Since 1993, thanks to Niyazov`s initiatives, all Turkmen citizens have had free access to gas, water and electricity. While he was at it, he changed the "Hippocratch Oath" to the "President's Oath". His birthday is designated as a national day (not an official holiday), called "Turkmenbashy Remembrance Day". Vistors to this city describe it as "strange" and "eerie". The highest of all honours. 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 However, this seems a bit beside the point when you realize that people got sick and couldn't access doctors. It`s just one of those strange Turkmen rules that only seem to make sense to its leader. Gurbansoltan Eje was named in honor of Niyazov's mother, and Serdar ("leader" in Turkmen) referred to Niyazov himself. This unique country holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. This unique country holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. The following is reprinted from Uncle John's Curiously Compelling Bathroom Reader. 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. 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. His mother, Gurbansoltan Eje, was part of the cult of personality later. Turkmenistan has the second-largest oil reserves in the former Soviet Union, generating high revenue for the state. Niyazov made the second Sunday of August "Melon Day" in honor of. You`re wrong. Let the entire world know that there has never been a place for evil and violence on the blessed Turkmen soil. 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. 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. According to the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, Turkmenistan ranked is 178th out of 180 with only North Korea and Eritrea below it. 2023 The Fact Network Ltd | All Rights Reserved. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Photo: IGOR SASIN / AFP Nice contribution. The capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, resembles a blend of Pyongyang and Las Vegas due to its fountains, boulevards, statues, and white buildings. 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. [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. "Niyazov's dental crackdown is the latest in a series of follies and caprices . One of the contentious laws outlaws gold teeth, opera, and spandex. Turkmenistan, since 1991, was ruled by President Saparmurat Niyazov until December 20, 2006, when he died of a heart attack. He is the only President of Turkmenistan to die in office. But it's a highly secretive country that is often referred to as a . For foreign nationals this can result in a fine and deportation from the country. Currently, there are following codes: Civil Code of Turkmenistan. Additionally, numerous petroleum transportation projects were completed such as a pipeline from the Korpedje field to Kort-Koi in Iran. Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov (Russian: ; Turkmen: Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow; 19 February 1940 - 21 December 2006), also known as Trkmenbay, was a Turkmen politician who ruled Turkmenistan as a dictator from 1985 until his death in 2006. 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]. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. However, as of 2019 it still hasn't been. As preferences go, we can't argue. The state was annexed by Russia in 1881 and consequently became part of the Soviet Union in 1925 as the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. Given that there is an abundance of natural gas in Turkmenistan, people never switch off the gas. 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. Previously, the government subsidized mortgages. "Head of General Staff of Turkmenistan accused in participation in November 2002 plot | Turkmenistan.ru", "Assassination Attempt A Response To Niyazov's Authoritarian Policies", "A failed coup after all? Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. Here, if you want a driving license, your skills with the steering wheel don't matter as much as your rote-learning of the Ruhnama. In an attempt to burn off the excess gas, Soviet engineers set it alight in 1971, estimating that it would take a few weeks to burn off. The authorities were unable to stop the campaign and the President responded by firing his Interior Minister and director of the police academy on national television. We do know that bathing suits are not banned. In 2005, lip syncing was banned at concerts. 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. ", Niyazov later announced that surveillance cameras were to be placed at all major streets and sites in Turkmenistan, an apparent precaution against future attempts. September? Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. 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. Some of these laws were rationalized under the premise of trying to preserve traditional Turkmen culture. In 1970, Soviet scientists drilled for natural gas, but their devices accidentally fell into the abyss, causing a natural gas leak. You have accepted additional cookies. In 2014, adventurer George Kourounis became the first person to enter the "Door to Hell" and reach the bottom of the pit. Saudi Arabia. 