While these laws are certainly strange, they don`t detract from Turkmenistan`s interesting history as a historic stopover along the Silk Road nor from the hospitality and warmth of the people who live there. Here are some crazy Turkmen laws you probably don`t know about. [35] On 19 March 2007 Turkmenistan's new president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow reversed Niyazov's decision by restoring pensions to more than 100,000 elderly citizens.[36]. and talks with Tajik opposition leader. January? You will learn something about everything! Niyazov believed that lip syncing was deterimental to the art of making music. He grew up in a Soviet orphanage before the state put him in the custody of a distant relative. The Darvaza Gas Crater is among the popular tourist attraction sites in the country. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice. Turkmenbashi inhaled. A mixture of Disneyland meeting North Korea with its incredible architecture, yet lack of freedoms, this country has a very rich history of violence. It is nearly incomprehensible that a desert place can produce melon, but some of the best melons in the world are grown in Turkmenistan. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. There isn't much more we can say about this. Turkmenistan News/ Archiv Saparmurat Niyazov's (in English), Ruhnama Book by Turkmenbashy (online in English), Transcript of 2004 profile on news program, 28th Politburo of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saparmurat_Niyazov&oldid=1152487197, Members of the Central Committee of the 27th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Members of the Central Committee of the 28th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Members of the Politburo of the 28th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, First secretaries of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan, Democratic Party of Turkmenistan politicians, Recipients of the Order of Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow, Recipients of the Order of Friendship of Peoples, Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University alumni, Heads of government of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, Articles with dead external links from January 2023, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from June 2016, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Russian-language text, Articles containing Turkmen-language text, Articles needing additional references from April 2022, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2022, Articles needing additional references from December 2008, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2022, Articles with Turkmen-language sources (tk), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Niyazov declared Turkmenistan a "neutral state" and said that the country would not participate in any. Turkmenistan is a sovereign state in Central Asia. Drivers we spoke to from the Ice Cream Adventure Van said they were given only one piece of advice from the Mongol Rally organizers before they departed London for Ulaan Baatar: Do not leave your car in Turkmenistan. The Darvaza Gas Craters, or Gates to Hell as the locals know it, is a 226 feet (60 m) wide and 98 feet (30 m) deep crater that has huge deposits of oil and natural gas. He banned the reporting and even mentioning of. He also took part in creating new holidays with a specific Turkmen nature and introduced a new Latin-based Turkmen alphabet to replace Russian Cyrillic. The Latin Turkmen alphabet consists of: Aa, Bb, , Dd, Ee, , Ff, Gg, Hh, Ii, Jj, , Kk, Ll, Mm, Nn, , Oo, , Pp, Rr, Ss, , Tt, Uu, , Ww, Yy, , Zz.[17]. As preferences go, we can't argue. The local horse breed of the Turkmenistan Akhal-Teke is also considered as one of the rarest and most beautiful in the world. He kindly sent her to his favorite dentist, the Minister of Health (now president), to have her gold teeth replaced with a white enamel set. Otherwise, we may never see you again, implying that prison or worse awaited perpetrators of orphaned vehicles. His presidency was characterised by an initial crumbling of the centralised Soviet model that in many respects was unsuited for a transition to smaller, separate, states. Previously, the government subsidized mortgages. Well send you a link to a feedback form. This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran and a vast desert has been ruled for 15 years by a dictator with really bizarre laws. This was part of a publicity stunt in response to death hoax rumors. At any time,. In May 2000, the government revoked all Internet licenses except for the state-owned Turkmen Telecom and in June 2001 shut down all Internet cafs. [28] By 2005, there were 36,000 Internet users in Turkmenistan, representing 0.7% of the population. [3] His self-given title Turkmenbashy, meaning Head of the Turkmen, referred to his position as the founder and president of the Association of Turkmens of the World. Since 1993, thanks to Niyazov`s initiatives, all Turkmen citizens have had free access to gas, water and electricity. Niyazov promoted a policy of strict neutrality in foreign affairs, refraining from seeking membership in NATO or GUAM and almost ignoring the CSTO. Circus is also banned. It is against the law to give tobacco products as a gift; if you are caught you could be fined. 