it was called the "Arch of Neutrality". Turkmenistan is the second country in the world after Switzerland that has declared neutrality the main principle of its foreign policy, and even the central national newspaper is called "Neutral Turkmenistan". Turkmenbashi always said that he never liked so many portraits and statues of him, and now the new president began to gently turn this desire into reality. Today, the Arch no longer "fits into the concept of the city's development," and the whole thing is being sorted out. I'm sorry I didn't get to see it. The former tripod is on the right, and on the left is a monument to the terrible earthquake of 1948, which completely destroyed the city.

7. The bull symbolizes the strength of the earth, the people on the ball on the left are the victims of the earthquake, and the small child is Turkmenbashi, who fell under this earthquake as a child and lost his mother and two brothers in it. He remained a complete orphan, since his father had died earlier during the war in the Caucasus in 1943.

8. In addition to the "three-legged", there is also the "octopus" - no less monumental monument of Independence, which is depicted on all the money.

9. And here is the monument to "Rukhname" - the holy book written by Turkmenbashi.

10. Every Turkmen learns Rukhnama from school and must know it by heart. It describes the history of the Turkmens, the biography of the Great President, as well as the main commandments and moral principles. Now this entire square is under reconstruction and behind a fence, but earlier, at a certain hour, the book was opened, and the pages of the great history of Turkmenistan came to life with the help of modern multimedia technologies. As a digression, here is one of the expositions of the National Museum, which is worthy of a separate story. The map shows the countries into whose languages ​​the Ruhnama was translated.

11. In continuation of the “night” photos, this is a fountain dedicated to Oguz Khan, the “father” of all Turkmens, according to the same Ruhnama.

12. It is alleged that this fountain complex is the largest in the world in terms of area.

13. Around Oguz - his six sons, who became the ancestors of the main clans, which later dispersed throughout the territory of modern Eurasia (including north to the Ural and Volga regions).

14. An interesting detail on the hand of one of the sons.

15. In fact, the eagle on the Turkmen coat of arms is not two-headed, but five-headed, that is, even wiser than its Russian counterpart.

16. To be even more precise, this is not a coat of arms, but a presidential symbol, and the heads are five vilayats (regions) into which Turkmenistan is divided. The coat of arms also depicts the Akhal-Teke stallion, which is now being replaced by portraits of Turkmenbashi on the facades of state institutions.

17. But still, there are a lot of monuments, portraits and bas-reliefs of Turkmenbashi - people remember his good deeds and sacredly honor his memory.

18. Police Academy...

19. Olympic Complex...

20. Ministry of Health...

21. Drama theater...

22. Just a monument...

23. Even the city of Krasnovodsk is now called Turkmenbashi.

24. Bas-reliefs and monuments are mostly standing, but the portraits of the old president are gradually being replaced by a new one.

25. New Medical Institute (the current president is a doctor by education and former profession).

27. The previous Turkmenbashi at one time decided that having hospitals throughout the country was an unaffordable luxury, and closed hospitals everywhere except the capital - if people need treatment, they will come to Ashgabat, at the same time and look at all the splendor. Well, transport development is also an incentive. At the same time, it cannot be said that Turkmenbashi did not care about the health of the nation - he built the so-called “health path” - a 20-kilometer trekking route along the ridges of the Kopetdag, which every Turkmen must regularly pass in order to stay healthy. The road is illuminated even at night. I will tell you about how we walked along it separately. In general, there were many innovations under him - for example, all months of the year were renamed: January became "Turkmenbashi", some months were named after his mother, father, etc. It was also forbidden to have gold teeth, as it is not worthwhile to flaunt one's wealth, and, in general, one must live modestly. A unique shot - the old president looks at the new one.

28. Screens in the central squares tell about the achievements of the Turkmen neutral state.

29. They are echoed by patriotic posters

31. Traffic lights and lanterns are also ornamented. Moreover, the traffic lights are LED and with a countdown timer.

32. GAI officers stand at EVERY intersection of the city and drive brand new Mercedes.

33. A lot of people in uniform. Serving in the army or law enforcement agencies is prestigious. After 10 o'clock there are almost no cars. This is what the suburban highway looks like at this time.

