These discussions transpired during a telephone conversation between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan.

During the dialogue, the two parties engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on a range of pertinent issues concerning Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, fostering a constructive discussion environment.

The parties discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements reached at the highest state level, and also considered the possibilities of further increasing the potential of mutual partnership in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres.

Furthermore, the heads of the foreign ministries agreed to maintain regular contacts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan and Türkiye are strategically fostering the development of their bilateral relations, with both nations engaging in continuous discussions and collaborative initiatives to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance mutual cooperation.

For example, recently representatives of Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), a state-owned crude oil and natural gas trading company, and Turkmengaz, Turkmenistan’s national gas company, have held a meeting to discuss prospects for exporting Turkmen gas to Europe via Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

Source: Trend

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Turkmenistan picked the lowest possible of hanging fruit at the ongoing COP-28 climate summit in Dubai by announcing it will sign up to the Global Methane Pledge, a voluntary agreement that commits adherents to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

In his speech to the UN Climate Change Conference on December 1, President Serdar Berdymukhamedov made out that this was the natural outcome of his country’s long-standing concerns over dangers posed by emissions of the greenhouse gas.

“As you know, at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow [in 2021], Turkmenistan announced its support for this new Global Methane Pledge initiative and expressed interest in a detailed study of the document and participation in its implementation,” he said.

Turkmen officials must have been so busy poring over the document that they failed to notice that – as one Guardian report framed it – leaks of methane from two field gas fields alone contributed more to global warming in 2022 than all the carbon emissions in the United Kingdom.

What was particularly egregious, according to Kayrros, the monitoring institute that calculated the scale of this problem, was that the situation could have been mitigated with relatively straightforward technical fixes.

“It’s very simple to do, it has no cost for the citizen, and for the producers, the cost is completely marginal,” Kayrros president Antoine Rostand told the Guardian.

In any case, Turkmenistan has joined the party, so thoughts must now turn to implementation. This should notionally be an easy feat for Turkmenistan to accomplish given how delinquent it has been in the recent past. As the official Global Methane Pledge website notes, however, 30 percent “is a global, not a national reduction target.”

The expectation among anybody in the international community paying attention is doubtless that Turkmenistan will need to undertake an especially Stakhanovite effort.

A theoretically more arduous objective is contained in Turkmenistan’s commitment under the terms of the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty adopted in 2015 and ratified by Ashgabat the following year.

Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, outline each countries strategy for pursuing the global aim of limiting temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Turkmenistan approved its national strategy its May 2022 but only got around to making a revised version public in January 2023. The document describes Turkmenistan’s objective as reducing “[greenhouse gas] emissions in 2030 under the [business-as-usual] scenario by 20 percent compared to the level of emissions in 2010.”

This sounds ambitious, but the authors of the document, which appears to have been assembled with heavy input from the always-amenable UN Development Program, are weaselly to a fault.

First of all, there is not a great deal of clarity about the raw numbers. What Turkmenistan’s strategy document reveals is that the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the air rose from 48,000 gigagrams measured in CO2 equivalents in 2005 to 66,400 gigagrams in 2010.

No fresher information is available. As the strategy document feebly explains, “unfortunately, the next GHG [greenhouse gases] inventory began only in 2020 … and therefore, it was impossible to provide updated GHG inventory data in full.”

And that 20 percent reduction figure is knowingly misleading, as carefully explained in a rigorous analysis authored by Progres Foundation, a Turkmenistan-focused research outfit based in the United States.

“It is important to note that this target is not referring to a reduction in the annual total greenhouse gas emissions, as the wording might suggest. Instead, the goal is to decrease the GHG intensity of the economy, which means the government aims to increase GDP at a faster rate than greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, there will be a lower CO2 equivalent/manat by 2030,” writes the author of the Progres Foundation report, which is very much worth reading in its entirety.

Sure enough, even Turkmenistan’s climate change strategy does not try to circumvent this fact and admits freely that “by 2030, GHG emissions can reach 135,800 [gigagrams measured in CO2 equivalents]. i.e., they will increase … 2 times compared to 2012.”

There is a methane cloud-sized issue here, though, since Turkmenistan cannot be relied upon to provide proper figures. Its emissions data is collated by the State Statistics Committee, the fantasy factory that annually submits magically round GDP growth figures – the very same figures, as it turns out, that will allow Ashgabat to ignore its climate change obligations.