7) Thou shalt not name thy children strangely. Keep your passport separately in a safe place. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. A difficult visa process is one of the reasons behind the low numbers. By Author Christian L. Posted on Published: December 22, 2021 - Last . 6. Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. Who knows what opportunities may knock with the passing of Turkmenbashi. 1st president of Turkmenistan (19402006), "Nyazow" redirects here. Niyazov introduced the practice of "Melon Day", a harvest festival celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of August; unlike some of his other creations, the celebration of "Melon Day" has continued after his death. Between 2002 and 2008, the days of the week and months of the year were renamed to Turkmen National Symbols. Berdimuhamedow and the Halk Maslahaty announced on 26 December 2006 that the next presidential elections would be held on 11 February 2007 to elect Niyazov's successor. About 70% of the state is covered by hot and dry climate including the expansive Karakum Desert. Students of all levels must adhere to a strict dress code. The emblem, however, is of the living horse and once the horse dies, the new Akhal Teke horse will be chosen and the national emblem will be updated. Apart from the the Hells Gate, the country has one of the most bizarre set of rules and living conditions for its people. Why is he so memorable, you may ask? Through our stories, advisory, and speaking we are creating a movement of travelers and businesses who live at the intersection of adventure, meaningful travel, and caring for our planet and its people. The Turkmen Agricultural University is named after him, as is the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Military Institute. You have rejected additional cookies. This wonderful land is with a lot of quirks, but it`s also a place you probably didn`t know much about before reading this article. Turkmen laws now seem normal to the people who live there, but they are still a little strange to those of us who don`t. The locals were ordered to recite Ruhnama every day. Enter Turkmenbashi. The official results showed that 99.9% of voters approved this proposal. In 2005, he closed down all rural libraries and hospitals outside of the capital city Ashgabat, in a country where at that time more than half the population lived in rural areas,[8] once stating that, "If people are ill, they can come to Ashgabat. From a burning gas crater (Darvaza) known as the Gates of Hell, to the Abandoned Capital City of Ashgabat (which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest marble city in the world), Turkmenistan is full of surprises. The Akhal-Teke horse also appears on the national emblem of Turkmenistan. For these, and other reasons, the US government said that by the time he died, "Niyazov's personality cult had reached the dimensions of a state-imposed religion."[74]. For many in the west, it's hard to keep the countries of Central Asia straight, no matter how fascinating and unique each one may be. The garment is made of sheepskin and is worn on the head to resemble a turban. Turkmenistan is one of the most censored countries. To put this in perspective, 90 million visitors went to France, and 76 million visited the United States. Plov is the favorite dish in the country. Some of his creations remain unchanged, including the celebration of Melon Day. This bizarre law states that "Any person may possess any number of live frogs to use in frog-jumping contests, but if such a frog dies or is killed, it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose." To be fair, this is another weird law that does make sense. We do know that bathing suits are not banned. It is a public holiday. On 21 June 1992 the Turkmenistani presidential election of 1992 featured Niyazov as the sole candidate, and chosen as the country's first popularly elected president. You should carry a copy of the details page of your passport at all times. In 2017, the World Press Freedom Index ranked 178th of 180 countries, just below Eritrea and North Korea. July 1983 officially saw the hottest day in Turkmenistan and the Soviet Union it was recorded at the Repetek Reserve at 122 F. Turkmenistan has the 6th largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world. Check before taking photographs near potentially sensitive sites such as airports, military barracks, police stations, government buildings, embassies and the Presidential Palace. Outside of Hell`s Gate, the country has one of the weirdest sets of rules and living conditions for its people. Some of the first strange laws that were introduced occurred under Turkmenistan`s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. Turkmenistan's other primary resources are cotton and grain. In 1991 and 2001, Niyazov issued decrees making water, gas, electricity, and refined salt free to use for ten year periods. The roads provide an in-depth history of the role of the region during the Silk Road era between the early 8th and late 13th centuries. [26] Today the 22nd Motor Rifle Division "Atamyrat Niyazov" deployed in Serdar carries his name.