34. So - city center

35. And so - the city center during the day.

36. The fences on the sides are a reconstruction or construction site, in which almost the entire city is located one way or another.

37. Surprised that there are not so many people on the streets. For example, in the same Tashkent is much more crowded. Either everyone works, or they prefer to sit at home in the heat, or they move by car. Basically, schoolchildren, students, military men and middle-aged women walk the streets.

38. One of the three "gates" of the city (it seems to be the western one).

39. In the middle is another golden statue.

40. But the "northern" gate. Same with the profile.

41. In general, the volume of construction is simply amazing. The whole city is in new buildings, lined with marble, all of them are beautifully lit.

42. Moreover, all the marble is imported, there is no one of our own.

43. Ordinary street. All houses are residential.

45. National Library

46. ​​The Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry, popularly referred to as the "lighter".

47. It is the third from the right.

48. And employees of this ministry live in this complex of buildings.

49. Also a complex of residential buildings. Ceilings 4 meters.

50. Local "Leaning Tower of Pisa" (also some kind of ministry).

51. Puppet theater.

53. For the leap that the country has made over the past 15 years thanks to oil, gas and the wise leadership of Turkmenbashi, the 21st century is called the “Golden Age of Turkmenistan”. This "Altyn Yasyr" is now everywhere - on posters, signs, banknotes. The largest flagpole in the world, which hangs the largest flag in the world (confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records).

54. There is also the largest carpet in the world and the largest dome of the mosque in the world, which will also be discussed in the following stories. "Soviet" area. Painfully familiar panels.

55. Old quarters with the private sector are being demolished and new ones are being built - in a single urban planning concept.

56. It is interesting that all students wear school uniforms - schoolgirls are green, students are blue. There must be a skullcap and pigtails. If there are no braids, then skullcaps with fake ones are sold.

57. A lot of people are busy in restoring order and cleanliness - at almost every traffic light someone is cutting, watering or sweeping something. Everything is in business.

58. Due to the all-penetrating dust, women are wrapped in scarves, for which they are popularly called "ninjas".

59. I was very pleased that, according to the law, smoking is completely prohibited on the streets of Ashgabat. If Sobyanin does the same in Moscow, I agree to the installation of a golden monument to him by Zurab Tsereteli with fountains. Something like this.

60. Turkmens seemed to me to be generally friendly and hospitable people. For the whole trip for two, we only spent $35 for admission to the National Museum and filming there - and that only because we fought off the escorts for a while and went there on our own. In all other cases, you are almost beaten on the hands when you try to pay in a restaurant or in a market - you are a guest, and in the East this is one of the most respected varieties of Homo Sapiens. There is no discrimination or hostility towards Russian-speaking tourists - everyone willingly speaks Russian, everyone is fluent in it. As for the Russian-speaking people living there, I honestly don’t know, there was no opportunity to communicate. Everyone is talking, including about the abolition of dual citizenship, but airport employees with Russian names and surnames on their badges came across. The city is completely safe, crime is zero, cars are not closed, even the executive class. At night, unlike the same Tashkent, you can walk quite calmly. Where cars pose a greater danger - they don’t slow down before crossings, they can calmly crush them. And the people don’t even bother - everyone moves where they want.

61. In general, the people are friendly and hospitable. No extremism, fanaticism or aggression. The state is secular, there are only about 5 mosques in Ashgabat, the people are not particularly religious, and even more so there is no question of any fundamentalism. Everything is under control, everything is calm.

62. Still amazing - there are absolutely no beggars, vagrants and other asocial elements in the city. In the same Uzbek cities of the “Silk Road” (Khiva, Bukhara,) or Cambodia, crowds of children and beggars attack you. Immediately, all people are provided with food, gas, gasoline and a roof over their heads. Lenin monument. Naturally, also with fountains.

