Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the east, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. With a population of approximately 6 million people, Turkmenistan is one of the smaller countries in the region, and its capital city is Ashgabat.
History
Turkmenistan has a long and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by nomadic tribes, including the Turkmen people, who left behind numerous artifacts and monuments, including the ruins of the ancient city of Merv.
In the 19th century, Turkmenistan became part of the Russian Empire, and it remained under Russian and later Soviet rule until gaining independence in 1991. Since independence, Turkmenistan has been ruled by the authoritarian president Saparmurat Niyazov, who passed away in 2006, and his successor, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
Culture
Turkmenistan has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its nomadic roots as well as its Persian and Russian heritage. The country's official language is Turkmen, which is a Turkic language that uses the Latin alphabet, but Russian and other languages are also widely spoken.
Turkmen music is an important part of the country's culture, and it is characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as the dutar (a type of two-stringed lute) and the dombra (a type of plucked instrument). One of the most famous Turkmen musicians is Arslan Dandyrov, who is known for his traditional Turkmen melodies.
Turkmen cuisine is also an important part of the country's culture, and it is known for its use of meat, rice, and vegetables. Popular Turkmen dishes include plov (a rice pilaf dish), shashlik (grilled meat on skewers), and manty (a type of steamed dumpling filled with meat and vegetables).
Nature
Turkmenistan is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife, including the Karakum Desert, the Kopet Dag mountain range, and the Caspian Sea. The country is also home to several important national parks and protected areas, including the Kugitang Nature Reserve and the Yangykala Canyon.
One of the most famous natural attractions in Turkmenistan is the Darvaza Gas Crater, a large pit of burning gas located in the Karakum Desert. The crater was created by accident during a gas drilling operation in 1971, and it has been burning ever since. It has become a popular tourist attraction and is known locally as the "Door to Hell."
Turkmenistan is a fascinating and unique country with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. While it has faced many challenges over the years, including foreign rule, political instability, and authoritarianism, Turkmenistan has a vibrant and diverse culture that is well worth exploring and experiencing for anyone interested in Central Asian history and culture. From its nomadic roots and traditional music to its stunning natural landscapes and wildlife, Turkmenistan is a country that has something to offer everyone.
__________
Popular News Websites in Turkmenistan:
Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country known for its closed media environment, has a limited number of news websites that provide information to its citizens. The media landscape in Turkmenistan is tightly controlled by the government, and access to independent and critical journalism is restricted. Nevertheless, there are a few news websites available that offer some coverage of local and international news. In this article, we explore some of the popular news websites in Turkmenistan, shedding light on their reach, content, and the challenges faced by the media landscape in the country.
Turkmenistan.ru (www.turkmenistan.ru):
Turkmenistan.ru is one of the main news websites providing information about Turkmenistan. Although it is not an independent news outlet, it offers news articles, press releases, and official statements from the Turkmen government. Turkmenistan.ru predominantly covers government activities, economic news, and cultural events, serving as a primary source of information for local and international readers interested in Turkmenistan.
Chronicles of Turkmenistan (www.chrono-tm.org):
Chronicles of Turkmenistan is an independent news website that focuses on reporting human rights abuses, political repression, and other critical issues in Turkmenistan. The website publishes articles, investigative reports, and interviews with exiled activists and opposition figures. It aims to shed light on issues not covered by the state-controlled media, providing alternative viewpoints and critical analysis of the country's political and social landscape.
Turkmen News (www.turkmen.news):
Turkmen News is an online platform that aggregates news and information related to Turkmenistan from various sources. It compiles articles, press releases, and reports on topics such as politics, human rights, culture, and social issues. Turkmen News strives to provide a broader perspective on Turkmenistan, presenting news and analysis that may not be easily accessible through traditional state-controlled media channels.
Turkmen Portal (www.turkmenportal.com):
Turkmen Portal is a news website that covers a range of topics, including local news, cultural events, and business news. It features articles, opinion pieces, and lifestyle content. While Turkmen Portal may cover a wide range of topics, its content is primarily aligned with the government's narrative and avoids controversial subjects.
Turkmenistan News (www.turkmenistannews.net):
Turkmenistan News is an online platform that aggregates news articles from various sources, including state-owned media and international news agencies. It provides a compilation of news stories related to Turkmenistan, covering topics such as politics, economy, culture, and sports. The website serves as a resource for readers interested in obtaining news updates from different sources in one place.
The media landscape in Turkmenistan is characterized by limited access to independent and critical journalism, with most news outlets under strict government control. The popular news websites mentioned above, although constrained by various challenges, offer some information and perspectives on Turkmenistan. While some websites are government-affiliated and present the official narrative, others strive to provide alternative viewpoints and shed light on critical issues. Despite the limitations, these websites play a role in disseminating information and contributing to discussions about Turkmenistan's social, political, and cultural landscape.