The incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov was his successor and hasruled asthe dictator-President of Turkmenistan since then. [30] In February 2005 all hospitals outside Ashgabat were ordered closed, with the reasoning that the sick should come to the capital for treatment. Thereby, January was renamed as Turkmenbasy, meaning Leader of the Turkmen, February as Baydak after the Turkmen Flag, April as Gurbansoltan after his mother. The Akhal-Teke horse also appears on the national emblem of Turkmenistan. One of the contentious laws outlaws gold teeth, opera, and spandex. Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow or Turkmenbashi [wiki] (1940 - 2006)After the USSR broke up in 1991, the Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan became an independent nation but had no identity of its own. Some of his creations remain unchanged, including the celebration of Melon Day. Press freedom under Niyazov's leadership was much criticised as it was with other former Soviet central Asian states. Since 1993, the people of Turkmenistanhave been given free water, electricity and gas. President for life Saparmurat Niyazov implemented many laws during his reign, here are some of them: In February 2004, men were banned from wearing long hair or beards. Newly issued Turkmenistani manat banknotes did not feature his portrait. The view is awe-inspiring at night as the flames light up against the pitch darkness of the desert. I check as often as I can. Ci sono spazi che sono fatti per la luce. Turkmenistan tops the list with North Korea in terms of strange dictatorships. Also, dirty cars are not allowed. A year later, all hospitals outside of the capital were closed. The market has adapted to the rule and many female students simply buy fake braids and attach them to their takhyas or buy ready-made headgear to hide shorter haircuts. It is a cultural sign of appreciation for a family to offer guests a plate of plov whenever they visit. Connecting people to experiences that will change their lives. The Bayou State has declared it illegal to send anything to a person's house . Turkmenistan, since 1991, was ruled by President Saparmurat Niyazov until December 20, 2006, when he died of a heart attack. Dogs were banned from the capital due to their unappealing odor. Smoking was banned in all public places and for all government employees. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. Niyazov himself had short hair and was clean shaven. You may be wondering if the Turkmen president is crazy? Berdymuhamedov`s 100-foot tribute to cycling. He also granted official human rights to the people, though they were not respected in practice with his government being criticised as one of the worst human rights violators in the world. Follow me on social media too:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeurasiia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/eurasiia1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Books and Websites Used:1. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/world/asia/21cnd-turkmen.html 2. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12316714 3. https://www.unusualtraveler.com/all-the-strange-bizarre-things-you-didnt-know-about-turkmenistan/ 4. https://www.thefactsite.com/turkmenistan-facts/ 5. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/11/you-crazy-dictator-bread-and-circuses-in-turkmenistan/265125/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Editing Software: DaVinci ResolveBackground Music: - Jovial by Peyruis (You can check out more of his great music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qu7S) All music and pictures were downloaded and used legally per individual requirements. Young cant grow beards, no black cars, a record-breaking fascination for setting world records are some of the weirdfacts about Turkmenistan. In 2005, Nizayov flew to Moscow to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the war's end, and just days prior, he awarded Turkmen veterans of the war as well as Russian veterans on behalf of Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian veterans on behalf of Viktor Yushchenko. At the same time, he closed all libraries outside the capital because people in the countryside could not read. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. 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. According to the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, Turkmenistan ranked is 178th out of 180 with only North Korea and Eritrea below it. Male homosexual activity is illegal, punishable by a custodial sentence. He took the name for bread. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. The Darwaza Crater or the Hells Gate as it is famously known, is not a natural phenomenon butthe result of a natural gas drilling expedition going horribly wrong. Niyazov ordered that all mountains and places in Turkmenistan be named after Turkmen heroes, poets and leaders. Now that you know the strange laws that are made in the country, here are some interesting facts about Turkmenistan. He is the only President of Turkmenistan to die in office. Niyazov was also once quoted as saying that God himself told him that anybody who will read the book will directly enter heaven. He grew up in a Soviet orphanage before the state put him in the custody of a distant relative. 