63. Interestingly, it was built at the dawn of Soviet power, during the struggle of Comrade Sukhov with the Basmachi.

64. Pushkin is also held in high esteem - there is a street named after him, a theater, a Russian school, as well as a monument from the tsarist era.67. Soldiers on the edges - one to one as in the Treptow Park in Berlin.

70. Oriental flavor

71. Nothing is forbidden, the Internet is also completely accessible. All people can safely go abroad, they regularly fly to Dubai for vacation and for cars and goods. There would be money. There is no tension with food either. Weddings are arranged for 400-600 people, tables are breaking. Although we tried to fight off a huge number of all kinds of Central Asian satiety, we still ate to satiety every day, giving ourselves a vow that in the morning we become strict vegetarians. When you cut tomatoes, the smell is distributed throughout the room, and peaches just melt in your mouth. In short, nonsense. I especially liked the chebureks...

74. A real oasis in the middle of a bare desert.

Sovereign Turkmenistan appeared on the political map of the world in October 1991. A lot of time has passed since the collapse of the USSR. How does Turkmenistan live today, what is the standard of living of the people, is it worth immigrating to this country? The land of snowy mountains, noisy oriental bazaars and unbearable heat attracts travelers and immigrants. And there are many reasons for this.

Getting to know us better: The Turkmen Republic

Turkmenistan (that's what we used to call this country) is located in the heart of Central Asia. Its southern neighbors are Afghanistan and Iran, northern - Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. There is no access to the ocean, but from the west, the internal Caspian Sea rolls its waves onto the Turkmen coast.

The territory of the country is 491,200 sq. km. Turkmenistan ranks 53rd in the world in terms of area. The Republic of Turkmenistan is a secular state, however, the influence of Islam is strongly expressed in all spheres of life.

Turkmenistan is divided into six administrative districts - velayats. The country adheres to the policy of neutrality, positioning itself in the international arena as a sovereign non-bloc state. Turkmenistan is part of the CIS.

The political system of Turkmenistan is stable, for many years (from 1995 to 2006) the state was ruled by the president for life Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi). After his death, the country was headed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who also pursues a consistent and predictable political line. The system of power is centralized, all major decisions are made exclusively by the country's top leadership.

The epochal rule of President Niyazov, a representative of the old Soviet nomenklatura, was marked by significant events that cannot be ignored for understanding Turkmen life. Turkmenbashi managed to preserve some semblance of Soviet-style socialism in the country. He did not allow the “rampant democracy”, there was only one party in Turkmenistan, the president was “unanimously” elected for life.

Niyazov wrote the book "Rukhnama", which became the main one in Turkmenistan. She was studied at school, took exams when entering universities. The total circulation of this work was more than a million, the book has been translated into forty languages. In it, Niyazov sent the following message to his people: “The Turkmens are a great nation that was humiliated during the times of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. It's time to get up off your knees."

Some months and days of the week were renamed in honor of S. Niyazov, several cities were named. Turkmenbashi's heart stopped in December 2006. After his death, many settlements returned their historical names, and Rukhnama is no longer studied in schools and universities.

A country's economy

The bowels of Turkmenistan are rich in minerals. The country ranks fourth (!) in the world in terms of natural gas reserves. Oil reserves are also quite large. Deposits of lead, sulfur, iodine, bromine and mirabilite are actively developed in Turkmenistan. The country's economy is based on oil and gas production, fish, food and textile industries, and services. Agriculture occupies only 10% of the GDP of Turkmenistan, its main specification is the cultivation of cotton.

The public sector of the economy dominates, as the country has carried out only limited privatization of small enterprises. The main budget-forming industries are in the hands of the state. 70% of the country's GDP is formed by the extraction of natural gas and oil. According to the most conservative estimates, gas reserves in Turkmenistan amount to about 20 trillion cubic meters, and oil - 2 billion tons. The development of the industry is greatly hampered by natural conditions and topography, as well as the need to build modern transport systems for export. For a long time, Soviet gas pipelines have been used and continue to be used. Now new ones are being actively built - the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, as well as gas pipelines to China, India and Afghanistan.

