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. Feb 06, 2014 1:28 PM. Illustration: Seemon The progressive erosion of women`s rights conflicts with Turkmenistan`s Constitution, laws and international conventions, to which Turkmenistan is a signatory, including the 1997 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Turkmen government closely controls what goes on in Turkmenistan's many theaters. Cars that are not white are forbidden from the streets of Ashgabat, the non-white vehicles taken from the owners as hostages and forcibly painted white no matter what. Saudi Arabia. Outside of Hell`s Gate, the country has one of the weirdest sets of rules and living conditions for its people. It is hard to get photos of the city because the photographing of public buildings is banned. In Turkmenbashi`s time, utility prices were so low that bills for these services arrived every year. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Turkmenistan is one of the most censored countries. That was switched to be named after Niyazov's mother. [94][95] Displaying and keeping the book alongside the Quran in mosques were also stopped, except in Trkmenbay Ruhy Mosque. renaming Turkmen months and days of the week, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR, Turkmenistani presidential election of 1992, renaming of months, as well as most of the days of the week, 22nd Motor Rifle Division "Atamyrat Niyazov", Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Military Institute, http://kitapcy.com/news/ocmejek_sohrat/2020-05-09-61, "Turkmenistan Fact Sheet, Government & Politics President", "Interesting Histories: Saparmurat Niyazov The Real General Aladeen", BBC News, "Turkmen go back to old calendar", 24 April 2008, "Rural population (% of total population): Turkmenistan", BBC News, "Turkmen leader closes hospitals", 1 March 2005, "It's a Gas: Funny Business in the Turkmen-Ukraine Gas Trade", "Golden Statues and Mother Bread: The Bizarre Legacy of Turkmenistan's Former Dictator", "Central Asian Republics: Presidents' Biographies", "The Turkmen Economy: Challenges and Opportunities", Turkmen Leader Names New Oil And Gas Minister, "Saparmurat Niyazov raps local governors for failures in cotton harvest", "Saparmurat Niyazov dismisses grain products association chairman", "List of holidays and commemorative days approved in Turkmenistan", "World War II -- 60 Years After: For Some Central Asians, 'Great Patriotic War' Is More Controversial Than Ever", "TURKMEN ARMY UNITS NAMED AFTER PROMINENT GENERALS | Turkmenistan.ru", "Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. [26] Today the 22nd Motor Rifle Division "Atamyrat Niyazov" deployed in Serdar carries his name.[27]. As a result, in 2005 Turkmenistan would downgrade its links with the Commonwealth of Independent States becoming only an associate member under article 8 of the CIS charter, as such it would not participate in any of the military structures of the CIS. For example, September was renamed Ruhnama in honour of the book written by Niyazov (which he finished writing on 19 September 2001). In many respects, Niyazov's cultural ideas and changes were most visible to external viewers. The Darvaza Gas Crater is also called "the Door to Hell". Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Between 2002 and 2008, the days of the week and months of the year were renamed to Turkmen National Symbols. 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 an attempt to burn off the excess gas, Soviet engineers set it alight in 1971, estimating that it would take a few weeks to burn off. The Ferris wheel is 156 feet (47.60 m) tall, while its surrounding structure is 187 feet (57 m). In 1970, the Soviet scientists were drilling for natural gas, but accidentally their equipments fell in the sinkhole, causing the escape of natural gas. During his reign, which ended in 2006, he cultivated a cult of personality, and did many things in his time that were questionable to say the least. 20 Terrific Facts About Turkmenistan - The Fact Site In 1948, one of the world's deadliest earthquakes struck Turkmenistan. 15 Weird and Crazy Laws Around the World INLED We were so close to a visit when we were in this area in 2018, but we were a little nervous about Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and were also running out of time. His mother and two brothers were killed in the devastating 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. In an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, Niyazov claimed that Turkmenistan was able to process 85% of its domestic output. 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. Gold Statue of Former Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov. Turkmenistan weird laws "Perhaps we have enough for a ring," he pondered, "or maybe earrings. ft.) which is also the Turkmenistan Broadcasting Center tower. THE PRESIDENT'SOBSESSION WITH HORSES, Turkmenistan's Akal-Teke horse. It serves as a meeting point between East and West. 3. Apart from the the Hells Gate, the country has one of the most bizarre set of rules and living conditions for its people. Even dirty cars are not allowed. Golden Statues and Mother Bread: The Bizarre Legacy of Turkmenistan's Former Dictator. 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]. [96] In November 2022, however, the cities of Niyazov, Gurbansoltan Eje, and Serdar were renamed. . Saparmurat Niyazov of Turkmenistan is often cited as one of the world's most deranged dictators. In 2017, the World Press Freedom Index ranked 178th of 180 countries, just below Eritrea and North Korea. A major element of the original constitution was permanent neutrality, which was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1995. In his time, he was one of the world's most totalitarian, despotic and repressive dictators. According to the newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan physicians were ordered to swear an oath to the President, replacing the Hippocratic Oath.