16. For example: no opera, gold teeth or spandex. As usual when I can't decide, I choose both. Fortunately, her diplomatic status saved her from fines and her car from the impound lot. The presidents passed other laws just because he had the power to do so; for example, he named the days of the week after his immediate family members. 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. In 1948, one of the world's deadliest earthquakes struck Turkmenistan. It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit. Gurbansoltan Eje was named in honor of Niyazov's mother, and Serdar ("leader" in Turkmen) referred to Niyazov himself. Turkmenistan's Melons. Gold Statue of Former Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov. The following year, in 2014, the current president of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, declared that all Turkmen universities would no longer test their students for their knowledge of Ruhnama.It that the strange laws in Turkmenistan would end. Berdimuhamedow also trimmed official references to Niyazov's biographical book, Ruhnama, in Spring 2007, and around 2009-10, television broadcasts of Ruhnama stopped. Maybe it wasn't just lip syncing that Niyazov disliked, but just singing in general? Learn how your comment data is processed. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. The statue was designed to rotate so that sun would be shining on his likeness at all times of the day. Here are 20 such weird facts about Turkmenistan: A complex visa regimen makesTurkmenistan one of the least visited countries in the world. Via Emil Delavele 18 A In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights. The Turkmen government closely controls what goes on in Turkmenistan's many theaters. This is my advice[55]. Since 1993, thanks to Niyazov`s initiatives, all Turkmen citizens have had free access to gas, water and electricity. The Mayor of Pocatello jokingly passed this law following a severe winter back in 1948, which dampened the morale of city employees and citizens alike. His renaming of months, as well as most of the days of the week, to Turkmen heroes, poets, historical events,[22] family members and himself was an unexpected development. John Oliver laid it all out during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight. [78], Foreign news reports also claimed that Niyazov also suffered from ischemic heart disease and kidney failure due to being overweight and overindulgence of alcohol. The Turkmen Supreme Soviet declared Turkmenistan independent and appointed Niyazov as the country's first president on 27 October 1991. America's Strangest 15 Laws. However, the rule of no public smoking is enforced. [75][76] One month prior to his death, Niyazov had publicly announced that he had been taking heart medication for the past few years for an unidentified cardiac condition. In an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, Niyazov claimed that Turkmenistan was able to process 85% of its domestic output. Oh, Turkmenistan how we overlook thee. Speaking of cities, their capital city is bizarre and made out of marble Many buildings in Ashgabat are reminiscent of old Soviet blocks, except made of marble. It is the second largest land-locked country in Central Asia next to Kazakhstan; andTurkmenistan'scapital and largest city, Ashgabat, sharesits southern border with Iran. Sending a delicious pepperoni pizza pie to a friend out of the blue sounds like a thoughtful gesture. April? You should take care over public displays of affection. It is one of those dishes that you will see everywhere, from family picnics to wedding celebrations. Saparmurat Niyazov was the President of Turkmenistan from 1991-2006. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, 10 Unique And Interesting Facts About Turkmenistan, 8 Interesting And Unique Facts About Somalia, 10 Interesting And Unique Facts About Samoa, 10 Interesting And Unique Facts About Botswana, 10 Unique And Interesting Facts About Uzbekistan. Niyazov had ordered the book to be kept in all the mosques. No one that we spoke to could provide confirmation of weddings being raided by the attendance police. The president of Turkmenistan (Turkmen: Trkmenistany prezidenti), officially the president and chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, is the head of state and head of government of Turkmenistan.The president is also the supreme commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and heads the State Security Council.. Serdar Berdimuhamedow is the current president of . For foreign nationals this can result in a fine and deportation from the country. