The capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, resembles a blend of Pyongyang and Las Vegas due to its fountains, boulevards, statues, and white buildings. Another ban in the vein of it's un-Turkmen. No one we spoke to seemed to know much about this rule. So yes, this weird Japanese law is actually enforced. Learn how your comment data is processed. [4] In 1999, the Assembly of Turkmenistan declared Niyazov President for Life of Turkmenistan. 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. January? In 2013, seven years after Niyazovs death, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered the removal of Ruhnama from all public schools. It was reopened in 2009 after his death, by his successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. This is my advice[55]. Niyazov simultaneously cut funding to and partially disassembled the education system in the name of "reform", while injecting ideological indoctrination into it by requiring all schools to use his own book, the Ruhnama, as their primary text. Email: info@inled.info. During his time in office, he banned the act of lip syncing at public concerts as well as at public celebrations. One can only theorize that he wanted all of the men of his country to follow suit and resemble him. A peep into the strange world of Turkmenbashi, whose every word is law Pilaf, the staple diet of Turkmenistan. Copyright 2023, Uncornered Market. Turkmenbashi, Smiling Leader of Turkmenistan. [citation needed], Niyazov became president at the transition of Turkmenistan from a Soviet republic to an independent state. and talks with Tajik opposition leader. Photo: Getty Images. Now, these subsidies are only given to a certain group of government employees, such as those who work in the oil and gas industry. [79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights. You have rejected additional cookies. July 1983 officially saw the hottest day in Turkmenistan and the Soviet Union it was recorded at the Repetek Reserve at 122 F. Turkmenistan has the 6th largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world. During his reign, which ended in 2006, he cultivated a cult of personality, and did many things in his time that were questionable to say the least. The month September was also named after his book Ruhnama. Somewhere, a bit of greasing of the palms of the license-givers. The Turkmen Supreme Soviet declared Turkmenistan independent and appointed Niyazov as the country's first president on 27 October 1991. 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. The country produces sweet, juicy melons, for which it has even created a special day. In 1998 Niyazov closed the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. Who knows what opportunities may knock with the passing of Turkmenbashi. Dogs were banned from the capital because of their unattractive smell. But it's a highly secretive country that is often referred to as a . Nearly half a century later, the fire is still burning. You have accepted additional cookies. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Strange weird snapshot photo wild hula dances wild beach holiday bizarre +2314F at the best online prices at eBay! Photo: IGOR SASIN / AFP Nice contribution. The Turkmen can also be sensitive about pictures being taken in the Teke, Russian and Tolkuchka bazaars in Ashgabat. But Berdymuhamedov also passed bizarre laws. The state was annexed by Russia in 1881 and consequently became part of the Soviet Union in 1925 as the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. The Turkmen government closely controls what goes on in Turkmenistan's many theaters. Larger than any law, it illuminates the path of the Turkmen like the sun. Cigarette stands on every corner are a testment to that. The view is awe-inspiring at night as the flames light up against the pitch darkness of the desert. Turkmenistan has the second-largest oil reserves in the former Soviet Union, generating high revenue for the state. Yes, you read that correctly. In March 2005, he ordered the closure of all hospitals outside Ashgabat, stating that the sick should go to the capital for treatment. Although the crater looks like a natural feature, it is a result of drilling by Soviet geologists in the early 1970s. Everything you need to know before traveling to Turkmenistan the strange country located in Central Asia. Niyazov supported the Soviet coup attempt of 1991. The incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov was his successor and hasruled asthe dictator-President of Turkmenistan since then. 9 fascinating facts about Turkmenistan - G Adventures All Rights Reserved, 80 per cent desert and the life of Turkmen, As per the record, the city has 543 white marble buildings covering an area of 4.5 million square metres. Illustration: Seemon The progressive erosion of women`s rights conflicts with Turkmenistan`s Constitution, laws and international conventions, to which Turkmenistan is a signatory, including the 1997 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).