Many government services in Turkmenistan are free for Turkmen citizens. The state allocates significant funds to subsidize its population. So, utility bills are minimal, and every motorist has the right to receive free gasoline (depending on the volume of the car's engine - up to 200 liters per month).

Population of Turkmenistan

In terms of population, the country ranks 117th in the world out of 197 (according to the 2012 census - 5,055 thousand people). In Soviet times, its numbers grew at a rapid pace. For example, the 1959 census recorded 1,519,000 inhabitants, while at the 1989 census, 3,534,000 people already lived in Turkmenistan. Turkmen families have many children. Often there are more than ten children in them.

The average life expectancy in the country is 69.9 years. For men, this is 66.8 years, while women live much longer - 72.9 years. According to this indicator, Turkmenistan ranks 145th out of 193 in the world.

The country's population growth rate is 1.14% per year, the level of urbanization is 50%. The largest city of Turkmenistan is its capital Ashgabat (Ashgabat-Turk) with a population of 746 thousand inhabitants. Turkmenabad became the second most populous city in the country (293 thousand inhabitants), the third - Turkmenbashi (74 thousand). After the collapse of the USSR, there is a trend of mass relocation of ethnic Turkmens to cities. Previously, they preferred the countryside for life. The average population density in the country is 11 people per square kilometer.

How ordinary people live in Turkmenistan today

Since the times of the USSR, the main provisions of the life of the Turkmen state and society have changed little. Turkmenistan has practically managed to avoid the civil war that most of the post-Soviet republics went through. The flip side of this is the closed nature of the country. Integration into the local society is difficult, and management seeks to minimize external influences. The life of ordinary people is strictly regulated by local customs. Turkmens often dress in traditional national clothes. However, to a greater extent this applies to small towns.

Media and lack of freedom of speech

After the death of Turkmenbashi, the situation with freedom of speech has improved significantly. Under President Niyazov, there was only one pro-government party, there was virtually no opposition media, and the Internet was tacitly banned. For example, the first Internet cafe opened in Ashgabat only in 2007. Although in fairness it should be noted that even today the World Wide Web is very poorly developed in Turkmenistan, being considered something exotic.

Traditions of Turkmenistan

The mentality of the Turkmens can be called quite typical for the Central Asian peoples. Turkmen culture is rooted in the rich centuries-old history of this country.

Islam has had a strong influence on culture and traditions. It is recognized as the official religion of Turkmenistan, 89% of the population consider themselves Muslims. The attitude towards Christians, who number only 9%, is tolerant. 2% belongs to representatives of other religions and beliefs.

The family is traditionally the basis of Turkmen society. Islamic law allows a man to have up to four wives. The main condition in this case will be the ability to provide them financially to a sufficient extent. The Constitution of Turkmenistan declares the equality of men and women. Among the urban population, adherence to centuries-old Islamic traditions is often symbolic, which cannot be said about remote villages.

The attitude towards women in an Islamic country is a separate issue. Women are not represented in the structures of power, they are not among scientists and businessmen. The Turkmen woman is industrious, laconic, in the villages she cannot attend a meal with men. She is allowed to eat at the same table only together with her husband. Men unconditionally dominate Turkmen society.

Climate and ecology

It is not easy for a European who is accustomed to a mild and comfortable climate to live in this country. The climate is sharply continental: summers are very hot, winters are relatively cold. The average temperature in July is about + 34 ° C, in January - up to - 32 ° C. There are daily temperature fluctuations up to 35 ° C.

The climatic conditions of the regions of the country are very different: in Turkmenistan there are areas of the Karakum desert, Caspian coastal regions and highlands. Each of these natural zones has its own type of climate, level of precipitation, etc. Precipitation is scarce everywhere, the average humidity is about 50%. The most comfortable periods are spring and autumn.

