Daşoguz (also Dashoguz, Dasoguz; roughly "stone spring" inTurkmen), formerly known asTashauz (until 1992;Russian:Ташау́з) andDashkhovuz (1992–1999;Russian:Дашхову́з), is a large city in northernTurkmenistan and the capital ofDaşoguz Province. TheUzbekistan border is about 10 km away.
It is located at latitude 41.833° north, longitude 59.9667° east, at an average of 88 meters above sea level. It is about 76.7 km (47.7 mi) fromNukus,Uzbekistan, and 460 km (290 mi) fromAshgabat. In nearbyLake Sarykamysh 65 varieties of fish can be found.
Daşoguz has a colddesert climate (BWk, according to theKöppen climate classification), with long and hot summers. Winters are relatively short, but quite cold. Theprecipitation is scarce throughout the year, with an average of 100 mm (3.93 in).
Founded as a fort called Tashauz in the early 19th century by theRussians, the name was changed to the Turkmen form Dashkhovuz in 1992 after independence, and to Daşoguz by order of PresidentNiyazov in 1999; the modern city has all characteristics ofSoviet planning.[4] The etymology remains disputed.[4]
On September 5, 1998, aH5meteorite weighing approximately seven kilograms fell in Daşoguz.[5]
Paul Brummell notes that the town serves as a transportation hub rather than a tourist destination.[4]Daşoguz Airport provides regular flights toAshgabat andTurkmenbashy.[4] At the city's northern edge lies the railway station, from which a daily train operates to and from Ashgabat.[4] Private vehicles are available for transport to all district capitals in the Northern Region, and Ashgabat.[4]
In December 2024, a training and service center forKAMAZ vehicle maintenance and repair opened in Dashoguz. The center offers vehicle washing, parking, spare parts storage, and quick replacement services, along with training facilities and a repair workshop.[6]
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