About Turkmenistan
As a land with a deep-rooted past, Turkmenistan today is one of the independent Turkic states. Having been under the rule of the Sassanid, Seljuk, and Timurid empires, Turkmenistan was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881 and became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union after the First World War. Turkmenistan became an independent state in 1991.
Where is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan shares borders with Kazakhstan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan; the country’s western border is along the Caspian Sea.
Turkmenistan’s capital and other cities
Let’s take a look at the capital of Turkmenistan and its other cities as we begin our exploration of the country’s history and nature and its many interesting places to visit!
Turkmenistan’s capital city: Ashgabat
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city, is the nation’s commercial and cultural center. Also known as the ‘City of Love’, Ashgabat is built in an oasis at the edge of the Kopet Mountains (Kopet Dag) and the Karakum Desert. The city also features an important international airport.
Ashgabat, an ideal starting point for a first-time visit to Turkmenistan, is home to many of the country’s most notable monuments and statues, including the Constitution, Akhal Teke, Independence and Neutrality (Arch of Neutrality) monuments. Also in Turkmenistan’s capital city highlights are the Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Metjidi (Mosque), also known as the Gypjak Mosque, the Ärtogrul Gazy Mosque (Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque) and the Ashgabat National Museum of History. In addition, the capital features Republic Square, Independence Square, and Atatürk Square.
Rich in underground resources: Balkanabat
An exploration of Turkmenistan’s cities must include Balkanabat (formerly Nebit-Dag, which means ‘oil mountain’). Approximately 425 km west of Ashgabat, Balkanabat was renamed for Turkmenistan’s Uly Balkan mountain range. An industrial city housing most of Turkmenistan’s oil and natural gas production, Balkanabat was established as a station along the Trans-Caspian Railway and features a grid plan. The city’s highlights include the Monument to the Desert Explorers (Caravan Monument), the Gozli Ata Mausoleum, Yangykala Canyon and the Ruins of Ancient Dehistan.
Explorable: Dashoguz
Another city popular among visitors to Turkmenistan is Dashoguz. Located in the country’s north, Dashoguz is the capital of Dashoguz province. It is bisected by the Shavat Canal and experienced its most significant growth after the 1950s. The city is fairly close to the Uzbekistan border. The province of Dashoguz includes Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – about a three-hour drive from Dashoguz city, the site was the former capital of Khorezm, a powerful medieval kingdom later conquered by the Achaemenid Empire. It contains numerous structures dating from the 11th to 16th centuries.
Dining in Turkmenistan
Shaped by the nomadic-steppe culture of Central Asia, Turkmenistan’s cuisine is known for its pastries and meat dishes. Game animals such as partridges and wild geese, and deer and rabbits also have a prominent place in Turkmenistan’s culinary traditions. Some well-known Turkmenistani dishes include:
- Turkmenistan-style rice (ash) – a rice (pilaf) dish that comes in many varieties
- Gelin budu (“bride’s thighs” meatballs) – fried lamb or beef patties coated with rice and flour
- Turkmenistan-style manti (dumplings)
- Gyzzyrma (flatbread)
- Kömeç (jigirdekli çörek, also known as crackling bread) – roast bread with chives and a topping of minced onions
- Potato boats (kartoşka gaýyk) – halved potatoes, stuffed and fried
- Fitchi – meat pies
- Eggplant stacks (badamjan gatlamasy) – eggplant slices topped with vegetables and roasted
- Kadili gutap (butternut squash gutap) – flatbreads stuffed with a filling of spiced butternut squash
Useful notes on Turkmenistan
- The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
- The official language spoken in Turkmenistan is Turkmenian.
- The currency of Turkmenistan: the Turkmenistani manat (TMT).
- The largest airport in Turkmenistan is Ashgabat International Airport.
- Turkmenistan has a harsh continental climate.
- The ideal times to travel around the country are spring and autumn.
Getting to Turkmenistan
Visitors can drive to Turkmenistan or travel via ferry on the Caspian Sea. From Türkiye, flying is the fastest, safest and most practical option. Turkish Airlines offers flights to Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat.
We wish you a pleasant trip!
