About Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by the Caspian Sea and largely covered by the Karakum Desert. It’s known for archaeological ruins including those at Nisa and Merv, major stops along the ancient trade route the Silk Road.
History
Shaped by ancient empires and nomadic tribes upon the Silk Road, Turkmenistan has much to offer history lovers, from prehistoric carvings to preserved pastoral traditions. Explore Turkmenistan’s rich legacy on tours of ancient settlements, Ashgabat museums and beyond.
Traditions
Turkmenistan boasts a cultural heritage as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. From elaborate wedding customs and dance styles to carpet weaving and jewellery making, Turkmenistan’s traditions stand testament to unique Turkmen craftsmanship and identity.
Geography
The rolling steppes and vast deserts of Turkmenistan come framed by grand mountains in the south and the Caspian Sea in the west. Follow the footsteps of nomadic tribes on a unique journey into the heart of Turkmenistan, finding mud volcanoes, caves, lakes and more.
Our Story: History
Our Story: Traditions
The spirit of Turkmenistan
Our Story: Nature
Turkmenistan’s next move: shaping a chess legacy
Turkmenistan at 30: a legacy of welcome, a future of progress
Why Turkmenistan is one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets
How the UN’s Awaza Programme is unlocking trade for landlocked nations
Turkmenistan map
Articles
A cultural journey through traditions and celebrations
Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan boasts a cultural heritage as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. Shaped by centuries of history and the influences of the Silk Road, Turkmenistan has preserved a tapestry of traditions that define its identity. From the ancient cities along the Silk Road to the vast deserts, Turkmenistan's cultural heritage...
Unravel Turkmenistan's past: empires, buried cities and Silk Road ruins await
Positioned at a crossroads of ancient civilisations, Turkmenistan sets the stage for an epic biopic of world history. Located in Central Asia on the east coast of the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan is a cinematic land of flat-to-rolling desert, bringing stability to an otherwise restive region. The nation gained independence from the Soviet Union...
Decoding Turkmenistan's legacy and lore of the land
Living outside the reach of ruling dynasties for thousands of years, the nomadic Turkmen people are not to be underestimated. A dynamic bunch, composed of more than two dozen major tribal groups in existence since the ninth century, the Turkmen people have played a significant role in shaping the politics, economics, art and culture of Central Asia...
Karakum to the Caspian: Turkmenistan’s untouched natural wonders
Nature enthusiasts in Turkmenistan can expect a treasure trove of wild wonders and tranquil landscapes across diverse terrain. A desert nation gifted with forest and mountain ecosystems that are fed by crystal-clear rivers and springs, Turkmenistan spills over with unspoilt natural beauty. Whipping out the binoculars for this episode...
Turkmenistan’s next move: shaping a chess legacy
Turkmenistan is advancing its place on the global chess scene with a bold vision: to grow a new generation of players who hold their own in international competitions. From hosting FIDE-rated tournaments to celebrating homegrown grandmasters, the country’s ambitions are steadily taking shape. Turkmenistan is advancing from regional tournaments to international...
Turkmenistan at 30: a legacy of welcome, a future of progress
Turkmenistan has long been known for its tradition of welcoming travellers, a legacy shaped by centuries of exchange along the Silk Road. Today, as the country marks 30 years of UN-recognised neutrality and almost 35 years of independence, we look at how that spirit of openness is being channelled into preparing a new generation for...
Why Turkmenistan is one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets
For travellers keen on venturing beyond the familiar, Turkmenistan offers a unique land rooted in ancient nomadic traditions, Silk Road history and an abundant natural world. From the rusted dunes of the Karakum Desert to the serene shores of the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan’s landscapes are timeless yet ever-alive with incredible flora and fauna that...
How the UN’s Awaza Programme is unlocking trade for landlocked nations
UN officials and leaders of 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) came together in Awaza, Turkmenistan, adopting a 10-year roadmap to tackle shared geographic challenges. Representing a combined population of more than half a billion people, officials from LLDCs – spanning Central Asia, Africa and South America – are working with UN leaders to address...