10 Fascinating Facts About Turkmenistan

🏛️Turkmenistan is known for its white marbled buildings that dominate the skyline of its capital, Ashgabat.

🌋The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Gates of Hell', has been burning since 1971.

🚗Black cars are illegal in Ashgabat, with about 90% of cars being white.

🏟️The Olympic Village in Ashgabat, built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, cost a staggering $5 billion.

🌐Internet access is heavily censored in Turkmenistan, with social media apps and mainstream news sources blocked.

Why are Turkmenistan's buildings white?

—The former dictator of Turkmenistan made it a law that all buildings in Ashgabat should be made of white marble, symbolizing extravagance and wealth.

Is Turkmenistan safe to visit?

—While Turkmenistan is generally safe, it's advised to follow local laws and customs, and ensure you have the necessary visas and permissions to visit.

What is the main language spoken in Turkmenistan?

—The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen, but Russian is also widely spoken.

Are tourists allowed to enter Turkmenistan?

—Yes, tourists are allowed to enter Turkmenistan, but it requires a visa and certain travel restrictions may apply.

What is the cuisine like in Turkmenistan?

—Turkmen cuisine is influenced by nomadic traditions and includes dishes such as pilaf, kebabs, and various dairy-based products.

01:25Turkmenistan is a country with a rich Silk Road history and a fascinating nomadic culture.

01:43The Turkmen Bashi Mosque, built at a cost of over $1 billion, is completely empty.

02:10The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Gates of Hell', has been burning since 1971.

02:24Black cars are illegal in Ashgabat, with about 90% of cars being white.

02:42The Olympic Village in Ashgabat, built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, is a massive complex with over 30 sporting arenas.

03:07Internet access in Turkmenistan is heavily censored, with social media apps and mainstream news sources blocked.

03:19The eight-pointed star is a prominent symbol found throughout Turkmenistan.

03:43The Wedding Palace in Ashgabat is a 67-meter tall building that resembles a giant disco ball.