Despite these shenanigans, Turkmenistan is eager to wrap itself in the cloak of virtue on climate issues. Accordingly, Deputy Vepa Khajiyev used the occasion of the OSCE Ministerial Council held in North Macedonia on December 1 to claim that Ashgabat wants to see the creation of a Regional Climate Technology Center.

What this center would do is anybody’s guess. And it is not as though Turkmenistan has invested much in environmentally sustainable electricity generation, despite its considerable potential for developing wind and solar power.

On the more traditional energy front, representatives of Afghanistan’s self-styled Islamic Emirate were in Ashgabat on December 2 with a new bid to revive the fortunes of the trans-Afghan TAPI natural gas pipeline.

Russian state news agency TASS cited Mohammad Haroon Saidi, the emirate’s trade attaché, as saying that the government in Kabul is hopeful that Afghanistan’s access to interbank financing channels – and frozen funds – can be reinstated. Saidi noted that Afghanistan has a $150 million stake in the TAPI project. Turkmenistan has been supportive of Kabul’s calls for financial sanctions to be eased.

In other evidence that the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan aspires to a return to pre-takeover normality, Saidi said that his government is in talks with Turkmenistan and also Kazakhstan on establishing trading houses for dealing with those two countries.

Amsterdam-based Turkmen.news carried a report on December 1 about the latest cycle of personnel bloodletting behind the scenes. The hero at the center of the drama is Nyyazly Nyyazlyev, a former chief of state chemicals company Turkmenkhimiya, who was apparently arrested in August on embezzlement and corruption charges.

What makes the story particularly compelling is that Nyyazlyev appears to have tried to evade his fate by putting in a call to President Berdymukhamedov’s similarly corrupt cousin, Hajymyrat Rejepov, who is said to have enriched himself through various schemes in the chemicals sector. While Rejepov’s family links mean he will likely avoid incurring too much pain for his sins, other officials who have snuffled at the Turkmenkhimiya trough over the years are reportedly in a state of panic.

Source: Oil Price

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The OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a course on digital forensics at the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan from 19 to 22 September 2023.

Delivered by international experts, the course introduced over twenty representatives – from the Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Cybersecurity Services of the “Turkmenaragatnashyk” Agency – to digital forensics, computer data, as well as open-source data analysis tools.

“Today, electronic evidence is crucial. Digital devices are involved in the majority of investigations and can contain critical evidence, regardless of whether the crime took place online or offline,” said Ion Gaina, Head of the IT forensic department at the Forensic and Judicial Expertise Centre of the General Inspectorate of Moldovan Police.

“With the widespread use of digital technologies, digital forensics has become an increasingly important field, and digital forensic capacities are essential to secure electronic evidence that can be used in criminal proceedings,” underlined Giorgi Pirveli, Head of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

The course was delivered as part of the extra-budgetary project “Capacity Building on Combating Cybercrime in Central Asia”, funded by the United States, Germany and the Republic of Korea.

This was the second national training event in Turkmenistan that took place as part of this project. The first training course on cybercrime and digital evidence was delivered in May for the same group of participants, with a third course envisaged for November 2023.

Source: Mirage News

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AKIPRESS.COM – The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it plans to establish a new transit crossing with Turkmenistan through the Bala Murghab District of Badghis Province, Tolo News reports.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that the establishment of a new route and transit crossing with Turkmenistan will help to facilitate the export and import of goods.

Head of ACCI Mohammad Yunus Momand stated that oil and flour can come through that port.

Spokesperson of the Afghan government Zabihullah Mujahid noted that the construction site has been determined and negotiations are now underway with companies that will construct the necessary infrastructure.

There are already two operational ports with Turkmenistan, at Aqina port in Faryab and Turghandi port in Herat.

Source: Akipress

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Turkmen Ambassador to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, and acting Pakistani Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, has met to discuss the implementation of joint energy projects.

During their meeting in Islamabad, they touched upon the current state of bilateral relations and the progress of significant joint energy initiatives. Both sides expressed their readiness to enhance ties across various areas of mutual interest, as reported by the Turkmen news website Orient.tm on September 5.

