Turkmenistan Travel Guide

One of the most peculiar of the Central Asian republics, Turkmenistan is about 90% covered by the Karakum sands, resembling a lunar desert landscape. Most of the attractions and cities have been developed along the fringes of the desert, including Ashgabat, the country’s capital. Here is where you can find many interesting monuments, statues and structures commissioned by the past president, Saparmurat Niyazov.  He was famous for his cult-like behaviour, including renaming the months of the year after his family members. In Ashgabat see the statue of Turkmenbashi, a gold statue that revolves daily following the rise and fall of the sun, as well as the New Independence Monument among many others. Alternatively, explore the Tolkuchka Bazaar, a massive market that sprawls out across the desert at the edge of the town. Merv, one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia and a stopover point on the Silk Road, is filled with well preserved fortifications and structures. Historical monuments including the Kiz-Kala fortress and Sultan Sanjar’s tomb can be found here. Old Nisa, another site of archeological interest, dates back from the Parthian state, and the Nissa Fortress is an excellent site to explore. Come to Turkmenistan to admire the Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture, trek across the desert on camelback or just soak in the eccentric tributes to Saparmurat Niyazov.