[63]. However, Ataew was arrested on 21 December 2006 and Berdimuhamedow was subsequently named acting president. Dictatorships aren't exactly known for their reasonable laws. He grew up in a Soviet orphanage before the state put him in the custody of a distant relative. 50 Craziest Laws in the United States - ContactSenators [56], In January 1996, Niyazov met with Sayid Abdulloh Nuri in Tehran to inform him that the attendees of a CIS summit in Moscow had agreed to renew the mandate of CIS peacekeepers in Tajikistan, which was going through a civil war at the time. Prior to being moved to the village, Niyazov's body lay in state in an open coffin in the presidential palace from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Smoking was prohibited in all public places and for all government employees. Berdymuhamedov`s 100-foot tribute to cycling. Turkmenistan, the small country in Central Asia, might be the world's strangest country when it comes to both architecture and the bizarre laws that the locals have to obey under the firm control of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the President of the country. Some of his creations remain unchanged, including the celebration of Melon Day. Contact us. You can change your cookie settings at any time. The local horse breed of the Turkmenistan Akhal-Teke is also considered as one of the rarest and most beautiful in the world. Global Witness, a London-based human rights organisation, reported that money under Niyazov's control and held overseas may be in excess of US$3 billion, of which between $1.8$2.6 billion was allegedly situated in the Foreign Exchange Reserve Fund at Deutsche Bank in Germany. Modern Turkmen continue to associate themselves with the five original clans. Dogs were banned from the capital due to their unappealing odor. Smoking was banned in all public places and for all government employees. The story goes that while Turkmenbashi attended a televised ceremony, he caught sight of a woman with a set of gold teeth, found it inappropriate, and publicly told her so. Photographing official buildings is forbidden. ", in, Hiro, Dilip. Turkmenistan's media constantly doted on the president and helped build his cult of personality. President for Life, Saparmurat Niyazov implemented many laws throughout his reign, here are just a few: In February 2004 men were banned from having long hair or beards. [33][34] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan strongly denied allegations that the cut in pensions resulted in the deaths of many elderly Turkmens, accusing foreign media outlets of spreading "deliberately perverted" information on the issue. [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]. John Oliver's deep dive into the president of Turkmenistan - Mashable Although the crater looks like a natural feature, it is a result of drilling by Soviet geologists in the early 1970s. After learning all these Turkmenistan facts its clear to see that this little unknown country deserves to be on anyones travel bucket list. Turkmenbashi, Smiling Leader of Turkmenistan. Follow me on social media too:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeurasiia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/eurasiia1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Books and Websites Used:1. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/world/asia/21cnd-turkmen.html 2. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12316714 3. https://www.unusualtraveler.com/all-the-strange-bizarre-things-you-didnt-know-about-turkmenistan/ 4. https://www.thefactsite.com/turkmenistan-facts/ 5. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/11/you-crazy-dictator-bread-and-circuses-in-turkmenistan/265125/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Editing Software: DaVinci ResolveBackground Music: - Jovial by Peyruis (You can check out more of his great music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qu7S) All music and pictures were downloaded and used legally per individual requirements. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow took power of Turkmenistan in February 2007, succeeding Saparmurat Niyazov. In 1995, all 185 members voted for Turkmenistan to remain neutral and in celebrationof this, an olive branch was added to the flag. The following year, in 2014, the current president of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, declared that all Turkmen universities would no longer test their students for their knowledge of Ruhnama.It that the strange laws in Turkmenistan would end. One foreigner we spoke to confirmed that she recently received a firm reprimand from a policeman in Ashgabat because her car was a bit dusty. The garment is made of sheepskin and is worn on the head to resemble a turban. Inside Central Asia. Although apparently not explicitly against the law, gold teeth did fall out of favor with Turkmenistan's elite during the era of Turkmenbashi. Photo: Getty Images. ", "Turkmen Government Removes Ruhnama as Required Subject | Eurasianet", "Turkmenistan Is Finally Putting the 'Ruhnama' Behind Them", "Education in Turkmenistan Under the Second President: Genuine Reforms or Make Believe? He is the only President of Turkmenistan to die in office. For this reason, there are also a number of car washes on the outskirts of the city so that people can have their cars cleaned before entering the city. Missionary is the only legal sexual position. About 70% of the state is covered by hot and dry climate including the expansive Karakum Desert. 