[79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. The locals were ordered to recite Ruhnama every day. However, Ataew was arrested on 21 December 2006 and Berdimuhamedow was subsequently named acting president. During his rule, Niyazov created a strong cult of personality around himself, which resembled the one around the Kim dynasty in North Korea. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Every second Sunday in the month of August is celebrated as the National Melon Day by the people. Here are some that Saparmurat Niyazov has implemented. He was heavily critcised by the Muslim population, but none dared to do so openly. Male homosexual activity is illegal, punishable by a custodial sentence. This one is still on the books but not enforced. [37] In 2006 Turkmenistan set free 10,056 prisoners, including 253 foreign nationals from 11 countries. 2. 20. However, most of its area is inhospitable to plant and animal life. It was not changed or repealed by Berdymukhamedov. [28] By 2005, there were 36,000 Internet users in Turkmenistan, representing 0.7% of the population. He took the name for bread. This one's true. Pilov is the staple diet of the people of Turkmenistan. 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. No, that's "Leader of Turkmen" month. A major element of the original constitution was permanent neutrality, which was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1995. Gold Statue of Former Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov. However, Turkmenistan is also no stranger to bizarre behavior from its political powers. Apparently, lip syncing was not an activity held in high esteem by Niyazov. 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. This unique country holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. [23] Not all the changes promoted Niyazov; October was renamed Garasyzlyk (Independence) to mark the state's founding on 27 October 1991, and November Sanjar in honour of Sultan Sanjar who led the Seljuqs to their last full flowering. The post was equivalent to that of president. Oral sex is illegal. At the same time, he closed all libraries outside the capital because people in the countryside could not read. In the year 2002, Niyazov decided that every day of the month and week would be renamed after his family members. If you have video suggestions, leave them in the comments. Saparmurat Niyazov, former president of Turkmenistan, has left quite Turkmenbashi inhaled. For many in the west, it's hard to keep the countries of Central Asia straight, no matter how fascinating and unique each one may be. At any time,. There was outside concern about press freedom and to a lesser extent religious rights of minority religious groups. Transfixed in Turkmenistan: so fitting. Via Emil Delavele 18 A Keep it Legal: China's 10 Strangest Rules and Laws - eChinacities.com Each university has its own color and texture of fabric for clothing, and it is strictly forbidden to deviate from this requirement, even from shade. 19. 40 Weird Laws in the U.S | Far & Wide - farandwide.com Rapper 50 Cent found out the hard way this small Caribbean nation takes public swearing seriously. [33][34] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan strongly denied allegations that the cut in pensions resulted in the deaths of many elderly Turkmens, accusing foreign media outlets of spreading "deliberately perverted" information on the issue. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. During the drilling, their equipment, including heavy machines fell into the crater, and natural gas began escaping. They were given bones to gnaw to strengthen their teeth. [32], In January 2006, one-third of the country's elderly had their pensions discontinued, while another 200,000 had theirs reduced. After all, it's hard to forget about a place once you know what goes on behind closed doors. The Craziest Dictators In Human History - All That's Interesting The Ancient City of Merv in South-Eastern Turkmenistan is a city that was completely destroyed several times. By Author Christian L. Posted on Published: December 22, 2021 - Last . President of Turkmenistan - Wikipedia Up to 2014, this also included the vehicles. . Larger than any law, it illuminates the path of the Turkmen like the sun. When I mention Turkmenistan, often people look at me with a confused stare and then ask what it is a place, a city, what? [75][76] One month prior to his death, Niyazov had publicly announced that he had been taking heart medication for the past few years for an unidentified cardiac condition. 7. Niyazov said: Let this humane act on the part of the state serve strengthening truly moral values of the Turkmen society. 15 Weird and Crazy Laws Around the World Carpets of Turkmenistan. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Somewhere, a bit of greasing of the palms of the license-givers. 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. 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. One of the earliest acts of the president was to abolish the death penalty. The Darvaza Gas Craters, or Gates to Hell as the locals know it, is a 226 feet (60 m) wide and 98 feet (30 m) deep crater that has huge deposits of oil and natural gas. The official results showed that 99.9% of voters approved this proposal. Laws of Turkmenistan It was captured by the Mongols who executed the entire population, apart from 400 artisans. It's illegal to skateboard without a skateboarding license. In 2008, less than two years after Niyazov's death, the names of months and days of the week changed by Niyazov were restored,[90] and reference in the National Anthem of Turkmenistan to Niyazov was replaced with "the people". In Billings, Montana it's illegal to buy or raise rats as pets. Sellers declare the item's customs value and must comply with customs declaration laws. [66] Niyazov claimed those who read it thrice were destined for heaven. Currently, there are following codes: Civil Code of Turkmenistan. In 2005, lip syncing was banned at concerts. 