For nearly 30 years, the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan has been a complete mystery to the outside world. The country developed mainly on its huge oil reserves.
According to domestic reports, in 2016, just over 6,000 tourists visited the country. Although planned as a leading tourist town, Azawa is often located in a deserted scene. Over the years, Turkmenistan has grown on its huge oil reserves. However, the sharp drop in oil prices in recent years seriously threatens the country’s economy. A recent report by the Center for Foreign Policy (UK) says that the Central Asian country is on the verge of collapse. (Photo: CNN).
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Saparmurat Niyazov took office as the first president of Turkmenistan. From there, Niyazov began the process of creating a new, self-reliant image. Many changes were made, including naming the months of the year after historical figures, including himself and his mother. In addition, Niyazov also built a golden statue of himself in the capital Ashgabat. (Photo: CNN).
After Niyazov’s death in 2006, former Health Minister Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov succeeded him. According to the Chronicles of Turkmenistan, “This cult of the individual has been replaced by another.” In the photo is President Berdymukhamedov holding a puppy for Russian President Vladimir Putin at the resort of Sochi, Russia, in 2017. (Photo: CNN).
The domestic media often portrays the 52-year-old president as a genius with endless possibilities. Berdymukhamedov often appears while riding, DJing, playing with his grandson… He is also said to be the author of about 40 books on tea, herbs, horses… (Photo: Telegraph).
Mr. Berdymukhamedov built Ashgabat from the “sleeping” capital into a magnificent place. Recently, an airport shaped like a bird was built at a cost of 2.3 billion USD. In addition, an “Olympic village” was also built, serving the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, costing billion. (Image: Shutterstock).
An unnamed Frenchman who worked in Ashgabat for a year described: “The city is filled with white marble, there are big theaters without people, there is no foreign brands, and the president’s pictures are not. at every corner of the road” . (Photo: CNN).
Since taking power, Mr. Berdymukhamedov has been surrounded by family members and powerful businessmen. In 2018, Transparency International ranked Turkmenistan 161 out of 179 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (the lower the rank, the higher the corruption). In the photo is a golden statue of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on horseback, placed on a white granite block in the capital Ashgabat. (Photo: CNN).
In terms of mystery, Turkmenistan is no less than North Korea. Strict controls mean very little information can get out of the country. Most foreign websites are blocked. (Photo: CNN).
The entire economy of Turkmenistan depends on oil and gas exports. Currently, China is the country’s main oil buyer. Pictured is the inauguration of the refinery at the Galkynysh oil field attended by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. (Photo: CNN).
Over the past few weeks, President Berdymukhamedov’s health has been questioned. From July 5 to now, he has only appeared in front of the press three times. The last time the media reported on him was when the evening news on the evening of August 4 showed clips of the president enjoying his vacation. However, many people pointed out that these images are not clear when they were shot or taken. (Photo: CNN).