The Pakistani minister lauded Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and emphasized the significance of gas pipeline projects connecting the two nations with neighboring countries like Afghanistan and India for Pakistan’s energy needs. He also underscored the importance of collaborative ventures such as TAPI (Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India) and TAP (Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan) for Pakistan.

Earlier, on June 8, Turkmenistan and Pakistan inked a joint plan in Islamabad to expedite the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline.

During a meeting with a Turkmen delegation, led by Minister of State and Chairman of the state gas company Turkmengaz, Maksat Babayev, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the Pakistani government’s commitment to hastening the completion of the TAPI gas pipeline and TAP power transmission line projects, which are pivotal in meeting the country’s energy requirements.

At the ceremony, the prime minister described TAPI as a “highly significant project” for regional prosperity and envisioned it ushering in a new era of regional cooperation. Sharif also pledged that every effort would be made to accelerate the implementation of TAPI.

In late April, Turkmenistan initiated the export of liquefied gas to Pakistan through Afghanistan’s Kandahar for the first time. Initially, 50 gas tankers were transported from Turkmenistan.

Mohammad Yunus Mohmand, the head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, noted that gas had previously been transported to Pakistan through Iran. According to him, “with the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate,” the country has emerged as a safe transit route, facilitating substantial exports in this direction.

Yasser Basir, an international firm, commenced the export of natural gas, involving 50 gas tankers, each carrying 30 tons of gas, from Turkmenistan to Kandahar. Subsequently, the gas was sent to Pakistan through the Spin Boldak land port. While the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project remains stalled, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the successful export of Turkmen gas from Afghanistan to Pakistan via trucks.

Once completed, the TAPI pipeline aims to connect Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and India via Afghanistan. Spanning 1,830 kilometers, the project is expected to annually deliver 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Galkynysh, the world’s second-largest gas field, to the Indian city of Fazilka, near the Pakistan border.

The Afghan segment of the pipeline will traverse from the northwest border with Turkmenistan southward through the western city of Herat and on to Kandahar, near the Pakistan border. Despite its inception in Afghanistan in 2018 while the Taliban was in conflict with the Western-backed government in Kabul, the Taliban administration has pledged its support for the project, considering it a vital component of the nation’s future economic infrastructure.

Source: Caspian News

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ASHGABAT, Aug 12 (Reuters) – Turkmenistan warned Russia on Saturday against trying to extend its influence over the Central Asia-China natural gas supply chain after Moscow said more countries could join its “gas union” with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan all pump gas to China via a pipeline crossing the three countries; the lion’s share of gas comes from Turkmenistan as the two other countries have faced strong growth in domestic gas demand.

Russia, trying to open up new Asian markets for its gas after Western sanctions, said last year it was forging a gas union with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan that would streamline shipping and exporting gas to them and to third parties.

So far, the only practical step the union has announced was a plan to reverse another gas pipeline, which connects Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to Russia, so that Russia’s Gazprom (GAZP.MM) could ship gas to Uzbekistan which has started experiencing energy shortages.

Russia’s foreign ministry said this week the gas union could be expanded as other countries were interested in joining it; it did not name any.

Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry responded on Saturday by saying that although Russia’s comments were vague, Ashgabat wanted to make it clear that it has not been consulted about the potential addition of new suppliers to the Chinese pipeline.

“The Turkmen side considers such an approach incomprehensible and unacceptable, and out country views it as going against international law and the established practice in the gas sector,” it said in a statement.

Russia used to be the main buyer of Turkmen gas before the construction of the Chinese pipeline, but now its share in Turkmen exports is small, and reversing the pipeline between Russia and Central Asia would put an end to such shipments.

Source: Reuters

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The volume of Turkmen gas supplies to China increased by about 10% in January – July of this year, Azernews reported, citing Kabar.

Turkmen gas supplies to China in January – July of this year at a cost of $5.85 billion, an increase of about 10%. This is evidenced by the data published by the Main Customs Administration of the People’s Republic of China.

Turkmenistan still ranks first among the countries selling pipeline gas to China. Russia is in second place, followed by Myanmar with an increase of 17.6% to $861.81 million. Next are Kazakhstan (down 5.4% to $614.32 million) and Uzbekistan (down 41.6% to $295.3 million).

Source: Azer News

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A big shift is brewing for Caspian Basin energy exports. In a diplomatic about-face, Turkmenistan has signalled its readiness to develop a Trans-Caspian pipeline that potentially could increase natural gas deliveries to the European Union. 

