Turkmenabat
In the eastern region of Turkmenistan, close to the Uzbek border, is the city of Turkmenabat. It is the second-largest city in the nation with a population of over 250,000 and a significant cultural and economic hub in the area. The city has a long history and boasts archaeological sites that date back thousands of years. It is situated on the historic Silk Road commerce route. In the current day, Turkmenabat is a lively city with a blend of traditional and modern buildings, a thriving cultural scene, and bustling bazaars.
Religion of Turkmenabat:
Muslims make up the bulk of the population of Turkmenabat, with Sunni Islam being the most prevalent branch. Islam has played a key influence in Turkmen culture for millennia and continues to do so now. Mosques play a significant role in the city’s landscape, and many Turkmenabat people actively participate in their religion.
Turkmenabat is home to minor Jewish and Russian Orthodox Christian populations in addition to the Muslim population. There is a tiny synagogue for the Jewish population, and the Russian Orthodox Church is present in the city.
Overall, Turkmenabat has a long history of religious variety and tolerance, and religion plays a significant part in the lives of many residents of the city.
Thriving Economy:
An important business hub in eastern Turkmenistan is Turkmenabat. The city’s economy is broad, with large contributions from light industry, agriculture, and cotton processing. Due to its proximity to the Uzbek border, the city has developed into a significant hub of trade and business, with many goods and commodities passing through it on their route to other regions of Central Asia and beyond.
The city of Turkmenabat serves as a significant hub for cotton growing and processing, making the cotton sector particularly significant to the city’s economy. The city also has significant industry in the fields of textiles, light manufacturing, and food processing.
Turkmenabat has also witnessed a booming tourist economy in recent years, with travelers drawn to the city by its extensive history and cultural legacy. The city is home to a variety of historical landmarks and tourist attractions, including old forts, cemeteries, and museums as well as breathtaking natural features like the Kugitang Mountains.
Turkmenabat’s economy is broad and expanding overall, with a variety of sectors supporting the city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.
Politics:
Turkmenistan, a one-party state with a presidential form of government, has the city of Turkmenabat. The Democratic Party of Turkmenistan is in charge of running the nation, and the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
Turkmenabat’s politics are closely regulated by the government, just like they are throughout the rest of Turkmenistan. The city is split into administrative districts, and a local council chosen by the federal government oversees each area. The local councils are in charge of a number of tasks, including as social assistance programs, public services, and infrastructure.
The central government frequently initiates and oversees large projects like the construction of new roads, buildings, and public spaces, underscoring the central government’s prominent role in the growth and planning of the city. The president routinely travels to the city and other regions of the nation to inspect construction projects and have meetings with local leaders.
The central government dominates the city’s governance and development, and politics in Turkmenabat are often strongly linked to the country’s overall political climate.
Vibrant Culture of Turkmenabat City::
The rich cultural legacy of Turkmenabat is a reflection of the region’s historical ties to many ethnic groups as well as its location along the Silk Road trade route. With a variety of traditions and practices still being observed today, the city boasts a thriving cultural environment.
The arts of music and dance are among Turkmenabat’s most significant cultural traditions. Many regional festivals and festivities include folk music and dancing, with traditional instruments like the dutar and gijak being played alongside more contemporary ones like the guitar and piano.
In particular, the city is renowned for producing traditional Turkmen carpets, which are prized for their elaborate patterns and vivid colors. Numerous expert carpet weavers who still use age-old methods to create high-quality carpets call the city home.
The city’s culture also places a strong emphasis on religion, with Islam predominating in the area. Numerous old mosques in the city, some of which are significant cultural and architectural relics and date as far back as the 14th century.
Turkmenabat’s culture, in general, is a rich and varied fusion of many traditions and rituals that reflect the city’s lengthy history and the impact of various civilizations that have traveled through the area throughout the years.
Must-Visit Attractions in Turkmenabat:
Abiverd Fortress: This ancient fortress is located on a hill overlooking the city and is thought to date back to the 7th century. It is an important historical site and a popular tourist destination.
Amul-Khazar Carpet Museum: This museum is dedicated to the art of carpet weaving and showcases a range of traditional Turkmen carpets, as well as other handicrafts and artifacts.
Turkmenabat Bazaar: This bustling market is a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional food and handicrafts.
Kugitang Nature Reserve: This protected area is located in the nearby Kugitang Mountains and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Turkmenistan argali sheep.
Hojambaz Mausoleum: This historic mausoleum is located just outside of Turkmenabat and is a popular pilgrimage site for local Muslims.
Parau Bibi Mausoleum: This 14th-century mausoleum is located in the nearby town of Konye-Urgench and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aral Sea: Although not located in Turkmenabat itself, the Aral Sea is located just a few hours’ drive away and is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the natural beauty of Central Asia.
To know more about the other cities of Turkmenistan please click here.