[27]. As a result, even today, people are still not used to saving electricity, water or gas. However, most of its area is inhospitable to plant and animal life. Vistors to this city describe it as "strange" and "eerie". Do everything you can to get it across the border, even if you have to push it or drag it. The national anthem of Turkmenistan referred to him. Larger than any law, it illuminates the path of the Turkmen like the sun. During the second Sunday of August every year, every person in the country is advised to eat melons grown in the country. However, Saparmurat Niyazov has remained a celebrated figure in Turkmenistan. [70][71], During Niyazov's presidency there was no freedom of the press nor was there freedom of speech. He also made it mandatory to read the Ruhnama in schools, universities and governmental organizations, new governmental employees were tested on the book at job interviews and an exam on its teachings was a part of the driving test in Turkmenistan. Friday was renamed after her, too. * Most of these rules fell after the death of Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006 and the coming to power of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. The city is heavily surveilled by police and so this ban is strongly enacted. But that is irrelevant to his story as his weird political career is what interests us. Sabol, Steven. ASHGABAT IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS, A picture of capital city Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. [11] According to the official version of his biography, his father, Atamyrat Nyazow, died in World War II fighting against Nazi Germany, while other sources contend that he dodged fighting and was therefore sentenced by a military court. The country came into existence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Yearly plans set forth by the government and a centralised economy gave little indication of moving away from state-dominated economics, and the dictatorial nature of many of his decrees and his declaring himself "President for Life" gave little hope as to much progress in these two areas. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Smoking was prohibited in all public places and for all government employees. [59] Ethnic Russians in Turkmenistan were disproportionately targeted in the aftermath. Niyazov started quite early and joined the Communist Party in 1962. It is one of those dishes that you will see everywhere, from family picnics to wedding celebrations. The incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov was his successor and hasruled asthe dictator-President of Turkmenistan since then. Several places still bear his name, including the city of Turkmenbashy and the nearby town of Turkmenbashy, as well as several villages. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. Case Study: Destination & Product Development, Ashgabat, The City of Love: A Scavenger Hunt, 20 Sustainable Travel Tips: How to be a Good Global Traveler, Our Offbeat Travel List: 11 Destinations Youre Not ConsideringBut Should, Trekking Around the World: 15 Best Offbeat Treks That Youre Not ConsideringBut Should, How Street Food is the Ultimate Travel Guide: 50 Favorite Street Food Dishes. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Not only this, local bookstores, government offices had to display it prominently. We couldn't find any for purchase at the bazaar. Thanks! The Turkmen Supreme Soviet declared Turkmenistan independent and appointed Niyazov as the country's first president on 27 October 1991. The worlds biggest indoor Ferris wheel at 47,6m at the Alem entertainment center in the south of Ashgabat. 2. . It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit. The highest number of fountains in public spaces and the highest concentration of white marble buildings with 543 in an area of 4.5m square meters. m). Image: Stocksy #13. So much white marble was used in Ashgabat that it holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest density of marble buildings. 15. Contact us. And changed it to the name of his mother. [77], The circumstances of Niyazov's death have been surrounded by some media speculation. 