Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan's authorities have introduced severe restrictions on women's appearance, banning beauty practices like dyed hair, manicure and fake nails and eyelashes. Since April, women are also no longer allowed to sit in the front seat of taxis and male drivers are barred from offering rides to women who are not family members. © Igor Sasin/AFP via Getty Images

Turkmenistan: Car and Beauty Bans Further Erode Women’s Rights

Fresh prohibitions have crushed hopes that newly appointed 40-year-old president Serdar Berdymukhamedov would pursue a more enlightened path.

9 May 22

Serdar Berdymukhamedov © Tatarstan government website

Turkmenistan’s Transition of Power

President Berdymukhamedov has for decades carefully been preparing for his son to take over.

9 Mar 22

The ceremony of signing the memorandum by the head of MFA's of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in Ashgabat city. © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

New Era for Ashgabat and Baku?

Landmark deal may finally facilitate pipeline to Europe – if the Europeans are still interested.

9 Feb 21

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. © Sean Gallup/Getty Images

How Turkmenistan's Media Works (or Doesn't)

The sector exists simply to idolise the president and serve the ruling class.

3 Dec 20

Opening of a new hospital in Turkmenabat city in July 2018. (Photo: turkmenistan.gov.tm)

Turkmenistan's Covid-19 Policy: Secrecy and Denial

The regime insists the country is virus-free, but experts warn of an impending crisis.

17 Apr 20

Muhammad Tahir, an expert on Turkmenistan. (Photo courtesy of M. Tahir)

Turkmenistan's Growing Economic Crisis

Central Asia’s most isolated state remains set against reforms.

23 May 17

The presidential palace in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. (Photo: Helen Stevenson)

Ashgabat's Immaculate White Marble Façade

Grand architecture aims to reinforce national identity, but the human reality is different.

4 Jul 16

Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. (Photo: Cercamon/Flickr)

Taleban Threat May Tempt Turkmenistan Out of Isolation

Many border areas are either lawless or controlled by militants, raising the prospect of destabilisation.

19 Feb 16

Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov (left) next to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a May 2014 visit to Beijing. (Photo: Jason Lee-Pool/copyright Getty Images)

Turkmenistan's Reforms: Genuine or Just Window-Dressing?

Constitutional amendments unlikely to translate into real change.

14 Nov 14

Tajik NGOs Step Up Anti-Torture Campaign

Recent death in detention highlights routine use of torture against suspects.

28 Feb 14

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