Turkmenistan, Landlocked nation in Central Asia
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation between the Caspian Sea and Uzbekistan, covering roughly 490,000 square kilometers between the Caspian Sea and the Amu Darya River with vast sand deserts, the Kopet Dag mountain range along the southern border, and fertile river valleys. The capital Ashgabat sits at the mountain foothills, while the interior is dominated by the Karakum Desert.
The region formed a key section of the historical Silk Road and belonged to various empires before becoming part of the Russian Empire during the 19th century. Following the October Revolution, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic was established in 1924, and independence came in October 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The nation preserves a strong equestrian tradition centered on the Akhal-Teke horse, which serves as a national symbol and appears prominently in official ceremonies and regional festivals. This horse culture connects with musical traditions featuring the dutar instrument and epic songs that pass down stories from nomadic ancestors.
Air travelers reach the country through Ashgabat International Airport, which connects to major cities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The best time to visit falls between April and June or September and November when temperatures are more moderate, and visitors must obtain a visa with a letter of invitation through authorized travel agencies before arrival.
The Darvaza crater in the Karakum region has burned continuously since 1971, after geologists drilling for natural gas encountered a cavity and ignited it to prevent uncontrolled gas release. The crater reaches roughly 70 meters in diameter and draws visitors at night when flames are most visible.
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