but relics of him live on in the form of strange laws, changed . Via Emil Delavele 18 A This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran and a vast desert has been ruled for 15 years by a dictator with really bizarre laws. Turkmen laws now seem normal to the people who live there, but they are still a little strange to those of us who don`t. As per the record, the city has 543 white marble buildings covering an area of 4.5 million square metres(with no one living in them, by the way). The Darvaza Gas Crater is among the popular tourist attraction sites in the country. Now, these subsidies are only given to a certain group of government employees, such as those who work in the oil and gas industry. However, next time you're trying to remember how to distinguish Turkmenistan, just think of these strange yet riveting facts about the country. Contact us. One foreigner we spoke to confirmed that she recently received a firm reprimand from a policeman in Ashgabat because her car was a bit dusty. . He was first secretary of the Turkmen Communist Party from 1985 until 1991 and supported the 1991 . ASHGABAT IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS, A picture of capital city Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Currently, the laws of Turkmenistan are in the process of being codified. That is, you could register for a mortgage and half of it would be covered by the state. The emblem, however, is of the living horse and once the horse dies, the new Akhal Teke horse will be chosen and the national emblem will be updated. Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. Turkmenistan's media constantly doted on the president and helped build his cult of personality. In Turkmenbashi`s time, utility prices were so low that bills for these services arrived every year. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Rapper 50 Cent found out the hard way this small Caribbean nation takes public swearing seriously. Last Updated on February 17, 2018 by Audrey Scott. Dubbed as the North Korea of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is ranked as one of the hardest countries to enter, with strict visa applications requiring assistance from tour agencies and a guide. In 2013, seven years after Niyazovs death, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered the removal of Ruhnama from all public schools. Some Turkmen opposition sources also claim that Niyazov died several days before the officially announced date of 21 December. The statue stands till date and has not been removed by the incumbent President Berdymukhamedov. ONE OF THE LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES A complex visa regimen makes Turkmenistan one of the least visited countries in the world. In 2005, he closed down all rural libraries and hospitals outside of the capital city Ashgabat, in a country where at that time more than half the population lived in rural areas,[8] once stating that, "If people are ill, they can come to Ashgabat. In Billings, Montana it's illegal to buy or raise rats as pets. Young cant grow beards, no black cars, a record-breaking fascination for setting world records are some of the weirdfacts about Turkmenistan. Photo: Drew Binsky Youtube video. Local laws and customs - Turkmenistan travel advice - GOV.UK As for the reasoning behind the make-up ban, anyone's guess is as good as one another's apparently he believed that news reporter should look "natural". [94][95] Displaying and keeping the book alongside the Quran in mosques were also stopped, except in Trkmenbay Ruhy Mosque. Deputy Prime Minister Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was named as head of the commission organizing the state funeral. But if you ask the same question to a Turkmen, he will firmly answer you: The plane is flying to Turkmenistan because the passengers have received visas, and Gurbanguly Mlikgulyewi, our wise guide and leader, has agreed to accept the plane on Turkmen land. Inside Central Asia. Google Maps. Spandex ban Another ban in the vein of "it's un-Turkmen." It's no wonder why Turkmenistan had the lowest life expectancy in all of Central Asia at the time. Unfortunately for barbers, all Turkmens we spoke to indicated to us that this rule was myth. A Turkmen could easily leave the gas on so as not to waste a match in the light later! In 2013, seven years after Niyazov`s death, Ruhnama was finally removed from public schools in Turkmenistan. Transfixed in Turkmenistan | Sophie's World Travel Inspiration [67][68][69] Like Kim Il-sung, there is even a creation myth surrounding him. Berdymuhamedov`s 100-foot tribute to cycling. A picture of the Hell's Gate or the Darwaza Crater. Although apparently not explicitly against the law, gold teeth did fall out of favor with Turkmenistan's elite during the era of Turkmenbashi. 