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. [7] He made it mandatory to read the Ruhnama in schools, universities and governmental organizations, new governmental employees were tested on the book at job interviews and an exam on its teachings was a part of the driving test in Turkmenistan. Only white cars are allowed in the capital. Photo: Drew Binsky Youtube video. Case Study: Destination & Product Development, Ashgabat, The City of Love: A Scavenger Hunt, 20 Sustainable Travel Tips: How to be a Good Global Traveler, Our Offbeat Travel List: 11 Destinations Youre Not ConsideringBut Should, Trekking Around the World: 15 Best Offbeat Treks That Youre Not ConsideringBut Should, How Street Food is the Ultimate Travel Guide: 50 Favorite Street Food Dishes. Enjoy these Turkmenistan facts that don't seem true, but strangely, they are. 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. Contact us. We are Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott, the husband-and-wife storytelling team behind Uncornered Market. Under Niyazov, the Turkmen Communist Party had a reputation as one of the most hardline and unreformed party organizations in the Soviet Union. Read More | Work With Us, Travel and life evangelist. If you are found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions. Homosexuality is still very much disapproved of socially. Turkmenistan, a land-locked country, is the least densely populated countryinCentral Asia. You must smile in public in Idaho. In 1998, President for Life Niyazov ordered the construction of a "monument to neutrality" at the cost of $12 million dollars. Do everything you can to get it across the border, even if you have to push it or drag it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Fact Site is the number one source for the most interesting & random facts about animals, celebrities, food, films, games & so much more. The situation with real estate is quite acceptable, but not as pleasant as before. It was reopened in 2009 after his death, by his successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Carpets of Turkmenistan. 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. 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. You are here: Although apparently not explicitly against the law, gold teeth did fall out of favor with Turkmenistan's elite during the era of Turkmenbashi. By Ella Morton. Turkmenistan weird laws "Perhaps we have enough for a ring," he pondered, "or maybe earrings. Turkmenistan's Melons. 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! In fact, taming of horses is one of the most respected jobs in the country. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 7) Thou shalt not name thy children strangely. One of the many weird rules framed by Niyazov in 2004 was that young men were barred from having beard or long hair. 110,000 people died when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Ashgabat and the surrounding region. Photo: Getty Images. The Turkmen Supreme Soviet declared Turkmenistan independent and appointed Niyazov as the country's first president on 27 October 1991. Turkmenistan, the small country in Central Asia, might be the world's strangest country when it comes to both architecture and the bizarre laws that the locals have to obey under the firm control of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the President of the country. Male homosexual activity is illegal, punishable by a custodial sentence. Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov (1991-2006) passed unusual laws during his term in the pretext of preserving ancient Turkmen culture. Press freedom under Niyazov's leadership was much criticised as it was with other former Soviet central Asian states. [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. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Turkmenistan is a sovereign state in Central Asia. This ghastly looking grater covers an area of more than 5,000 km, and was intentionally set on fire back in the early '70s when the Soviet government thought that there was oil to be discovered underneath. Actually, the President recently visited the site and drove doughtnuts around it! The post was equivalent to that of president. The strange thing is that the rule similar to one in Tajikistan still exists. John Oliver laid it all out during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight. Photo: Narendra Modi Youtube Channel. All foreign visitors, with the exception of accredited diplomats, are charged a tourism tax of 2 US dollars for each day of their stay in Turkmenistan. Many of the ordinary citizens wept dramatically as they walked, some even clinging to the coffin and fainting. It is hard to get photos of the city because the photographing of public buildings is banned. The Turkmen government closely controls what goes on in Turkmenistan's many theaters. [4], In 2005, Niyazov appointed Gurbanmyrat Ataew as Minister of Oil and Gas, succeeding Atamurad Berdyev.[19]. No less idiosyncratic than its architecture, Turkmenistan's laws are the stuff of laughter and legend. When he's not writing for the blog you can keep up with his adventures on. During Niyazov's presidency, a textile industry was founded in Turkmenistan. However, Ataew was arrested on 21 December 2006 and Berdimuhamedow was subsequently named acting president. Unfortunately for barbers, all Turkmens we spoke to indicated to us that this rule was myth. Photo: Getty Images. According to the newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan physicians were ordered to swear an oath to the President, replacing the Hippocratic Oath.[63]. As a result, even today, people are still not used to saving electricity, water or gas. January? The statue was designed to rotate so that sun would be shining on his likeness at all times of the day. One of the most bizarre laws from the incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is that you cannot have black cars in the capital city, Ashgabat. Every day at 8 pm, the covers of the statue would open and the audio passage of the Ruhanama was played for the citizens with the video. In many respects, Niyazov's cultural ideas and changes were most visible to external viewers. Berdymuhamedov`s 100-foot tribute to cycling. Niyazov had two children, both of whom have maintained distance from politics after their father's death.