turkmenistan weird laws

Photo:Getty Images. Why is he so memorable, you may ask? Niyazov supported the Soviet coup attempt of 1991. The president of Turkmenistan (who called himself Turkmenbashi, leader of the Turkmen) is known for his strange YouTube videos and even stranger laws. "Head of General Staff of Turkmenistan accused in participation in November 2002 plot | Turkmenistan.ru", "Assassination Attempt A Response To Niyazov's Authoritarian Policies", "A failed coup after all? Press freedom under Niyazov's leadership was much criticised as it was with other former Soviet central Asian states. Berdimuhamedow and the Halk Maslahaty announced on 26 December 2006 that the next presidential elections would be held on 11 February 2007 to elect Niyazov's successor. If you are found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions. 50 Craziest Laws in the United States - ContactSenators This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran, and a huge desert, has been ruled by a dictator for 15 years with some truly bizarre laws. Niyazov himself had short hair and was clean shaven. Oral sex is illegal. For example: no opera, gold teeth or spandex. About 70% of the state is covered by hot and dry climate including the expansive Karakum Desert. In 1998, President for Life Niyazov ordered the construction of a "monument to neutrality" at the cost of $12 million dollars. During the second Sunday of August every year, every person in the country is advised to eat melons grown in the country. This was part of a publicity stunt in response to death hoax rumors. m). 10 Unique And Interesting Facts About Turkmenistan It was reopened in 2009 after his death, by his successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Failure to do this would lead to the destruction of the mosque. The government has used central planning, such as state control of production and procurement, direct bank credits with low interest rates, exchange rate restrictions, and price controls, since it existed as a Republic within the USSR.[18]. 16. Pensions received during the prior two years were ordered paid back to the state. Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Turkmenistan - Unusual Traveler document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The president of Turkmenistan (Turkmen: Trkmenistany prezidenti), officially the president and chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, is the head of state and head of government of Turkmenistan.The president is also the supreme commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and heads the State Security Council.. Serdar Berdimuhamedow is the current president of . [59] Ethnic Russians in Turkmenistan were disproportionately targeted in the aftermath. The book is supposed to orbit earth for the next 150 years. In 1948, one of the world's deadliest earthquakes struck Turkmenistan. Only men above 70 could keep a beard. 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. 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. The Turkmen people are descendents of the nomadic Oghuz tribe that moved into the region in the 7th century. His birthday is designated as a national day (not an official holiday), called "Turkmenbashy Remembrance Day". Turkmenbashi, Smiling Leader of Turkmenistan. One of the most bizarre laws from the incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is that you cannot have black cars in the capital city, Ashgabat. Though locals may plead ignorance or flat out deny that some of these laws ever existed, here's what we discovered about some of the more notable whacky entries conjured up by the former president, Sapmurat Niyazov (otherwise known as Turkmenbashi, Leader of all Turkmens). That was switched to be named after Niyazov's mother. 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. Apart from the the Hells Gate, the country has one of the most bizarre set of rules and living conditions for its people. The authorities were unable to stop the campaign and the President responded by firing his Interior Minister and director of the police academy on national television. BACKGROUNDTurkmenistan had been under the control of Russia for more than a . ft.) which is also the Turkmenistan Broadcasting Center tower. A man in Zhengzhou was forbidden from naming his newborn son "@" because of the rule stating that all given names must be translatable into Mandarin. April? Geologists decided to turn it on, hoping it would burn after a few days. President for life Saparmurat Niyazov implemented many laws during his reign, here are some of them: In February 2004, men were banned from wearing long hair or beards. [38], I watched young dogs when I was young. The Turkmen Agricultural University is named after him, as is the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Military Institute. Circus is also banned. The Darwaza Crater or The Hell's gate. Friday was renamed after her, too. The highest of all honours. The situation with real estate is quite acceptable, but not as pleasant as before. Niyazov and his wife, Muza Melnikova, who was of Russian and Jewish descent, had a son (Murat) and a daughter (Irina). Unbelievable Facts About Turkmenistan, the Dystopian - WorldAtlas [92] By 2011, Berdimuhamedow's government rescinded the requirement to pass a secondary-school examination on the book[93] and in 2014, it was finally declared that Turkmenistani universities would no longer test applicants on their knowledge of the book. It is cheaper to let the gas burn than spend money on matchboxes. Which brings us to our next point. Ok, this gets a bit confusing, so bear with us. January? It is composed of rice, carrot, meat and lots of spices cooked in a large plan. 