7. However, this seems a bit beside the point when you realize that people got sick and couldn't access doctors. https://bit.ly/3Fsk0qoHave you ever heard of ASHGABAT, TURKMENIS. Photo: Getty Images. [30] In February 2005 all hospitals outside Ashgabat were ordered closed, with the reasoning that the sick should come to the capital for treatment. It is against the law to smoke outside in Turkmenistan; this law extends to restaurants and other communal spaces (unless they contain a designated smoking area). And changed it to the name of his mother. However, Turkmenistan is also no stranger to bizarre behavior from its political powers. And by 1985 he was already First . In 2018, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov had renamedHell's Gateas the 'Shining of Karakum', butfour years later, now, he wants it to be shut. Statues and portraits of him were put everywhere throughout the country. This one's true. We could talk all day about this amazing country in Asia. [66] Niyazov claimed those who read it thrice were destined for heaven. One of the contentious laws outlaws gold teeth, opera, and spandex. As the buyer, you should be aware of possible: . Within mosques, it was to be treated the same as the Quran. He kindly sent her to his favorite dentist, the Minister of Health (now president), to have her gold teeth replaced with a white enamel set. Who knows what opportunities may knock with the passing of Turkmenbashi. This one is still on the books but not enforced. [79] As he was buried, the national anthem was played accompanied by a 21-gun salute, symbolizing the number of years during which he was in power.[81]. The national anthem of Turkmenistan referred to him. [77], The circumstances of Niyazov's death have been surrounded by some media speculation. Even locals you talk to in Turkmenistan don`t know the site, although it remains the biggest attraction that attracts tourists to Turkmenistan. Here are some that Saparmurat Niyazov has implemented. You should take care over public displays of affection. Geologists decided to turn it on, hoping it would burn after a few days. This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 14:53. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on guests hotel bills. Remember him, because we will be talking about him quite a bit. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming First Secretary of the Ashgabat City Committee,[15] and First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Turkmen SSR in 1985. Its also one of the driest deserts in the world, with some areas recording only 0.005 inches (0.12mm) of precipitation annually. Many of the ordinary citizens wept dramatically as they walked, some even clinging to the coffin and fainting. Nearly half a century later, the fire is still burning. The local horse breed of the Turkmenistan Akhal-Teke is also considered as one of the rarest and most beautiful in the world. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has. It was captured by the Mongols who executed the entire population, apart from 400 artisans. As a result, in 2005 Turkmenistan would downgrade its links with the Commonwealth of Independent States becoming only an associate member under article 8 of the CIS charter, as such it would not participate in any of the military structures of the CIS. ", OpenStreetMap Wiki:Districts in Turkmenistan, : " " - . Phone: +993 (12) 44-56-92; Fax: +993 (12) 44-58-12; Reception: +993 (12) 44-56-87; Press service: +993 (12) 44-56-04; 744000, Ashgabat, Archabil av., 108 Since 1993, thanks to Niyazov`s initiatives, all Turkmen citizens have had free access to gas, water and electricity. Today we are going to look at 20 facts about this little unknown country. The cap is designed in such a way that it maintains a stable body temperature in scorching summers or cold winter nights of the desert. Some historians believe that over one million people were killed. He took the name for bread. [91] By that year, the old Constitution of Turkmenistan, adopted during Niyazov's presidency and codifying Niyazov's primacy, was replaced, and the government launched a democratization program. [58] Critics claim the government staged the attempt in order to crack down on mounting domestic and foreign political opposition. Do everything you can to get it across the border, even if you have to push it or drag it. In 2008, President Berdymukhamedov added a new subsidy, of giving 120 litres of fuel to every individual every month. There are no laws in Turkmenistan; There is only the will of the Fhrer. At any time,. Cars that are not white are forbidden from the streets of Ashgabat, the non-white vehicles taken from the owners as hostages and forcibly painted white no matter what. [citation needed], Niyazov became president at the transition of Turkmenistan from a Soviet republic to an independent state. Niyazov himself had short hair and was clean shaven. The country produces sweet, juicy melons, for which it has even created a special day. : r/todayilearned We could go on all day about this amazing country in Asia. In 2006, a 42-year-old postman from Saitama Prefecture was arrested for putting chocolate ice cream inside a mailbox. After all, Berdymuhamedov