The westward shift in Ashgabat’s export intentions is not expected to impact Turkmenistan’s ability to fulfil existing export commitments to China. The Central Asian state is believed to have more than enough reserves to send large volumes of gas eastward and westward.  The Turkmen announcement, however, could potentially eat into Russia’s share of the gas-export pie, depriving the Kremlin of revenue it needs to sustain its war effort in Ukraine.

Turkmenistan had long remained ambiguous about Trans-Caspian pipeline plans. But in late July, Turkmen officials got off the fence. In a convoluted statement issued by the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Ashgabat sent a clear signal of support for a Trans-Caspian pipeline.

Specifically, the ministry announced that “Turkmenistan, being committed to the strategy of diversifying energy flows, expresses its readiness to continue cooperation with partners in the implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline project.”

The ministry added that it is “convinced that there are no political, economic, financial factors hindering the construction” of a Trans-Caspian pipeline and that the 2018 Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea provides an adequate legal basis for such a project. 

“The Trans-Caspian pipeline is an absolutely realistic project, justified from an economic point of view, capable of making a tangible contribution to ensuring energy security in Eurasia, providing long-term and uninterrupted access to sources of raw materials for European consumers,” the ministry statement added.

A few days after the statement’s publication, a Turkmen envoy met with EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, expressing Turkmenistan’s readiness to “develop effective cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU.” The statement provided additional evidence of Ashgabat’s diplomatic shift.

If a pipeline for Europe-bound exports is built, Turkmenistan stands to capture some of Russia’s European gas markets and/or replace Russian exports to Turkey. Russia currently provides around 40% of Turkey’s gas needs.

Previous Trans-Caspian projects envisaged pipelines that could supply 32bn cubic metres (bcm) annually. Any new construction initiative would likely aim for that export target at first. The longer the Russia-Ukraine war drags on, the more likely that either a larger pipeline gets built, or additional parallel pipelines are laid. Of course, the sabotage of the NordStream pipelines showed that underwater offshore pipelines are vulnerable to disruption. Thus, there will be a considerable amount of risk involved in any Trans-Caspian project.

For now, regional observers are hailing Turkmenistan’s change in course. 

“The fact that the Turkmen now concede that the Caspian delimitation agreement DOES permit pipelines between two countries is a major step forward,” said Allan Mustard, former US ambassador to Turkmenistan, describing the shift as “a significant reversal.” 

Mustard is a co-founder of TransCaspianResources, a US based company which has been promoting a project for a short pipeline in the middle of the Caspian to transit gas currently flared from a Turkmen oil field to Azerbaijan. It’s unclear whether Ashgabat’s announcement could catalyse that project, or whether the Turkmen government is more focused on developing a major pipeline to transit gas from its main onshore gas fields all the way to Europe. 

With estimated gas reserves of between 10-14 trillion cubic metres – the fifth largest on the planet – interest in transiting Turkmen gas across the Caspian Sea, and through Georgia and Turkey to Europe, is not new.

However, previous attempts at developing pipeline projects since the late 1990s all stumbled due to a combination of factors, including the discovery of significant gas reserves in Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian, and Russia’s aggressive expansion of its own gas export infrastructure in an effort to freeze out potential competition.

Now thanks to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkmenistan’s huge gas reserves are enjoying what the ministry statement accurately described as a “sudden manifestation of interest”, and not without cause. The 175 bcm a year of gas that Russia was supplying prior to the invasion has been cut, causing gas and power prices across Europe to climb to unprecedented levels.

The appetite in Europe for Turkmen gas remains strong. An agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union should see the volume of Azeri gas flowing to Europe doubling to 20 bcm a year by 2027. But that amounts to less than 12% of the lost Russian gas. 

Whether Baku can deliver such volume to the EU remains uncertain, with questions still being asked over whether Azerbaijan can boost production sufficiently to meet growing domestic demand, while honouring existing export commitments and its promise to Brussels.

Gas from Turkmenistan could help Azerbaijan meet its 20 bcm/yr commitment, and potentially double or even triple that volume. 

