Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in the southwest of Central Asia. 8% of the territory is covered by Karakum Desert, which is one of the driest areas in the world. It is also the most mysterious and unknown of the five Central Asian countries. This desert country also has great religious traditions and fascinating natural scenery. There are three natural gas pits near Dawaza, and one of them is ignited, which is called the Gate of Hell.

The main ethnic groups in Turkmenistan are Turkmen, Uzbek and Russian. In addition, there are more than 12 ethnic groups including Kazak, Armenian, Tatar and Azerbaijan. Turkmen is the official language and Russian is the lingua franca. The vast majority of residents believe in Islam (Sunnis), while Russians and Armenians believe in Orthodox Church.

So what are the interesting places worth visiting in this country?

First stop: Ashgabat as the capital

(1) Earthquake Monument

The Monument is located in Neutral Square in Ashgabat, next to Neutral Gate and Presidential Palace. It was completed on October 6, 1998. The monument is divided into two parts. The upper part is a 15-meter-long bronze bull, with a chapped sphere on its neck-a symbol of the earth, and a woman holding a child in her hands on the cracked crust.

The design idea is based on the legend of the Turkic people: they believe that the earth is carried by a giant cow. Women and children symbolize eternity and the continuation of mankind. The lower part is the pedestal, and the interior of the pedestal is the Earthquake Museum, which mainly displays some pictures about Ashgabat before, after and now.

(2) Neutral Gate

This is one of the main attractions in Ashgabat. It is located in Neutral Square. The main building is 75 meters high and there is an elevator leading to the observation deck and coffee shop. The three supporting legs respectively represent the three inseparable foundations of the new Turkmenistan: neutrality, independence and national unity. The 12-meter-high golden statue of President Niyazov rotates with the sun.

on December 12, 1995, 185 member States of the United nations unanimously agreed to grant Turkmenistan the status of permanent neutral country. to commemorate this historical event, Turkey built the Neutral Gate in 1998, which symbolizes Turkey's peaceful and open foreign policy, shows its friendly attitude towards the world, and shows its optimism and confidence in the happy future of mankind.

(3) Rukhyet Palace (Conference and Art Palace)

Located opposite the Presidential Palace, Rukhyet Palace has become one of the symbols of Ashgabat. The marble main body and sky-blue dome of the palace are integrated with the downtown buildings. The conference hall can accommodate 28 people, and can also be used as an opera hall, a drama hall and a movie hall as needed. The first floor has a hall for heads of state.

(4) Carpet Museum

Located in the center of Ashgabat, it was established with the approval of the President on March 2th, 1993. The museum covers an area of 1,178 square meters and displays more than 1, carpets and tapestries with various patterns in different periods. There are two giant carpets on display in the museum, one of which is the largest carpet in the earth, 294 square meters, weighing 1 ton; The other piece is 189 square meters. In addition, there are millions of thread carpets and double-sided carpets.

Turkmen carpets contain the aesthetic taste of Turkmen people. All branches of Turkmen nationality have their own unique carpet patterns. Today's national flag and national emblem are painted with carpet patterns.

(5) The Kumanstein National Museum

was funded by Turkey and opened on November 12th, 1998. Located in the south of Ashgabat, the museum is magnificent, covering an area of 22,5 square meters, and 16, square meters is used for exhibitions. The main building is equipped with conference hall, exhibition hall, office, warehouse, technical repair department and coffee shop. Four semi-circular amphitheaters are outside the main building. The exhibition hall of the museum has an independent hall, a natural hall, an original history hall, an ancient hall, a medieval hall and a folk hall, with about 2, exhibits.

(6) Akhal Jiejinma and stallion farm

Records about Jiejinma in Akhal were first seen in the 4th-3rd century BC. This horse is produced in the Akhal Oasis between the Koppet Mountains and the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan, and it is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world after more than 3, years of cultivation. This horse is well-proportioned, powerful, strong, fast, durable and violent, but it is very obedient after being tamed. The horse is dignified and light-footed.

Akhal Jiejin stallion farm is located in the southwest suburb of Ashgabat. It was founded in 1922, formerly known as Caspian stables, and was renamed President Niyazov stallion farm in 1992. At present, there are five large state-owned horse farms in Turkmenistan, with a total of about 2, horses in Akhal. Committed to introducing Akhal Jiejinma to the international market and cooperating with countries such as the United States, France, Russia, Sweden and Australia.

second stop: Cunha-urgench

Cunha-urgench is located in Dashaguz state of Turkmenistan, on the south bank of Amu Darya River, adjacent to the border of Uzbekistan. Jade Dragon Jiechi, known in ancient times, is the capital of the kingdom of Hua La Zi Mo in history. It has a series of buildings in the 11th-16th century, including a mosque, a fortress, a mausoleum and a minaret. In 25, it was listed on the United Nations World Heritage List.

Third stop: the Gate of Hell

The Gate of Hell is located in Turkmenistan, near the southern town of Dawaza, with specific coordinates of 4 15' north latitude and 58 26' east longitude. According to relevant data, in 1971, a geological exploration team of the Soviet Union discovered abundant natural gas here. Due to the collapse of drilling equipment, a large pit with a diameter of more than 7 meters was formed. Fearing that the poisonous gas was harmful, the prospectors lit a fire. The fire has burned to this day. The gate of hell has three pits: pit, puddle and fire pit.

not only the beautiful scenery is attractive, but also the delicious food is very attractive. Turkmen cuisine is similar to that of other Central Asian countries or regions. For example, the staple food is pilaf and naan. Every day or holiday, we will prepare pilaf, which is made of large pieces of mutton, carrots and rice in an iron pot. Pilaf originated in Tajikistan. (Tajikistan, a beautiful and distant landlocked country)

There are all kinds of pies and baked buns in restaurants and markets. Many kebabs, such as mutton kebabs, chicken kebabs and fish kebabs, are sold in restaurants or street stalls. Restaurants in Turkmenistan mainly serve Russian food, such as dumplings and various mayonnaise salads.

If you go there, be sure to bring back some local specialties!

1. Handmade soft cloth cap, light and soft, easy to carry and cheap.

2. sheepskin products, Turkmenistan's parchment products have a long-standing reputation, and sheepskin hats are very popular in the local area.

3. Turkmenistan is famous for its carpets made of fine wool.

Turkmenistan is a very special country. If you have the opportunity to travel abroad, you must go to the local area to feel the cultural elegance there.