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. Turkmen media referred to him using the title, His Excellency Saparmurat Trkmenbay, President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. I love following your travels. In December 2020, the Ashgabat government adopted its National Gender Action Plan 2021-2025, which purportedly aims to improve standards at the national and local levels, including in the areas of health care, education, and the empowerment of women and girls. Remnants of aquatic life such as sea fossils are found all over the deserts. 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. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has. Turkmenistan Facts | Weird Laws & Bizarre Architecture - Unusual By Ella Morton. Oh, Turkmenistan how we overlook thee. It is cheaper to let the gas burn than spend money on matchboxes. Always works out, somehow. In 1991 and 2001, Niyazov issued decrees making water, gas, electricity, and refined salt free to use for ten year periods. Deputy Prime Minister Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was named as head of the commission organizing the state funeral. The worlds biggest indoor Ferris wheel at 47,6m at the Alem entertainment center in the south of Ashgabat. The roads provide an in-depth history of the role of the region during the Silk Road era between the early 8th and late 13th centuries. but relics of him live on in the form of strange laws, changed . One of the many strange rules established by Niyazov in 2004 was that young men were forbidden to have a beard or long hair. Some of the first strange laws that were introduced occurred under Turkmenistan`s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov. 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. Google Maps. According to the newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan physicians were ordered to swear an oath to the President, replacing the Hippocratic Oath.[63]. A prayer took place before the burial, with the chief mufti reading Jyn Aza. Turkmenistan under Turkmen Presidents Niyazov and Berdymuhamadov has experienced some crazy laws, and these here are the top 10 most unbelievable laws from Turkmenistan.Thanks for watching! Turkmenistan: What Life Is Like Inside Secretive Dictatorship Even locals you talk to in Turkmenistan don`t know the site, although it remains the biggest attraction that attracts tourists to Turkmenistan. Here are 20 such weird facts about Turkmenistan: 1. Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. When he's not writing for the blog you can keep up with his adventures on. The desert landscape is the prominent feature in Turkmenistan. 10 Countries With The Strictest Laws In The World [31] All libraries outside of the capital were also closed, as Niyazov believed that the only books that most Turkmen needed to read were the Qur'an and his Ruhnama. Young cant grow beards, no black cars, a record-breaking fascination for setting world records are some of the weirdfacts about Turkmenistan. The national anthem of Turkmenistan referred to him. 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. [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. 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. 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. One of the drivers of the Aston Martin Tokyo-to-London team was fined $100 by the Turkmen highway militsia for smoking in his own car. It is popular across the entire country and is a must-have dish at every event from family picnics to weddings and social gatherings. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Unbelievable Facts About Turkmenistan, the Dystopian Dictatorship You Haven't Heard Of, Top 10 Unbelievable Places In The World That Anyone Can Visit, 10 Unique And Interesting Facts About Turkmenistan. Subsequent emergence of a fundamentally new compasses for society, politics and economics, the government has engaged in reforming the law and the legal system of the country. He also ordered that each broadcast begin with a pledge that the broadcaster's tongue would shrivel if he/she slanders the country, flag, and/or president. The crater burns continuously in the desert, creating the impression of the gates of hell. It declared independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Currently, the laws of Turkmenistan are in the process of being codified. Dogs were banned from the capital because of their unattractive smell. This was part of a publicity stunt in response to death hoax rumors. Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov (1991-2006) passed unusual laws during his term in the pretext of preserving ancient Turkmen culture. What is strange is that the same rule as in Tajikistan still exists. Turkmenbashi, Smiling Leader of Turkmenistan. After graduating, he went to study in Russia, but was expelled a few years later for academic failure.[1]. Turkmenistan is a country in central Asia, with a population of just under six million and plentiful gas reserves. In 2005, he closed down all rural libraries and hospitals outside of the capital city Ashgabat, in a country where at that time more than half the population lived in rural areas,[8] once stating that, "If people are ill, they can come to Ashgabat. On 13 January 1990, Niyazov became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR, the supreme legislative body in the republic. Under Niyazov, the Turkmen Communist Party had a reputation as one of the most hardline and unreformed party organizations in the Soviet Union. It is so hard to legally get to the county that smuggling cartels are a better option for many. In 2006, a 42-year-old postman from Saitama Prefecture was arrested for putting chocolate ice cream inside a mailbox. He is the only President of Turkmenistan to die in office. A main part of the original constitution was permanent neutrality which was officially recognized by the UN in 1995. The reasons cited for this are the negative effects of fire on the health of people living around it, and also the enormous environmental damage it has caused. Niyazov himself had short hair and was clean shaven. Rasizade, Alec. The melons of Turkmenistan are so sweet and revered that they are recognized by a national holiday. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on guests hotel bills. But it's a highly secretive country that is often referred to as a . 