7. In 2005 lip-syncing was banned at concerts. No doubt the law was on the books (or in someone's book, or maybe on Turkmenbashi's palm), but it was never enforced. [62] He accused the minister of incompetence and declared: "I cannot say that you had any great merits or did much to combat crime. Thereby, January was renamed as Turkmenbasy, meaning Leader of the Turkmen, February as Baydak after the Turkmen Flag, April as Gurbansoltan after his mother. THE ONLY NEUTRAL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, Indian PM Narendra Modi met Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in July 2015. It`s just one of those strange Turkmen rules that only seem to make sense to its leader. Currently, the laws of Turkmenistan are in the process of being codified. Check the full list here. After all, Berdymuhamedov is the initiator and inspiration of the new renaissance and global reforms; May God give him the strength and strength to carry a nation of 5.3 million Turkmen on his shoulders! Always works out, somehow. Photo: IGOR SASIN / AFP Nice contribution. Mr Saparmurat Niyazov,the late President of Turkmenistan", "Soz to represent India at Niyazov's funeral", "Late President of Turkmenistan laid to rest", "Absolute leader's name dropped from anthem", "Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov: Illusion of a Khrushchevian Thaw? [60][61], The summer of 2004 saw a leaflet campaign in the capital, Agabat, calling for the overthrow and trial of Niyazov. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. At any time, you wont see tourists in high numbers in the country. Because Niyazov named no successor prior to his death, according to the law of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, wezgeldi Ataew, the Chairman of the Assembly, would assume the presidency. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has experienced some crazy laws, and these here are the top 10 most unbelievable laws from Turkmenistan.Thanks for watching! Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. This is my advice[55]. Google Maps. Nearly half a century later, the fire is still burning. In kitapcy.com. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has. As for the reasoning behind the make-up ban, anyone's guess is as good as one another's apparently he believed that news reporter should look "natural". Although reliable numbers are not readily available, it is estimated that less than 15,000 people visit the country annually. Backpacking Through the Tikal ruins and Flores island in Guatemala, Why I spent 2 months in Rio Dulce despite scathing tourist reviews, Bom Caminho III: The Beauty of the Coastal Way, There's Always A Dog, Or Some Geese, Or Broken Glass, Bom Caminho II: The Rhythm of the Portuguese Way, Erongarcuaro: A Place of Waiting, Whipping, and Wandering, Bom Caminho I: Starting A Walk Across Portugal. Dogs were banned from the capital because of their unattractive smell. One of the reasons why the countrysees a low number of visitors is also because for a long time, the country was closed to the outside world. The market has adapted to the rule and many female students simply buy fake braids and attach them to their takhyas or buy ready-made headgear to hide shorter haircuts. Theroux, Paul. At the same time, he closed all libraries outside the capital because people in the countryside could not read. Not Turkmenistan. According to the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru, right-hand-drive imported cars converted to left-hand-drive were banned due to a perceived increased risk in accidents. In the years following independence, Turkmenistan invested heavily in plants and machinery in an attempt to convert it from being primarily a supplier of petroleum to a more advanced economy; such investments included oil refineries and a polyethylene plant. During Niyazov's presidency, a textile industry was founded in Turkmenistan. November 2002, Ashgabat", "The Revocation of Dual Citizenship in Turkmenistan", "Short resume maintained by Reporters Sans Frontires", "Turkmen Doctors Pledge Allegiance To Niyazov", "When a Kleptocratic, Megalomanacal Dictator Goes Bad", "Transformations in Turkmen higher education: current opportunities and challenges at a new university", "Read My Words, Go to Heaven, Leader Says", "Turkmenistan: The Personality Cult Lives On, Residents Take It In Stride", "Turkmenistan: Ending the Personality Cult", U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, "Two candidates named for Turkmen presidency", "Mausoleum with Saparmurat Niyazov's burial-vault to open to public after third day of mourning | Turkmenistan.ru", " ", "Envoy Attends Funeral of Turkmenistan's Late President", "Chinese envoy attends funeral of Turkmenistan's late president", "Visit of Prof. Saifuddin Soz,Union Minister of Water Resources to Turkmenistan to attend the state funeral of H.E. A year later, Berdymukhamedov declared that the Turkmen universities would no longer test students on the knowledge of Ruhnama. One of outgoing President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov`s most bizarre laws is that you can`t have black cars in the capital, Ashgabat. Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. The Darwaza Crater or The Hell's gate.