110,000 people died when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Ashgabat and the surrounding region. We could go on all day about this amazing country in Asia. Carpets hold such prominence in Turkmenistan that there is a Ministry of Carpet in the government. Copyright 2023, Uncornered Market. But that is irrelevant to his story as his weird political career is what interests us. [92] By 2011, Berdimuhamedow's government rescinded the requirement to pass a secondary-school examination on the book[93] and in 2014, it was finally declared that Turkmenistani universities would no longer test applicants on their knowledge of the book. And changed it to the name of his mother. Every day at 8 pm, the covers of the statue would open and the audio passage of the Ruhanama was played for the citizens with the video. 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. In Billings, Montana it's illegal to buy or raise rats as pets. Constitution Constitution of Turkmenistan external link (University of Texas at Arlington) in English Executive President and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Judicial COURTS: Supreme Court Legislative PARLIAMENT: Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) FAOLEX: Turkmenistan external link (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) database of national laws and regulations on . Since 1993, the people of Turkmenistanhave been given free water, electricity and gas. The city is heavily surveilled by police and so this ban is strongly enacted. While Saudi Arabia has recently took down their curtains and huddled with the rest of the world, the country is still deeply rooted in laws that stemmed from religion and tradition. He gained this post after Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev had removed his predecessor, Muhammetnazar Gapurov, following a cotton-related scandal. On 13 January 1990, Niyazov became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR, the supreme legislative body in the republic. Oh, Turkmenistan how we overlook thee. The country produces sweet, juicy melons, for which it has even created a special day. At 27, most buildings clad in marble and the largest architectural star with a mind-blowing area of 34,875 square feet (3,240 sq. Sabol, Steven. You`re wrong. Turkmenistan is among the world's least visited destinations. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Maybe it wasn't just lip syncing that Niyazov disliked, but just singing in general? ", OpenStreetMap Wiki:Districts in Turkmenistan, : " " - . It is a cultural sign of appreciation for a family to offer guests a plate of plov whenever they visit. Seychelles, Sierra Leone . The view is awe-inspiring at night as the flames light up against the pitch darkness of the desert. When he tried to quit, he instigated this ban so as to eliminate temptation from people smoking on the street. [70][71], During Niyazov's presidency there was no freedom of the press nor was there freedom of speech. Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow or Turkmenbashi [wiki] (1940 - 2006)After the USSR broke up in 1991, the Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan became an independent nation but had no identity of its own. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. The Craziest Laws That Still Exist In The United States It is a public holiday. He was first secretary of the Turkmen Communist Party from 1985 until 1991 and supported the 1991 . He introduced a new Turkmen alphabet based on the Latin alphabet to replace Cyrillic. [72] A silhouette of Niyazov was used as a logo on television broadcasts. This was because it was decided that everyone should come to the capital for treatment. Subsequent emergence of a fundamentally new compasses for society, politics and economics, the government has engaged in reforming the law and the legal system of the country. 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. The crater burns continuously in the desert, creating the impression of the gates of hell. Turkmenistan is a country in central Asia, with a population of just under six million and plentiful gas reserves. SUBSCRIBE for More Travel Videos: http://bit.ly/2hyQnZ1 Get My Top 100 Travel Pics FREE! From dictators who make strange laws to fires that can`t be extinguished, Turkmenistan is a pretty bizarre place. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Strange weird snapshot photo wild hula dances wild beach holiday bizarre +2314F at the best online prices at eBay! Given that there is an abundance of natural gas in Turkmenistan, people never switch off the gas. This unique country holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. So much white marble was used in Ashgabat that it holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest density of marble buildings. Everything you need to know before traveling to Turkmenistan the strange country located in Central Asia. At any time,. You must smile in public in Idaho. Under the Decree of the Peoples council, on August 17, 2003, the population of Turkmenistan is entitled to subsided electricity, natural gas, water, and salt until 2030. Niyazov and his wife, Muza Melnikova, who was of Russian and Jewish descent, had a son (Murat) and a daughter (Irina). * Most of these rules fell after the death of Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006 and the coming to power of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. John Oliver laid it all out during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight. 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. Read More | Work With Us, Travel and life evangelist. He was heavily critcised by the Muslim population, but none dared to do so openly. A prayer took place before the burial, with the chief mufti reading Jyn Aza. Only men over 70 years old could keep a beard. The doting actions of the official Turkmen media supported his cult of personality. Niyazov was also once quoted as saying that God himself told him that anybody who will read the book will directly enter heaven. The current president, Berdimuhamedow, ordered the removal of the statue in 2010. Turkmenistan | Library of Congress
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