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. President Berdymukhamedov had visited the site in 2010, and back then too he had asked for the closure of the site. 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. Even dirty cars are not allowed. That is, you could register for a mortgage and half of it would be covered by the state. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. 27 interesting facts about Turkmenistan - The Facts Institute This bizarre law states that "Any person may possess any number of live frogs to use in frog-jumping contests, but if such a frog dies or is killed, it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose." To be fair, this is another weird law that does make sense. In the years following independence, Turkmenistan invested heavily in plants and machinery in an attempt to convert it from being primarily a supplier of petroleum to a more advanced economy; such investments included oil refineries and a polyethylene plant. The Ruhnama a book written by Saparmurat Niyazov had to be displayed in locations of prominence, all government buildings, and shops. In March 2014, 15,000 public health workers were dismissed from their roles. Currently, there are following codes: Civil Code of Turkmenistan. He was arrested after swearing on stage during a performance. The new names came into effect with the introduction of a new labor law which stated that "the dates of professional holidays are specified by decrees of the President of Turkmenistan". The Darwaza Crater or the Hells Gate as it is famously known, is not a natural phenomenon butthe result of a natural gas drilling expedition going horribly wrong. Photo: Getty Images. 20 bizarre facts about Turkmenistan, the world's weirdest - dailyO 12 Strange Japanese Laws That Will Make You Go WTF - TheSmartLocal Local laws and customs - Turkmenistan travel advice - GOV.UK [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. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. According to the state-run newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan, the President has orderedhis Cabinet ministers to find a way to close theearthlygates of hell. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. He even went to the extent of inscribing the verses of Ruhnama and Quran on the largest mosque of Turkmenistan, Turkmenbasy Ruhy Mosque. This Central Asian country between Kazakhstan, Iran and a vast desert has been ruled for 15 years by a dictator with really bizarre laws. He continued to rule Turkmenistan for 15 years after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. He outlawed opera, ballet, circuses and philharmonic orchestras in 2001 for being "decidedly unturkmen-like". No doubt the law was on the books (or in someone's book, or maybe on Turkmenbashi's palm), but it was never enforced. Photo: Drew Binsky Youtube video. John Oliver's deep dive into the president of Turkmenistan - Mashable Global Witness, a London-based human rights organisation, reported that money under Niyazov's control and held overseas may be in excess of US$3 billion, of which between $1.8$2.6 billion was allegedly situated in the Foreign Exchange Reserve Fund at Deutsche Bank in Germany. 1st president of Turkmenistan (19402006), "Nyazow" redirects here. The desert landscape is the prominent feature in Turkmenistan. On 13 January 1990, Niyazov became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR, the supreme legislative body in the republic. Many of the ordinary citizens wept dramatically as they walked, some even clinging to the coffin and fainting. Inside Central Asia. John Oliver laid it all out during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight. He gained this post after Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev had removed his predecessor, Muhammetnazar Gapurov, following a cotton-related scandal. There is no shortage of natural beauty and places to visit in Turkmenistan, but a shrewd visa regime hinders the growth of the tourism sector. 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. The emblem, however, is of the living horse and once the horse dies, the new Akhal Teke horse will be chosen and the national emblem will be updated. Rasizade, Alec. and talks with Tajik opposition leader. Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on guests hotel bills. And by 1985 he was already First . According to the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru, right-hand-drive imported cars converted to left-hand-drive were banned due to a perceived increased risk in accidents. Turkmenistan: What Life Is Like Inside Secretive Dictatorship One of the contentious laws outlaws gold teeth, opera, and spandex. In January 2018, the president banned black vehicles in the city because he associates black with bad luck. [79] Many mourners, including foreign delegations, passed by the coffin in a three-hour period. In 2018, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov had renamedHell's Gateas the 'Shining of Karakum', butfour years later, now, he wants it to be shut. THE ONLY NEUTRAL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, Indian PM Narendra Modi met Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in July 2015. That's "Ruhnama", which is the title of Niyazov's book. During his time in office, he banned the act of lip syncing at public concerts as well as at public celebrations. The statue stands till date and has not been removed by the incumbent President Berdymukhamedov. You are asked questions from the