is the initiator and inspiration of the new renaissance and global reforms; May God give him the strength and strength to carry a nation of 5.3 million Turkmen on his shoulders! Point to note: Turkmenistan has a record-setting inclination towards setting Guinness records and regularly invites folks from the record-keepers to make a note of the newest record set by the country. Niyazov introduced the practice of "Melon Day", a harvest festival celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of August; unlike some of his other creations, the celebration of "Melon Day" has continued after his death. For many in the west, it's hard to keep the countries of Central Asia straight, no matter how fascinating and unique each one may be. He is the only President of Turkmenistan to die in office. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some statues and portraits placed around the country were also removed. ", in, Hiro, Dilip. Illustration: Seemon. Failure to do this would lead to the destruction of the mosque. Niyazov said: Let this humane act on the part of the state serve strengthening truly moral values of the Turkmen society. A remarkable fact about the country is that it was home to a giant sea 30 million years ago. To give you an idea of just how strange things get, the episode culminates in Oliver presenting a record-breaking marble . Niyazov started quite early and joined the Communist Party in 1962. If you believe something to be incorrect, please leave us a message below. It has also destroyed the wildlife around it. Niyazov supported the Soviet coup attempt of 1991. The melons of Turkmenistan are so sweet and revered that they are recognized by a national holiday. Feb 06, 2014 1:28 PM. You can even be fined if you own a vehicle that is not painted white! Through our stories, advisory, and speaking we are creating a movement of travelers and businesses who live at the intersection of adventure, meaningful travel, and caring for our planet and its people. 5. Among his actions after naming himself Turkmenbashi (Leader of All Ethnic Turkmen) and declaring himself president of Turkmenistan for life after the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, Niyazov set out to create a new image for his country of five million by quite literally making it in his own image. Always works out, somehow. Swearing in public in St. Kitts could get you in hot water. Turkmen rules are getting even weirder. Now that you know the strange laws that are made in the country, here are some interesting facts about Turkmenistan. At 27, most buildings clad in marble and the largest architectural star with a mind-blowing area of 34,875 square feet (3,240 sq. The story goes that while Turkmenbashi attended a televised ceremony, he caught sight of a woman with a set of gold teeth, found it inappropriate, and publicly told her so. Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest collection of marble buildings. Weird laws in Florida. Deserts and sand form the prominent part of the geography of the country today as it is home to Karakum desert. These names were later abolished by his successor Berdymukhamedov in April 2008. The 10 Most Unbelievable Laws in Turkmenistan - YouTube Dictatorships aren't exactly known for their reasonable laws. [28] By 2005, there were 36,000 Internet users in Turkmenistan, representing 0.7% of the population. You see, in Turkmenistan, everything submits to the will of the leader; The birds do not sing, the sun does not rise, and the wind does not blow without his consent. Saparmurat Niyazov was the President of Turkmenistan from 1991-2006. This wonderful land is with a lot of quirks, but it`s also a place you probably didn`t know much about before reading this article. Originally from the U.S. Daniel has lived abroad since 2001 and most recently has been on the road since 2006. But if you`re looking for a place off the beaten path where few travelers have been before you, this is definitely the place for you. Turkmenistan Facts | Weird Laws & Bizarre Architecture - Unusual The National Revival Movement, an organisation to promote Turkmen culture (Turkmen: "Galkynish"), was also founded. One of the drivers of the Aston Martin Tokyo-to-London team was fined $100 by the Turkmen highway militsia for smoking in his own car. He then studied at the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, where in 1967 he received a diploma as an electrical engineer. It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dogs were banned from the capital because of their unattractive smell. However, as of 2019 it still hasn't been. The 10 Most Unbelievable Laws in Turkmenistan - YouTube Turkmenistan holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. Turkmenistan is a sovereign state in Central Asia. As a result, even today, people are still not used to saving electricity, water or gas. The geologistsdecided to light it upin the hope that it would burn out after a few days. [79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. The book