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. Turkmen laws now seem normal to the people who live there, but they are still a little strange to those of us who don`t. Spandex ban Another ban in the vein of "it's un-Turkmen." Turkmen State University even had a "Department of the Holy Ruhnama of Turkmenbashy, the Great", and Ruhnama Studies were pursued as a major research agenda in the country, often at the cost of academic disciplines. It's no wonder why Turkmenistan had the lowest life expectancy in all of Central Asia at the time. Even dirty cars are not allowed. Fortunately, her diplomatic status saved her from fines and her car from the impound lot. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow took power of Turkmenistan in February 2007, succeeding Saparmurat Niyazov. Moreover, there is also a carpet on the national flag of Turkmenistan. Photo: Getty Images. 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. Why is he so memorable, you may ask? 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. To put this in perspective, 90 million visitors went to France, and 76 million visited the United States. Cigarette stands on every corner are a testment to that. Cigarette stands on every corner are a testment to that. The 10 Most Unbelievable Laws in Turkmenistan - YouTube The Silk Road sights of Turkmenistan might not be as popular as those of its neighbor, Uzbekistan, but they are still impressive, authentic, unique, and undisturbed. It has however become a member of Interpol. As the buyer, you should be aware of possible: . Besides the opera, he also banned ballet and, famously, the circus. Telpek, a large sheepskin hat worn by men is one of the signs of the nomadic tradition. Golden Statues and Mother Bread: The Bizarre Legacy of Turkmenistan's Former Dictator. The cap is designed in such a way that it maintains a stable body temperature in scorching summers or cold winter nights of the desert. [91] By that year, the old Constitution of Turkmenistan, adopted during Niyazov's presidency and codifying Niyazov's primacy, was replaced, and the government launched a democratization program. [1], Niyazov was buried in his ready prepared tomb in Kipchak Mosque on 24 December at his home village of Gypjak, approximately 7 kilometres (4.3mi) west of Ashgabat. Because Niyazov named no successor prior to his death, according to the law of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, wezgeldi Ataew, the Chairman of the Assembly, would assume the presidency. Former President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov. The first, Niyazov, ruled for 15 years and called himself the "President for Life". (Seems just the order of things now): . The Darvaza Gas Crater is also called "the Door to Hell". Pilaf, the staple diet of Turkmenistan. The situation with real estate is quite acceptable, but not as pleasant as before. There remain sensitivities around relationships between foreign men and local women, and the Turkmen authorities are known to take action against both. A year later, Berdymukhamedov declared that the Turkmen universities would no longer test students on the knowledge of Ruhnama. Illustration: Seemon. He banned news reporters and presenters from wearing makeup on television. One can only theorize that he wanted all of the men of his country to follow suit and resemble him. Turkmenistan Facts | Weird Laws & Bizarre Architecture Welcome to Turkmenistan, the Most Bizarre Country in the World In November 2005, he ordered that doctors should swear an oath to him instead of the, In the same month, he ordered the country's oil minister to learn. With that in mind, here is a complete travel guide to Turkmenistan to get you prepared and ready, with a few Turkmenistan facts and strange laws to go along with it. At 27, most buildings clad in marble and the largest architectural star with a mind-blowing area of 34,875 square feet (3,240 sq. From 1925-1991, it was part of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, a constituent republic of the Soviet Union. Some Turkmen opposition sources also claim that Niyazov died several days before the officially announced date of 21 December. Enjoy these Turkmenistan facts that don't seem true, but strangely, they are. Photo: Getty Images. Although apparently not explicitly against the law, gold teeth did fall out of favor with Turkmenistan's elite during the era of Turkmenbashi. An unmarried woman cannot go skydiving on a Sunday. So yes, this weird Japanese law is actually enforced. Niyazov supported the Soviet coup attempt of 1991. Sofia, Bulgaria, Tel: 00359 32585000 You can change your cookie settings at any time. You must smile in public in Idaho. 15. 16. 2023 The Fact Network Ltd | All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved - PRIVACY POLICY. From the United States, based in Berlin, world-bound. It is made in compounds of rice with chunks of meat, carrot, and spices, fried in a large pan or a cauldron. Turkmenistan holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor Ferris wheel in an architectural structure. While these laws are certainly strange, they don`t detract from Turkmenistan`s interesting history as a historic stopover along the Silk Road nor from the hospitality and warmth of the people who live there. Girls are required to wear national clothing and tie their hair into braids, as well as the takhya national headgear. 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 good folks over at Olivet Nazarene University put together an infographic of some of the most outrageous, confusing and downright weird legislation instilled around our . John Oliver laid it all out during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight. As for the reasoning behind the make-up ban, anyone's guess is as good as one another's apparently he believed that news reporter should look "natural". Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to sing while wearing a bathing suit. However, next time you're trying to remember how to distinguish Turkmenistan, just think of these strange yet riveting facts about the country. It is illegal to send a surprise pizza delivery to someone's house in Lousiana. New York: Overlook Press, 2009. p227. Yes, you read that correctly. He also 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.
Scheduled Task To Run Powershell Script From Network Share,
Petite Assembly Clothing,
Dublin Rec Center Membership,
Articles T