[98]. Otherwise, we may never see you again, implying that prison or worse awaited perpetrators of orphaned vehicles. Up to 2014, this also included the vehicles. [20][21] Nevertheless, Turkmenistan had an emergent period during which there was heavy investment in plant and machinery so the country could change from a producer of raw cotton to a cotton processor. [12][13][14], After finishing school in 1959, he worked as an instructor in the Turkmen trade-union exploratory committee. It was not amended or repealed by Berdymukhamedov. [97] A park in Turkey is named after him. In January 2018, the president banned black vehicles in the city because he associates black with bad luck. It has also destroyed the wildlife around it. 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. Prior to being moved to the village, Niyazov's body lay in state in an open coffin in the presidential palace from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Turkmenistan's media constantly doted on the president and helped build his cult of personality. Larger than any law, it illuminates the path of the Turkmen like the sun. Turkmenistan tops the list with North Korea in terms of strange dictatorships. Could you imagine enforcing this law in the U.Sor India? Niyazov said: Let this humane act on the part of the state serve strengthening truly moral values of the Turkmen society. Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. [73] The eccentric nature of some of his decrees, and the vast number of images of the president led to the perception, especially in western countries, of a despotic leader, rich on oil wealth glorifying himself whilst the population gained no benefit. He outlawed opera, ballet, circuses and philharmonic orchestras in 2001 for being "decidedly unturkmen-like". "Eavesdropping" on your own conversations is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in state prison in Illinois. Nearly half a century later, the fire is still burning. My first ever encounter with Turkmenistan was a weird one. The president of Turkmenistan (who called himself Turkmenbashi, leader of the Turkmen) is known for his strange YouTube videos and even stranger laws. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights. Do you think you have seen all the strange laws of Turkmenistan? [77], The circumstances of Niyazov's death have been surrounded by some media speculation. Spandex ban Another ban in the vein of "it's un-Turkmen." Rasizade, Alec. Guinness World Records - Largest Indoor Ferris Wheel. Writer, speaker, storyteller and consultant. [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]. Niyazov ordered that all mountains and places in Turkmenistan be named after Turkmen heroes, poets and leaders. From 1925-1991, it was part of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, a constituent republic of the Soviet Union. [66] Niyazov claimed those who read it thrice were destined for heaven. As usual when I can't decide, I choose both. Niyazov and his wife, Muza Melnikova, who was of Russian and Jewish descent, had a son (Murat) and a daughter (Irina). In kitapcy.com. Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. A difficult visa process is one of the reasons behind the low numbers. 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. The National Revival Movement, an organisation to promote Turkmen culture (Turkmen: "Galkynish"), was also founded. The Ancient City of Merv in South-Eastern Turkmenistan is a city that was completely destroyed several times. Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov (Russian: ; Turkmen: Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow[a]; 19 February 1940 21 December 2006), also known as Trkmenbay[b], was a Turkmen politician who ruled Turkmenistan as a dictator from 1985 until his death in 2006. . 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). One can only theorize that he wanted all of the men of his country to follow suit and resemble him. The current president, Berdimuhamedow, ordered the removal of the statue in 2010. And remember: having a criminal record is definitely not cool if you're a man over 40. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. This further meant that opposition to Niyazov was strictly forbidden and major opposition figures have been imprisoned, institutionalized, deported, or they have fled the country, and their family members are routinely harassed by the authorities. 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. [26] Today the 22nd Motor Rifle Division "Atamyrat Niyazov" deployed in Serdar carries his name.[27]. Constitution Constitution of Turkmenistan external link (University of Texas at Arlington) in English Executive President and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Judicial COURTS: Supreme Court Legislative PARLIAMENT: Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) FAOLEX: Turkmenistan external link (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) database of national laws and regulations on . He was first secretary of the Turkmen Communist Party from 1985 until 1991 and supported the 1991 . This rule is supposed to help families avoid going broke when throwing weddings for their daughters. 