The country is located in a seismically dangerous zone, as evidenced by repeated strong earthquakes that have claimed many lives.

The ecological situation in Turkmenistan is very favorable. There are no large enterprises in the country that can emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, there is no mass distribution of cars. Therefore, the air is not polluted by chemical waste and exhaust gases from millions of engines. The most ecologically clean regions of Turkmenistan are mountainous.

Nationalities and languages ​​of Turkmenistan

85% of the total population of the country are Turkmens, 5% are Uzbeks and more than 4% are Russians. In total, representatives of 58 nationalities live in the country.

The country has one state language - Turkmen. It is spoken by more than 70% of the population. More than 12% speak Russian, 9% speak Uzbek. Russian is understood by almost everyone, especially among the older generation. The rapid development and introduction of the national language began after the withdrawal of Turkmenistan from the Soviet Union. Young people prefer to speak Turkmen, but they try to learn Russian in everything. In the provinces, the percentage of Turkmen-speakers is much higher than in cities.

Video: life in Turkmenistan

Standard of living

Expenditure of the Turkmen budget for education is 2%, and 3% of budget funds are allocated for health care. Medicine and secondary education in the country are free, as well as higher education for citizens of Turkmenistan. Schooling is compulsory for everyone.

Today Turkmenistan is rapidly developing. Thanks to large foreign investments in the exploration and development of oil and gas fields, the standard of living in the country is gradually rising. Turkmenistan ranks 74th in the world in terms of GDP per capita ($8,020). Considering that there is some semblance of socialism in the country, there are few truly rich people in Turkmenistan.

The salary in the country looks something like this:

• the director of a medium-sized state-owned enterprise receives $544;
• chief engineer - 484;
• chief accountant - 405;
• head of the transport department - 381;
• driver - 300;
• locksmith - 280;
• auxiliary worker - 235.

Income tax in the country is the same for all - 10%, former soldiers - Afghans - are exempted from paying it. There is a tax relief - 50 manats for each dependent person.

The average salary in Turkmenistan (in the capital) is about $170. If about 200 - this is considered a good salary. If more - very good. There are a lot of small businesses, food outlets, stalls in Ashgabat. If a businessman "holds" a small business, he still works at his main job, almost always.

Pavel Shumilov

http://peopleandcountries.com/thread-50–1-1.html

The national currency of Turkmenistan is the manat. Its course has been stable for many years in a row. One American dollar is equal to 3.5 manats.

The state apparatus is practically not corrupt. In Turkmenistan, few people know about corporatization of enterprises, receiving dividends, etc. Officials live on official salaries, and an unspoken order from above forbids them from owning expensive cars, large houses and apartments. Police and KNB (National Security Service) officers are officially banned from dining in restaurants in order to avoid social discontent.

It cannot be said that there is no corruption a priori in the country. One of the sensational and public outcry cases occurred with an employee of the Turkmen traffic police. He took a bribe from a driver who violated traffic rules. Someone caught it on video and spread it on the Internet. Although the latter is not very developed, the video was nevertheless watched by thousands of users, among whom was the president. He had to publicly apply physical assault to a negligent policeman and his superiors, tearing off their shoulder straps and other insignia. The event was widely discussed in Turkmen society.

The working day at the enterprises of Turkmenistan is strictly regulated by the Labor Code. It lasts from 8 to 17, with an hour break for lunch. Vacation for everyone is equal to 30 calendar days. Bonuses are rare, as is overtime work. There are five working days in a week.

Men retire in Turkmenistan at 62, women at 57. Since January 1, 2018, the minimum wages and pensions in the country have been raised by 10%. After the increase, the minimum pension in Turkmenistan is 279 manats ($79). The minimum wage is set at 715 manat ($204).

