Hidden away in the heart of Central Asia lies a country that few have heard of, but those who have ventured there know it’s a true hidden gem. From the soaring heights of the Kopetdag Mountains to the otherworldly beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan is a place that’s sure to amaze and astound. With its rich history and proud heritage, Turkmenistan offers a unique glimpse into a part of the world that’s often overlooked. So, join me on an unforgettable journey through this fascinating land, and discover all that Turkmenistan has to offer.
1-5 Wacky Facts About Turkmenistan
1. Turkmenistan’s strict visa regulations have led to it being one of the least visited countries globally. The country has an annual average of only 8,900 visitors, making it one of the least explored destinations in Central Asia.
2. Turkmenistan is an arid land, with approximately 80% of its terrain being desert.
3. The famous Darwaza Crater, also known as Door to Hell, is the unintended consequence of a natural gas drilling operation gone awry. In 1970, Soviet scientists were extracting natural gas when their equipment fell into a sinkhole, leading to the accidental release of natural gas. In a desperate attempt to contain the gas, geologists decided to set it alight, hoping it would extinguish in a few days. Over 50 years later, the fire is still blazing, with severe environmental impacts on the surrounding wildlife.
4. In 2013, the capital city of Ashgabat made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest number of white marble buildings in the city, with 543 buildings covering an area of 4.5 million square meters.
5. The former President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, was an autocratic ruler who declared himself President of Life. He authored a book called Ruhnama, which was made mandatory reading in schools, universities, and government offices. Job applicants were also tested on the book during interviews, and it had to be displayed prominently in local bookstores and government offices.
6-10 Shocking Facts About Turkmenistan
6. Niyazov once claimed that anyone who read the Ruhnama would go directly to heaven, and he ordered its placement in all mosques. In case the imam or cleric refused to comply, the mosque would be demolished.
7. In Turkmenistan, obtaining a driving license is not dependent on one’s driving skills, but rather their ability to recite passages from the Ruhnama. Those who fail to answer questions from the book correctly are not granted a driving license.
8. Niyazov implemented a strange law in 2004, which prohibited young men from having beards or long hair. Only men over 70 years old were allowed to have beards, and this law is still in effect.
9. Former dictator Saparmurat Niyazov ordered the closure of all libraries outside the capital because he believed that all Turkmen were illiterate.
10. In 2013, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov removed Niyazov’s book, Ruhnama, from public schools and stopped testing students on its knowledge, seven years after Niyazov’s death.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Turkmenistan
11. President Berdymukhamedov has a strange law that bans black and dirty cars from the capital city, Ashgabat. As a result, car-washing stations are present on the outskirts of the city.
12. In Turkmenistan, only white cars are allowed in the capital, and all non-white cars are forbidden. The owners of non-white cars are forced to paint their vehicles white, even if they do not want to.
13. Turkmenistan has the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves, and since 1993, the government has provided citizens with free electricity, water, and natural gas.
14. In Kuwait, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, it is legal for women to engage in homosexual relations, while it is illegal for men to do so.
15. Former President Niyazov abolished the Turkmen word for bread in honor of his mother, Gurbansoltan, and replaced it with her name.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 15 Awesome Turkmenistan Facts For Kids.
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