is supposed to orbit earth for the next 150 years. It is cheaper to let the gas burn than spend money on matchboxes. Among the figures who were arrested/purged were former Foreign Ministers Boris yhmyradow and Batyr Berdiew, as well as Major Begench Beknazarov of the Turkmen Ground Forces and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Serdar Charyyarov. INLED Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. [62] He accused the minister of incompetence and declared: "I cannot say that you had any great merits or did much to combat crime. Photo: Narendra Modi Youtube Channel. This meant that anyone living in rural areas had to travel across the country to get medical care (which is vaguely the size of California). This is my advice[55]. In 2016, 6,000 tourists visited Turkmenistan. Interesting Histories: Saparmurat Niyazov The Real General - Medium Those of you whose teeth have fallen out did not chew on bones. [12][13][14], After finishing school in 1959, he worked as an instructor in the Turkmen trade-union exploratory committee. [59] Ethnic Russians in Turkmenistan were disproportionately targeted in the aftermath. Top 15 Strangest Laws in the United States - Zippia Laws of Turkmenistan Only men above 70 could keep a beard. 20. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. He grew up in a Soviet orphanage before the state put him in the custody of a distant relative. Despite emphasizing a need to move from central planning to a market economy and to a full democracy during his reign, neither plan progressed. Some of these laws were rationalized under the premise of trying to preserve traditional Turkmen culture. His mother and two brothers were killed in the devastating 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. He made the book mandatory to be studied in schools, universities and government offices. Pilov is the staple diet of the people of Turkmenistan. Although reliable numbers are not readily available, it is estimated that less than 15,000 people visit the country annually. [3] His self-given title Turkmenbashy, meaning Head of the Turkmen, referred to his position as the founder and president of the Association of Turkmens of the World. ", Niyazov later announced that surveillance cameras were to be placed at all major streets and sites in Turkmenistan, an apparent precaution against future attempts. We couldn't find any for purchase at the bazaar. ", "Turkmen Government Removes Ruhnama as Required Subject | Eurasianet", "Turkmenistan Is Finally Putting the 'Ruhnama' Behind Them", "Education in Turkmenistan Under the Second President: Genuine Reforms or Make Believe? Berdimuhamedow also trimmed official references to Niyazov's biographical book, Ruhnama, in Spring 2007, and around 2009-10, television broadcasts of Ruhnama stopped. and talks with Tajik opposition leader. Niyazov was also once quoted as saying that God himself told him that anybody who will read the book will directly enter heaven. The Darvaza Gas Craters, or Gates to Hell as the locals know it, is a 226 feet (60 m) wide and 98 feet (30 m) deep crater that has huge deposits of oil and natural gas. It was reopened in 2009 after his death, by his successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Not only this, local bookstores, government offices had to display it prominently. In many respects, Niyazov's cultural ideas and changes were most visible to external viewers. The garment is made of sheepskin and is worn on the head to resemble a turban. [35] On 19 March 2007 Turkmenistan's new president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow reversed Niyazov's decision by restoring pensions to more than 100,000 elderly citizens.[36]. Read More | Work With Us, Travel and life evangelist. Interesting to note that every person gets 25 kilowatt of electricity, 50 cubic metres of natural gas, and 250 litres of water every month. Which brings us to our next point. Ok, this gets a bit confusing, so bear with us. A year later, all hospitals outside of the capital were closed. Turkmenistan tops the list with North Korea in terms of strange dictatorships. [11] According to the official version of his biography, his father, Atamyrat Nyazow, died in World War II fighting against Nazi Germany, while other sources contend that he dodged fighting and was therefore sentenced by a military court. The Turkmen Agricultural University is named after him, as is the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Military Institute. One can only theorize that he wanted all of the men of his country to follow suit and resemble him. However, if you have a legal issue with the video uploaded, please contact me first in order to resolve the problem quickly, swiftly and easily. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. The government has used central planning, such as state control of production and procurement, direct bank credits with low interest rates, exchange rate restrictions, and price controls, since it existed as a Republic within the USSR.[18].