Prices in Turkmenistan are relatively low. A kilometer taxi ride in Ashgabat will cost about 20 cents. Alcohol in an Islamic country is not in honor, there are few shops selling it, the cost of a bottle of medium quality vodka is about 15-20 dollars. A pack of cigarettes costs 5-6 dollars, a dozen eggs will cost the buyer one and a half, and a kilogram of boiled sausage - 3-6 dollars. For a loaf of bread, the buyer will be asked for 60 cents. A kilo of chicken meat will cost about $4.

Renting a one-room apartment in Ashgabat will cost the tenant $170, and in the very center of the capital - $400. At the same time, one should not forget that gas, electricity and water in the country are practically free. Real estate is relatively inexpensive, so it is not inaccessible to representatives of most professions. The state has developed and implemented a system of practically interest-free mortgage lending for its citizens. Particular attention is paid to providing housing for young families.

Russians in Turkmenistan

The history of the residence of ethnic Russians in the Turkmen territory begins from the moment it was annexed to the Russian Empire (1885). In Soviet times, highly qualified personnel and young specialists from all over the Soviet Union were sent to the Turkmen SSR to boost and develop the economy of the Central Asian republic. In the Soviet, especially in the post-war period, the republic was actively developing. The basis of the Turkmen economy was laid during this period.

The attitude towards Russians in Turkmenistan is normal. Turkmens as a whole are rather tolerant people, not prone to manifestation of national or religious hostility.

In 2003-2005, a campaign was held in Turkmenistan for the "voluntary" transfer of Russian-speaking residents of the country to its citizenship. The authorities feared the intervention of the Russian Federation in the domestic political situation. The more Russian citizens would live on the territory of Turkmenistan, the more likely Russia could come to their defense. Those who did not want to change their passport to Turkmen were often evicted from their houses and apartments, forced out of the country. Hundreds of thousands of Russians were forced to leave the Turkmen land. During the reign of Turkmenbashi, the number of ethnic Russians living in the territory of Turkmenistan decreased significantly.

In 1959, about 17% of Russians lived in the Turkmen SSR. Today they are only slightly over 4%. In the first years after the withdrawal of Turkmenistan from the USSR, the vast majority of ethnic Russians left for Russia. Now their number is about 200 thousand people.

Mostly Russians of Turkmenistan are pensioners who remained due to personal circumstances (relatives, housing, and so on). Today, the Russian community in this country is one of the smallest among the post-Soviet republics. More than two-thirds of Russians live in Ashgabat, a fairly cosmopolitan city. There are only 12 Orthodox churches in the country.

Compared to the discrimination and harassment of the Russian population in Tajikistan or Azerbaijan, the situation in Turkmenistan is much smoother. However, it cannot be called ideal. Today, thousands of foreign specialists work in the country, including many Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians. The economy requires qualified personnel, they are paid good money. Every fifth person living in the republic today is a foreigner. A significant part of foreign specialists has Russian citizenship.

Turkmenistan is a closed country that prides itself on its UN neutrality status. And they have such a feature. They perceive neutrality in their own way: they say, we don’t interfere anywhere and you don’t bother us again. I do not think that the authorities are very worried about external influence, although to some extent they are still afraid. Free access to the Internet, for example, appeared only with the coming to power of a new president. At first, there were several Internet cafes in the city, where you could get in by standing in line and presenting your passport. The price for fast internet is very high. YouTube is closed there, Facebook and Twitter too.

Anna

http://strana.lenta.ru/turkmenistan/anna.htm

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Turkmenistan

How to become a citizen of the Republic of Turkmenistan

Obtaining citizenship of Turkmenistan cannot be called easy. There are ten types of visas to enter the country: diplomatic, tourist, guest, service, business, work, transit, private, student and, finally, medical. You can issue it at the embassy of Turkmenistan in your country.

The Law on Citizenship determines that citizens of Turkmenistan can become:

• by birth;
• by taking citizenship;
• restoring the former citizenship, which was lost earlier.