And the signs are that it’s not just EU member states that are interested. On May 25, Turkey’s energy regulator EPDK issued another 10-year import licence to Turkey’s state gas importer Botas for importing gas from Turkmenistan, the second time that licence has been renewed. The license relates to a contract to import 16 bcm/yr of Turkmen gas, signed in the late 1990s on the expectation that a pipeline would be built.

That didn’t happen but Ankara has continued to maintain that the contract remains valid. 

Even with the green light from Ashgabat, the question remains: who wants to finance the pipeline’s construction, a project sure to cost billions of dollars? Speaking in May, Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev confirmed that Baku would be happy to transit Turkmen gas, but would not help fund any pipelines and called on the companies developing Turkmenistan’s gas fields, international investors and the gas buyers in Europe interested in taking the gas to arrange financing. 

One company whose name has been mentioned as a possible investor is Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). The company has been active in Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon extraction, refining and trading for around 15 years, has cash on hand and is looking to further expand its investments outside the Emirates.

On August 4, Adnoc announced that it was taking a 30% stake in Azerbaijan’s Absheron gas field, a move which signals an intention to becoming a player in the development of Caspian gas reserves and potentially involved in discussions on a Trans-Caspian pipeline. 

Source: Intellinews

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Uncover Turkmenistan’s enigmatic marvel – the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the Gateway to Hell. Beyond its blazing inferno lies a world of industrial history, unexpected life forms, and scientific revelations. Explore this fiery wonder, its allure to tourists, potential energy reserves, and its role as a window to both Earth’s geological processes and extraterrestrial environments

Deep within the heart of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan lies an enigmatic marvel that has baffled scientists and captured the curiosity of adventurers for decades – the Darvaza Gas Crater, commonly known as the “Gateway to Hell.” This surreal natural phenomenon is a massive crater that has been ablaze with an otherworldly inferno for over five decades, emitting a fiery glow that can be seen from miles away. While this captivating sight has drawn numerous tourists and researchers, there are several lesser-known aspects that add to its mystique. In this article, we delve beyond the surface to uncover seven unknown things about the Gateway to Hell that will both intrigue and astound.

The moniker “Gateway to Hell” bestowed upon the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan stems from the awe-inspiring and surreal spectacle that this geological marvel presents. The name vividly captures the imagination, evoking images of an otherworldly portal to the infernal realms. The crater’s immense, fiery pit emitting an unending blaze against the pitch-black desert backdrop lends an eerie and haunting quality to the site. The association with the netherworld is further intensified by the historical context of the crater’s origin – a Soviet industrial accident that resulted in the release of natural gas and subsequent ignition. This captivating appellation serves as a testament to the power of nature’s forces and the human fascination with the mysterious and the supernatural, making the “Gateway to Hell” a fitting name that encapsulates both the visual spectacle and the enigmatic allure of this unique destination.

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1. Unintended Ignition: The Industrial Incident Behind the Blaze
   Contrary to popular belief, the Gateway to Hell’s blazing inferno was not sparked by supernatural forces. The crater originated from a Soviet industrial accident in the 1970s when a drilling rig collapsed into an underground cavern, releasing natural gas. In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact, the decision was made to set the gas alight, expecting it to burn off in a matter of weeks. However, the fire has continued to burn unabated ever since.
2. Ecosystem Adaptation: Surprising Resilience of Life
   Despite the extreme conditions, the Gateway to Hell has inadvertently become a habitat for various forms of life. Microorganisms have adapted to thrive in the high temperatures and unique environment of the crater, challenging traditional notions of habitability. Scientists have taken keen interest in these extremophiles as they provide insights into the potential for life on other celestial bodies.
3. Tourist Attraction: Allure of the Fiery Spectacle
   While it was initially overlooked, the Gateway to Hell has gained immense popularity as a tourist attraction. Adventurers and thrill-seekers are drawn to the mesmerizing sight of flames dancing against the dark desert backdrop, creating an unforgettable experience that has become a pilgrimage for many.
4. Energy Reserves: Rich Deposits Below the Surface
   Beneath the flames, the crater hides vast reserves of natural gas. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Gateway to Hell serves as a reminder of the Earth’s hidden resources. Discussions have arisen about harnessing this energy source, but concerns about environmental impact and economic viability persist.
5. Constancy of Change: Shifting Crater Landscape
   The Gateway to Hell’s fiery landscape is not static. The shifting sands of the desert and the continuous flow of gas influence the crater’s form and size. This ever-evolving phenomenon challenges scientists to monitor and predict the crater’s behavior, contributing to our understanding of geological processes.
6. Night Sky Navigation: A Fiery Beacon
   For centuries, travelers have utilized natural landmarks for navigation. The Gateway to Hell serves as an unexpected but distinctive beacon for nighttime travelers, guiding them through the vast expanse of the desert with its fiery illumination.
7. Scientific Curiosity: Analog for Extraterrestrial Environments
   Researchers have recognized the Gateway to Hell as an analog for extreme environments on other planets and moons. The lessons learned from studying the extremophiles and geological processes here could provide valuable insights into the potential habitability of distant celestial bodies.