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. At the same time, he closed all libraries outside the capital because people in the countryside could not read. . 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 Mayor of Pocatello jokingly passed this law following a severe winter back in 1948, which dampened the morale of city employees and citizens alike. 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. BACKGROUNDTurkmenistan had been under the control of Russia for more than a . Ci sono spazi che sono fatti per la luce. This is my advice[55]. For the city in Daoguz Province, see. Check before taking photographs near potentially sensitive sites such as airports, military barracks, police stations, government buildings, embassies and the Presidential Palace. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Photo: Getty Images. When it comes to peculiar sites, Turkmenistan Is off the charts. This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran, and a huge desert, has been ruled by a dictator for 15 years with some truly bizarre laws. Yes, you read that correctly. 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. In his time, he was one of the world's most totalitarian, despotic and repressive dictators. Here's the scoop on Turkmenistan's laws and rules based on our peek inside the country. Smoking is definitely allowed. Cigarette stands on every corner are a testment to that. m). The land of Turkmenistan is 80 per cent desert and the life of Turkmen(citizens of Turkmenistan) is mostly nomadic. 20. (Seems just the order of things now): . In 1994 a plebiscite extended Niyazov's term to 2002 so he could oversee a 10-year development plan. Although it's been burning all this time, its future may be limited. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. [37] In 2006 Turkmenistan set free 10,056 prisoners, including 253 foreign nationals from 11 countries. Some of the first strange laws that were introduced occurred under Turkmenistan`s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov. Check the full list here. In May 2000, the government revoked all Internet licenses except for the state-owned Turkmen Telecom and in June 2001 shut down all Internet cafs. So yes, this weird Japanese law is actually enforced. You may be wondering if the Turkmen president is crazy? If you can't answer correctly, no driving license, sorry. THE PRESIDENT'SOBSESSION WITH HORSES, Turkmenistan's Akal-Teke horse. If you believe something to be incorrect, please leave us a message below. 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 . Its also one of the driest deserts in the world, with some areas recording only 0.005 inches (0.12mm) of precipitation annually. 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. Golden Statues and Mother Bread: The Bizarre Legacy of Turkmenistan's Former Dictator. According to some reports, he felt presenters should "appear natural" on-screen. However, be sure never to do it in Louisiana. Within mosques, it was to be treated the same as the Quran. The worlds biggest indoor Ferris wheel at 47,6m at the Alem entertainment center in the south of Ashgabat. When he tried to quit, he instigated this ban so as to eliminate temptation from people smoking on the street. 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! Not only this, local bookstores, government offices had to display it prominently. More than 100 countries later, we are still goingand still married. President Niyazov got the statue of Ruhnama made and installed at the capital city of Ashgabat. A dirty car offends the President, so all cars must be clean! [79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. Dogs were banned from the capital because of their unattractive smell. Students of all levels must adhere to a strict dress code. In most countries, getting a driving license requires a fair understanding of driving. The national anthem of Turkmenistan referred to him. Mrs Tullieva, a 32-year-old laboratory technician, had been sent home from work because of her offending teeth, as universities, government departments and state-run companies humoured their . In late 2020, teachers in Turkmenabat, the country`s second largest city, were banned from dyeing their lighter hair. On 21 June 1992 the Turkmenistani presidential election of 1992 featured Niyazov as the sole candidate, and chosen as the country's first popularly elected president. Young cant grow beards, no black cars, a record-breaking fascination for setting world records are some of the weirdfacts about Turkmenistan. Deserts and sand form the prominent part of the geography of the country today as it is home to Karakum desert. 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. So much white marble was used in Ashgabat that it holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest density of marble buildings. "[9], Under his rule, Turkmenistan had the lowest life expectancy in Central Asia. The Latin Turkmen alphabet consists of: Aa, Bb, , Dd, Ee, , Ff, Gg, Hh, Ii, Jj, , Kk, Ll, Mm, Nn, , Oo, , Pp, Rr, Ss, , Tt, Uu, , Ww, Yy, , Zz.[17]. We were so close to a visit when we were in this area in 2018, but we were a little nervous about Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and were also running out of time. One of the earliest acts of the president was to abolish the death penalty. Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov (1991-2006) passed unusual laws during his term in the pretext of preserving ancient Turkmen culture. That's "Ruhnama", which is the title of Niyazov's book. Telpek, a large sheepskin hat worn by men is one of the signs of the nomadic tradition.
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