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. Yearly plans set forth by the government and a centralised economy gave little indication of moving away from state-dominated economics, and the dictatorial nature of many of his decrees and his declaring himself "President for Life" gave little hope as to much progress in these two areas. President for Life, Saparmurat Niyazov implemented many laws throughout his reign, here are just a few: In February 2004 men were banned from having long hair or beards. Here are some that Saparmurat Niyazov has implemented. One can only theorize that he wanted all of the men of his country to follow suit and resemble him. Oral sex is illegal. A picture of the Hell's Gate or the Darwaza Crater. When it comes to peculiar sites, Turkmenistan Is off the charts. Young people can not grow beards, black cars, a record fascination with world records are some of the strange facts about Turkmenistan. In March 2005, he ordered the closure of all hospitals outside Ashgabat, stating that the sick should go to the capital for treatment. The garment is made of sheepskin and is worn on the head to resemble a turban. mejek hrat Trkmen Edebiyaty Publisistika. He banned men from having long hair or beards, banned opera, banned city dogs, and even renamed the days and months of the year after his family members. For these, and other reasons, the US government said that by the time he died, "Niyazov's personality cult had reached the dimensions of a state-imposed religion."[74]. Turkmenbashi inhaled. Swearing in public in St. Kitts could get you in hot water. In 2008, President Berdymukhamedov added a new subsidy, of giving 120 litres of fuel to every individual every month. In kitapcy.com. In 2017, the World Press Freedom Index ranked 178th of 180 countries, just below Eritrea and North Korea. Which brings us to our next point. Ok, this gets a bit confusing, so bear with us. One of the contentious laws outlaws gold teeth, opera, and spandex. ", Niyazov later announced that surveillance cameras were to be placed at all major streets and sites in Turkmenistan, an apparent precaution against future attempts. No doubt the law was on the books (or in someone's book, or maybe on Turkmenbashi's palm), but it was never enforced. In Ashgabat, he erected a rotating, $12 million, golden statue of himself that always faces the sun. Some historians believe that over one million people were killed. Theroux, Paul. 6. Moreover, there is also a carpet on the national flag of Turkmenistan. Rasizade, Alec. In most countries, getting a driving license requires a fair understanding of driving. 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. Sabol, Steven. The post was equivalent to that of president. [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. According to the newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan physicians were ordered to swear an oath to the President, replacing the Hippocratic Oath.[63]. 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 From the United States, based in Berlin, world-bound. [26] Today the 22nd Motor Rifle Division "Atamyrat Niyazov" deployed in Serdar carries his name.[27]. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [16] However, after the coup collapsed, he set about separating Turkmenistan from the dying Soviet Union. Yes, you read that correctly. In 1994 a plebiscite extended Niyazov's term to 2002 so he could oversee a 10-year development plan. (Seems just the order of things now): . According to the state-run newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan, the President has orderedhis Cabinet ministers to find a way to close theearthlygates of hell. After learning all these Turkmenistan facts its clear to see that this little unknown country deserves to be on anyones travel bucket list. . Photo: Drew Binsky Youtube video. Up to 2014, this also included the vehicles. If we were asked why a plane flies to Turkmenistan, we would say it is because of the buoyancy force. It is made in compounds of rice with chunks of meat, carrot, and spices, fried in a large pan or a cauldron. Transfixed in Turkmenistan: so fitting. Niyazov continued the old practice of demanding yearly quotas in agricultural output, and then blaming and/or sacking deputy ministers when quotas were not met. This is also why there are a number of car-washing stations on the outskirts of the city, so that people can get their cars cleaned before entering the city. His mother and two brothers were killed in the devastating 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. On 28 December 1999, Parliament declared Niyazov President for Life; parliamentary elections had been held a few weeks earlier for which the president had hand-picked all candidates. 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). Only men above 70 could keep a beard. Read More | Work With Us, Travel and life evangelist. The strange thing is that the rule similar to one in Tajikistan still exists. [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]. Some Turkmen opposition sources also claim that Niyazov died several days before the officially announced date of 21 December. No more than 2 packets of 20 cigarettes per person, 2 cigars and 2 packets of loose tobacco not weighing more than 2 packets of cigarettes can be imported. Inside Central Asia. The Darwaza Crater or The Hell's gate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, next time you're trying to remember how to distinguish Turkmenistan, just think of these strange yet riveting facts about the country. and talks with Tajik opposition leader. 