Gateway to Hell in Turkmenistan is not only a mesmerizing spectacle but also a reservoir of scientific wonders. Its unexpected history, ecosystem, and relevance to space exploration make it a captivating subject of study and exploration, adding an extra layer of allure to its mysterious flames.

Source: News Able Asianet News

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Turkmenistan, officially known as Turkmenistan, is a landlocked country situated in Central Asia. Bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west, Turkmenistan is a country steeped in rich history and diverse culture. Despite its small size and relatively low population density, Turkmenistan holds great significance due to its strategic location and vast natural resources. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the land of the Turkmen, exploring its history, culture, economy, and current state.

Historical Background : Turkmenistan’s history dates back thousands of years. The region has been home to various ancient civilizations, including the Parthians and the Sassanids. In the 7th century, Turkic tribes began migrating into the area, and by the 11th century, the region was predominantly Turkic-speaking. The Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes, also passed through this area, making it a hub for cultural exchange and economic activity.

In the 19th century, the region fell under Russian control, and by the early 20th century, it became a part of the Soviet Union. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Turkmenistan declared independence, and Saparmurat Niyazov, known as “Turkmenbashi,” became the country’s first president. He ruled with an iron fist until his death in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of eccentricities and a cult of personality.

Culture and Society : Turkmenistan boasts a unique and diverse culture, shaped by its nomadic past and Turkic heritage. The Turkmen people are known for their vibrant traditional clothing, which includes colorful robes and intricate silver jewelry. Music and dance are integral to their culture, with traditional instruments like the dutar and tambur creating a melodious ambiance during festivals and celebrations.

Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Turkmen culture. Guests are treated with utmost respect and are often offered tea and food upon arrival. The Akhal-Teke horse, known for its striking beauty and endurance, is a symbol of Turkmen pride and plays a significant role in their folklore.

Economy and Natural Resources : Turkmenistan is rich in natural resources, particularly natural gas. It possesses one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, which serves as the backbone of its economy. The country exports its gas to neighboring nations, making it a vital player in the regional energy market. However, over-reliance on the energy sector has exposed Turkmenistan to fluctuations in global energy prices. This has motivated the government to seek diversification in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Additionally, the government has invested in ambitious infrastructure projects to modernize the country and attract foreign investments.

Challenges and Human Rights : Turkmenistan has faced scrutiny from international human rights organizations due to its authoritarian government and limited political freedoms. The country ranks low in terms of press freedom, and the media is tightly controlled by the government. Freedom of speech and assembly are restricted, and dissent is not tolerated.

In recent years, Turkmenistan has taken steps towards improving its international image. The government has made efforts to engage with the international community, promoting cultural exchanges and participating in regional events. However, significant challenges still remain in terms of human rights and political openness.

Tourism Potential : Turkmenistan remains relatively unexplored by international tourists, but it has untapped potential as a travel destination. The country boasts a range of attractions, including ancient Silk Road cities like Merv and Konye-Urgench, the burning “Door to Hell” gas crater, and the modern capital of Ashgabat, with its impressive white marble architecture.

However, the strict visa regulations and limited tourist infrastructure present barriers to tourism growth. With greater investment and a more open approach to international visitors, Turkmenistan could become a unique and fascinating destination for adventurous travelers.

Conclusion : Turkmenistan is a country that holds a wealth of history, culture, and natural resources. While it faces challenges in terms of human rights and political openness, it has taken steps to engage with the world and diversify its economy. As the country continues to evolve, it remains a land of intrigue, waiting to be discovered by those curious enough to explore its hidden wonders.

Source: English News Tracklive

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