Video: Turkmenistan is a closed country

Who Can Get Citizenship By Birthright

Children born on its territory, whose parents are Turkmen citizens, can automatically become citizens of the Turkmen Republic. If only one of them was such, then the child also has the right to Turkmen citizenship, by mutual consent of the parents. Citizenship will be automatically assigned to children who were found on the territory of Turkmenistan, and their parents are unknown.

A child born in Turkmenistan to non-resident parents may also subsequently qualify for Turkmen citizenship.

Acceptance of citizenship

The adoption of citizenship is essentially a naturalization of a foreigner in Turkmenistan. The first step will be the arrival in the Turkmen territory and obtaining a residence permit. According to it, you should live for five years, then two years in the status of permanent residence. After seven years, you can apply for citizenship. Only adult applicants have the right to apply for citizenship of the Turkmen Republic. The age of majority is the age of eighteen.

Children acquire citizenship at the request of their parents. Also, the path to a Turkmen passport is open to those who have been adopted or who have been officially taken custody by the citizens of Turkmenistan.

Applicants for Turkmen citizenship are subject to high demands from the authorities. The candidate must respect the traditions of the country, be crystal clear before the law of Turkmenistan, speak the national (Turkmen) language and have permanent housing. Compliance with all these conditions is tightly controlled by the immigration authorities. You should know the language at a conversational level and be able to write simple sentences. The state organizes free Turkmen courses for immigrants, but they operate only in big cities.

Restoration of Lost Citizenship

Anyone who has ever had citizenship can restore citizenship. No statute of limitations. To do this, you must provide evidence that the applicant had a Turkmen passport in the past. To restore citizenship, you must apply to the police station with a statement, while it is important to permanently reside in the country.

Key Documents

Basic list of documents:

• internal passport of the country of current citizenship of the applicant;
• photocopies of all pages of the civil passport;
• valid international passport;
• documentary evidence of the reasons why the Turkmen state should give the applicant its citizenship (for example, a birth certificate indicating Turkmenistan as the place of birth);
• autobiography in free form;
• four passport size photographs;
• certificate of the presence or absence of citizenship of another country;
• receipt of payment of state duty.

Where to apply, how much to pay and wait

Documents and an application for citizenship are submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country. Consideration of the issue of citizenship will be handled by a special commission under the President of the country. The petition should be written directly to the president. The decision is made within six months. The amount of the state duty is from 50 to 150 dollars, depending on the way of obtaining citizenship.

In case of refusal to issue citizenship, you can apply again, but not earlier than one year later. Judicial appeal of the refusal is not allowed.

Who else can be granted citizenship

Forced migrants who have been granted refugee status and granted asylum by Turkmenistan have the right to Turkmen citizenship. This category of persons has the right to obtain a passport after three years of residence in the country.

Also, by a special decision of the President, citizenship of Turkmenistan can be conferred on persons who have provided invaluable assistance to the state, as well as those who have achieved outstanding international successes and achievements under the Turkmen flag.

Double citizenship

Turkmenistan used to allow dual citizenship for citizens of those countries with which the corresponding agreement was signed. These were the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since 2015, the agreements have ceased to be valid. All citizens of Turkmenistan who have passports of the two countries in their hands will have to make a choice and give up one of them. But as of 2018, there is still no reliable mechanism for identifying people with dual citizenship. Turkmenistan is actively developing ways to force its citizens to give up their second citizenship. Until they are gone, it remains only to wait for news. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the possession of another citizenship is not a violation of the law.

Video: agreement on dual citizenship of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation terminates

Withdrawal from the citizenship of Turkmenistan

Renunciation of citizenship is even longer than its acquisition. This process takes about a year. The decision is made by the president, in whose name a letter should be written asking for renunciation of citizenship and explaining the reasons for this decision.

Obtaining a Turkmen passport provides its holder with many opportunities. Today's Turkmenistan is a stable country with great prospects. Before proceeding with the process of obtaining her citizenship, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the laws and traditions of the republic.