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. Enjoy these Turkmenistan facts that don't seem true, but strangely, they are. Originally from the U.S. Daniel has lived abroad since 2001 and most recently has been on the road since 2006. [80] The Turkmen Air Force patrolled the funeral cortege as part of the farewell of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan. 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. As per the newspaper, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan has been asked to gather scientists, and if necessary, foreign consultants, and find a way to extinguish the fire. If you can't answer correctly, no driving license, sorry. Many of the ordinary citizens wept dramatically as they walked, some even clinging to the coffin and fainting. Turkmenistan has no ties to NATO or the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). He also took part in creating new holidays with a specific Turkmen nature and introduced a new Latin-based Turkmen alphabet to replace Russian Cyrillic. Pilaf, the staple diet of Turkmenistan. We are Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott, the husband-and-wife storytelling team behind Uncornered Market. That's "Ruhnama", which is the title of Niyazov's book. According to the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru, right-hand-drive imported cars converted to left-hand-drive were banned due to a perceived increased risk in accidents. After all, it's hard to forget about a place once you know what goes on behind closed doors. SUBSCRIBE for More Travel Videos: http://bit.ly/2hyQnZ1 Get My Top 100 Travel Pics FREE! Outside of Hell`s Gate, the country has one of the weirdest sets of rules and living conditions for its people. [96] In November 2022, however, the cities of Niyazov, Gurbansoltan Eje, and Serdar were renamed. The country stands as one of the most repressed countries of the world, with a one-party government and President Berdymukhamedov's dictatorship style of working. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has experienced some crazy laws, and these here are the top 10 most unbelievable laws from Turkmenistan.Thanks for watching! 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. Google Maps. President for life Saparmurat Niyazov implemented many laws during his reign, here are some of them: In February 2004, men were banned from wearing long hair or beards. Turkmen State University even had a "Department of the Holy Ruhnama of Turkmenbashy, the Great", and Ruhnama Studies were pursued as a major research agenda in the country, often at the cost of academic disciplines. Thanks! However, be sure never to do it in Louisiana. He then studied at the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, where in 1967 he received a diploma as an electrical engineer. This one is still on the books but not enforced. One of the many strange rules established by Niyazov in 2004 was that young men were forbidden to have a beard or long hair. Feb 06, 2014 1:28 PM. Its also one of the driest deserts in the world, with some areas recording only 0.005 inches (0.12mm) of precipitation annually. As preferences go, we can't argue. Otherwise, we may never see you again, implying that prison or worse awaited perpetrators of orphaned vehicles. In Billings, Montana it's illegal to buy or raise rats as pets. As the buyer, you should be aware of possible: . For other uses, see, "Nyazow" redirects here. However, this seems a bit beside the point when you realize that people got sick and couldn't access doctors. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The Ruhnama a book written by Saparmurat Niyazov had to be displayed in locations of prominence, all government buildings, and shops. After graduating, he went to study in Russia, but was expelled a few years later for academic failure.[1]. 3. 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). To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran and a vast desert has been ruled for 15 years by a dictator with really bizarre laws. Although apparently not explicitly against the law, gold teeth did fall out of favor with Turkmenistan's elite during the era of Turkmenbashi. The current president, Berdimuhamedow, ordered the removal of the statue in 2010. BACKGROUNDTurkmenistan had been under the control of Russia for more than a . An unmarried woman cannot go skydiving on a Sunday. In his time, he was one of the world's most totalitarian, despotic and repressive dictators. [1], Niyazov was buried in his ready prepared tomb in Kipchak Mosque on 24 December at his home village of Gypjak, approximately 7 kilometres (4.3mi) west of Ashgabat. He also ordered that each broadcast begin with a pledge that the broadcaster's tongue would shrivel if he/she slanders the country, flag, and/or president. Photo: Narendra Modi Youtube Channel. Only men over 70 years old could keep a beard. After Niyazov's death, his successor as president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, began to remove some eccentric features of Niyazov's personality cult. You are here: [57], On 25 November 2002, Niyazov's motorcade was fired upon at about 7 a.m. in downtown Ashgabat as he was traveling to his office from his official residence in Arshabil. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. You have rejected additional cookies. 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. 5. Turkmenbashi, Smiling Leader of Turkmenistan. Photo: Getty Images. 60 Weird Laws Around the World By Lissa Poirot and Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on February 7, 2023 Getty Images Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. The first, Niyazov, ruled for 15 years and called himself the "President for Life". The book is supposed to orbit earth for the next 150 years. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. 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! In many respects, Niyazov's cultural ideas and changes were most visible to external viewers. [79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. While Saudi Arabia has recently took down their curtains and huddled with the rest of the world, the country is still deeply rooted in laws that stemmed from religion and tradition. As a result, even today, people are still not used to saving electricity, water or gas. The Arch of Neutrality, the rotating golden statue of Niyazov, was moved from downtown Ashgabat to the southern edge of the city on 26 August 2010. The good folks over at Olivet Nazarene University put together an infographic of some of the most outrageous, confusing and downright weird legislation instilled around our . This puts it in the top 10 of most censored countries. Seychelles, Sierra Leone . Previously, the government subsidized mortgages. 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. . The geologists lit a fire imagining that it would burn for a couple of days. Niyazov claimed that it was an attempt at a coup, and as a result, the Turkmen government arrested thousands of suspected conspirators and members of their families. Though locals may plead ignorance or flat out deny that some of these laws ever existed, here's what we discovered about some of the more notable whacky entries conjured up by the former president, Sapmurat Niyazov (otherwise known as Turkmenbashi, Leader of all Turkmens). In 2006, a 42-year-old postman from Saitama Prefecture was arrested for putting chocolate ice cream inside a mailbox. You can change your cookie settings at any time. The melons of Turkmenistan are so sweet and revered that they are recognized by a national holiday. His presidency was characterised by an initial crumbling of the centralised Soviet model that in many respects was unsuited for a transition to smaller, separate, states. In 1998 Niyazov closed the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. "Turkmenistan: Permanent Transition or Elusive Stability? Copyright 2023, Uncornered Market. The highest number of fountains in public spaces and the highest concentration of white marble buildings with 543 in an area of 4.5m square meters. Turkmenistan, a land-locked country, is the least densely populated countryinCentral Asia. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Do you think you have seen all the strange laws of Turkmenistan? Turkmen rules are getting even weirder. [28] By 2005, there were 36,000 Internet users in Turkmenistan, representing 0.7% of the population. It is composed of rice, carrot, meat and lots of spices cooked in a large plan. [25] Individually, Niyazov's father was awarded the honorary title of Hero of Turkmenistan in 1994 and in 2004, a division of the Turkmen Ground Forces was renamed after Atamyrat Nyazow. While the buildings are very well-kept, they are often empty and give the impression of a ghost town. A year later, Berdymukhamedov declared that the Turkmen universities would no longer test students on the knowledge of Ruhnama. When he tried to quit, he instigated this ban so as to eliminate temptation from people smoking on the street. My first ever encounter with Turkmenistan was a weird one. However, most of its area is inhospitable to plant and animal life. Guinness World Records - Largest Indoor Ferris Wheel. With that in mind, here is a complete travel guide to Turkmenistan to get you prepared and ready, with a few Turkmenistan facts and strange laws to go along with it. January? 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. During a sunny day, the city center shines glamorously due to the white marble. It is nearly incomprehensible that a desert place can produce melon, but some of the best melons in the world are grown in Turkmenistan. You are asked questions from the book. On 13 January 1990, Niyazov became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR, the supreme legislative body in the republic.