book. [80] The Turkmen Air Force patrolled the funeral cortege as part of the farewell of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan. Who knows what opportunities may knock with the passing of Turkmenbashi. Unlike other Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan under Niyazov put emphasis on the country's sacrifice during the Second World War. It is against the law to smoke outside in Turkmenistan; this law extends to restaurants and other communal spaces (unless they contain a designated smoking area). He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. Only white cars are allowed in the capital. This is also why there are a number of car-washing stations on the outskirts of the city, so that people can get their cars cleaned before entering the city. Turkmenistan has not participated in any United Nations peacekeeping missions. Well send you a link to a feedback form. It's not like Turkmen women have a propensity to wear spandex anyway. Spending 3 Days in The World's Strangest City - YouTube There isn't much more we can say about this. 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 PRESIDENT'SOBSESSION WITH HORSES, Turkmenistan's Akal-Teke horse. America's Strangest 15 Laws. For example, in 2005, 8,145 convicts were pardoned including 229 foreign nationals. In an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, Niyazov claimed that Turkmenistan was able to process 85% of its domestic output. Photo: IGOR SASIN / AFP Nice contribution. The country has a population of about 5.6 million, making it one of the least populous and sparsely populated states in Asia. There is also a National Carpet Museum in Ashgabat with more than 1,000 carpets on display. An unmarried woman cannot go skydiving on a Sunday. A year later, all hospitals outside of the capital were closed. [78], Foreign news reports also claimed that Niyazov also suffered from ischemic heart disease and kidney failure due to being overweight and overindulgence of alcohol. The telpek is an ancient wears that has eluded the test of time to remain relevant. Sadly, thanks to the Licensing Act 1872, it's also illegal and could land you a 200 fine and almost a year in jail. Actually, the President recently visited the site and drove doughtnuts around it! In 2008, President Berdymukhamedov added a new subsidy, of giving 120 litres of fuel to every individual every month. Now, these subsidies are only given to a certain group of government employees, such as those who work in the oil and gas industry. SUBSCRIBE for More Travel Videos: http://bit.ly/2hyQnZ1 Get My Top 100 Travel Pics FREE! Maybe it wasn't just lip syncing that Niyazov disliked, but just singing in general? Niyazov claimed that it was an attempt at a coup, and as a result, the Turkmen government arrested thousands of suspected conspirators and members of their families. If we were asked why a plane flies to Turkmenistan, we would say it is because of the buoyancy force. A peep into the strange world of Turkmenbashi, whose every word is law We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Cars that are not white are forbidden from the streets of Ashgabat, the non-white vehicles taken from the owners as hostages and forcibly painted white no matter what. The national anthem of Turkmenistan referred to him. [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. Despite emphasizing a need to move from central planning to a market economy and to a full democracy during his reign, neither plan progressed. As per the record, the city has 543 white marble buildings covering an area of 4.5 million square metres(with no one living in them, by the way). Turkmenbashi inhaled. Niyazov ordered that all mountains and places in Turkmenistan be named after Turkmen heroes, poets and leaders. The Arch of Neutrality, the rotating golden statue of Niyazov, was moved from downtown Ashgabat to the southern edge of the city on 26 August 2010. The city of Kerki was renamed for his father, and city of ylanly for his mother. Under Niyazov, the Turkmen Communist Party had a reputation as one of the most hardline and unreformed party organizations in the Soviet Union. According to the newspaper Neytralny Turkmenistan physicians were ordered to swear an oath to the President, replacing the Hippocratic Oath.[63]. . Do you think you have seen all the strange laws of Turkmenistan? Drivers will be fined for splashing pedestrians with rainwater Image credit: @iarjunphotography Thereby, January was renamed as Turkmenbasy, meaning Leader of the Turkmen, February as Baydak after the Turkmen Flag, April as Gurbansoltan after his mother. You should take care over public displays of affection. [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 official results showed that 99.9% of voters approved this proposal. 17 Mind Blowing Facts About Mount Rushmore, 7 Conspiracies That Flat Earthers Believe Are True. He grew up in a Soviet orphanage before the state put him in the custody of a distant relative. Turkmenistan Weird Laws - inled.info It`s just one of those strange Turkmen rules that only seem to make sense to its leader. Dubbed as the North Korea of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is ranked as one of the hardest countries to enter, with strict visa applications requiring assistance from tour agencies and a guide. Social laws, which mostly apply to women, are stern. Photo: Getty Images. When I mention Turkmenistan, often people look at me with a confused stare and then ask what it is a place, a city, what? Niyazov had two children, both of whom have maintained distance from politics after their father's death.[98]. Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov (1991-2006) passed unusual laws during his term in the pretext of preserving ancient Turkmen culture. Melons of Turkmenistan are famous all throughout the region. [62] He accused the minister of incompetence and declared: "I cannot say that you had any great merits or did much to combat crime. Turkmenistan Facts | Weird Laws & Bizarre Architecture He kindly sent her to his favorite dentist, the Minister of Health (now president), to have her gold teeth replaced with a white enamel set. And changed it to the name of his mother. Mr Saparmurat Niyazov,the late President of Turkmenistan", "Soz to represent India at Niyazov's funeral", "Late President of Turkmenistan laid to rest", "Absolute leader's name dropped from anthem", "Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov: Illusion of a Khrushchevian Thaw? By Ella Morton. Here are some crazy Turkmen laws you probably don`t know about. We were so close to a visit when we were in this area in 2018, but we were a little nervous about Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and were also running out of time. Turkmenistan weird laws "Perhaps we have enough for a ring," he pondered, "or maybe earrings. Be nice, don't steal. The autocrat even got the book launched in space, in August 2005, so that the book could conquer space as well. [5][6] He promoted a cult of personality around himself and imposed his personal eccentricities upon the country, such as renaming Turkmen months and days of the week to references of his autobiography the Ruhnama. ", Niyazov later announced that surveillance cameras were to be placed at all major streets and sites in Turkmenistan, an apparent precaution against future attempts. Golden Statues and Mother Bread: The Bizarre Legacy of Turkmenistan's Former Dictator. It has however become a member of Interpol. The Turkmen government closely controls what goes on in Turkmenistan's many theaters. After all, it's hard to forget about a place once you know what goes on behind closed doors. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. As per the newspaper, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan has been asked to gather scientists, and if necessary, foreign consultants, and find a way to extinguish the fire. * Most of these rules fell after the death of Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006 and the coming to power of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In his time, he was one of the world's most totalitarian, despotic and repressive dictators. These names were later abolished by his successor Berdymukhamedov in April 2008. Google Maps. [29], In March 2004, 15,000 public health workers were dismissed including nurses, midwives, school health visitors and orderlies. 10 Countries With The Strictest Laws In The World However, this seems a bit beside the point when you realize that people got sick and couldn't access doctors. [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. You`re wrong. During a sunny day, the city center shines glamorously due to the white marble. Laws of Turkmenistan Swearing in public in St. Kitts could get you in hot water. Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow or Turkmenbashi [wiki] (1940 - 2006)After the USSR broke up in 1991, the Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan became an independent nation but had no identity of its own. Also, dirty cars are not allowed. [72] A silhouette of Niyazov was used as a logo on television broadcasts. In 2005, lip syncing was banned at concerts. The 10 Most Unbelievable Laws in Turkmenistan - YouTube Dictatorships aren't exactly known for their reasonable laws. Turkmenistanis right up there with North Korea as far as weird dictatorships are concerned. Turkmen are descendants of the ancient Oghuz communities that migrated to the region around the seventh century. Everything you need to know before traveling to Turkmenistan the strange country located in Central Asia. [79] As he was buried, the national anthem was played accompanied by a 21-gun salute, symbolizing the number of years during which he was in power.[81]. Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov (Russian: ; Turkmen: Saparmyrat Ataewi Nyazow[a]; 19 February 1940 21 December 2006), also known as Trkmenbay[b], was a Turkmen politician who ruled Turkmenistan as a dictator from 1985 until his death in 2006. Its also one of the driest deserts in the world, with some areas recording only 0.005 inches (0.12mm) of precipitation annually. Those of you whose teeth have fallen out did not chew on bones. The Craziest Laws That Still Exist In The United States [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. Photo: Getty Images. This was a rule brought by President Saparmurat Niyazov who introduced subsidies for the people. Turkmenistan tops the list with North Korea in terms of strange dictatorships. 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. Students of all levels must adhere to a strict dress code. Turkmenistan weird laws Saparmurat Niyazov - Wikipedia INLED He took the name for bread. When he tried to quit, he instigated this ban so as to eliminate temptation from people smoking on the street. Turkmenistan is a sovereign state in Central Asia. In 2012, the country had an average of 8,900 visitors annually, which makes it one of the least explored countries in Central Asia. Larger than any law, it illuminates the path of the Turkmen like the sun. Kids in Turkmenistan get to horse training centres at a young age to become horse trainers.
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