Turkmenistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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Legislation

Turkmenistan Tightens Border Rules to Limit Trips to Uzbekistan

Turkmenistan is imposing stricter regulations on cross-border tourism with Uzbekistan, reportedly to conceal its struggles to provide basic goods and services to its citizens, according to Eurasianet. In 2024, an increasing number of Turkmen citizens have been traveling to Uzbekistan to purchase food and essential items that are scarce in their own country, a reflection of Turkmenistan’s ongoing economic crisis. Over the past month, customs officials have introduced new rules aimed at curbing these cross-border trips, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Travelers are now required to present a variety of documents, including marriage certificates and proof of residency, to cross the border. Residents of the Dashoguz Region have reported that dozens of people were denied exit for failing to provide all the necessary paperwork. RFE/RL suggests that the government views these trips as a source of embarrassment, highlighting the reliance of its citizens on Uzbekistan for basic necessities. To counter this perception, Turkmen authorities are tightening border controls. However, the report also notes that corruption persists; intermediaries can reportedly facilitate crossings for a $50 bribe. “Customs officers accuse these citizens of shaming the country by engaging in trade, and under this pretext, they stop them at customs,” RFE/RL quoted one individual as saying. Turkmenistan’s efforts to stem cross-border movement reflect its struggle to address domestic shortages while grappling with the broader implications of its economic challenges.

Human Rights

Turkmenistan Forcibly Hospitalizes Human Rights Activist to Prevent Her Traveling

Veteran journalist and human rights defender Soltan Achilova was forcibly hospitalized in Turkmenistan, an apparent attempt by authorities to prevent her from leaving the country for an international event in Geneva. The incident was highlighted in a recent article by Rachel Denber, Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch. Achilova, aged 75, was set to attend an event organized by the Martin Ennals Foundation in recognition of her nomination in 2021 as a finalist for the award. On the morning of November 20, hours before her flight from Ashgabat, four men in medical uniforms arrived at her home. Claiming suspicion of an infectious disease, they forcibly removed her from her residence, confiscated her keys, and transported her to an infectious disease hospital. Shortly after, Achilova's daughter and son-in-law arrived at the scene, only to find one of the men still at the apartment, who demanded they undergo medical examinations due to "contact" with the allegedly infected Achilova. At the hospital, Achilova was subjected to a blood test but was not informed of the specific illness she was purportedly carrying. Officials later declared the test "positive," requiring her indefinite hospitalization. Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, remained at the hospital overnight. This incident reflects a long-standing pattern of repression by Turkmen authorities, who frequently use such tactics to restrict human rights activists from traveling abroad. In 2023, Achilova and her daughter were also barred from traveling to Geneva when officials claimed their passports were damaged. International organizations and human rights defenders have called on Turkmenistan's government to release Achilova and her relatives immediately, cease their forced hospitalization, and allow her to travel freely. Achilova’s ordeal is emblematic of the systemic harassment faced by independent journalists and human rights activists in Turkmenistan. Over the years, she has endured various forms of intimidation: being followed near her home, having her property vandalized, and suffering physical assaults, including attacks by police and unidentified individuals. Achilova's unwavering commitment to human rights has made her a target of state repression. Despite ongoing threats, she continues to raise awareness about the plight of ordinary citizens under Turkmenistan’s authoritarian regime led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Education

Turkmenistan Unveils New English Textbook for 11th Grade Students

A new English language textbook for 11th-grade students has been introduced in Turkmenistan’s general education schools. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the textbook incorporates modern didactic principles and advanced teaching methods to enhance students' reading, writing, and speaking skills. It aligns with the national curriculum, providing students with improved opportunities to communicate effectively in English. The release of this textbook is part of Turkmenistan’s broader effort to modernize its education system. A key component of this effort is the Concept for Improving Foreign Language Education in Turkmenistan, a policy focused on integrating language learning at all educational stages. Drawing on both domestic and international best practices, the policy aims to elevate language instruction across the country. English language teaching in Turkmenistan has seen significant progress: • In January 2024, the first TESOL conference brought together 250 educators to exchange experiences and explore innovative teaching techniques. • In August 2024, the U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, conducted workshops to enhance the professional skills of English teachers. • In November 2024, Turkmenistan and the UK held discussions on strengthening educational cooperation and improved educational services. Turkmenistan’s focus on advancing English language education reflects its commitment to integrating into the global educational framework and fostering international collaboration. These initiatives aim to equip students and educators with the tools needed to engage in a globalized world.

Water Management

Kazakhstan Secures Agreement for 11 Billion Cubic Meters of Water from Neighboring Countries by April 2025

Kazakhstan will receive approximately 11 billion cubic meters of irrigation water from the Syr Darya River by April 2025, following an agreement made by Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, with representatives from neighboring Central Asian countries. The accord was reached at the 87th meeting of the Interstate Coordination Water Management Commission held last week in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and attended by water ministry leaders from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with Kyrgyzstan as an observer. This substantial water supply is expected to fill the Shardara reservoir in southern Kazakhstan by April 1, 2025, providing enough water for the region's 2025 irrigation season. Given Kazakhstan’s reliance on irrigation for agriculture, particularly in the arid south, the flow from upstream countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan is vital. Nurzhigitov noted, "This year, thanks to negotiations and joint actions, we ensured the effective water distribution in the Syrdarya River basin. Agreements on water and energy cooperation with Kyrgyzstan were implemented, and measures were taken to coordinate the operating mode of the Bakhri-Tojik reservoir [in Tajikistan] during this year’s irrigation season.”

Heritage

Turkmenistan Pushes for UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Unique Mud Volcanoes

Turkmenistan has launched an in-depth study and documentation project focusing on its extraordinary geological landmarks, especially the ancient mud volcanoes that line the western Caspian Sea coast. This effort aims to compile the necessary scientific and cultural documentation to nominate these unique mud volcanoes for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The recent initial expedition was attended by members of the Turkmenistan National Commission for UNESCO, along with biologists, geographers, and geologists from various scientific organizations. These specialists examined multiple mud volcanoes along the Caspian coast, primarily within the Esenguly district of the Balkan region. Over several days, the team meticulously surveyed active, dormant, and long-extinct volcanoes, documenting their findings through photography and soil sampling. They noted that though activity has decreased, this does not mean many volcanoes have stopped completely. Among the most notable formations are the Akpatlavuk and Gokpatlavuk mud volcanoes. Akpatlavuk, located on a prominent hill along the southern part of the Caspian's eastern coast, showcases a dome with numerous mud outcrops and deep channels carved by flowing streams. At its base lies an expansive mud lake, adding to its remarkable landscape. Gokpatlavuk, towering 70 meters above the northern plains near Ekerem, features steep, eroded slopes and gullies through which streams of carbonated mud steadily flow, creating a striking visual of natural forces at work. The nomination process will require updated imagery and refreshed data to supplement the national atlas of mud volcanoes. As part of their preparation, researchers will review studies conducted by Azerbaijani scientists in the 1970s, given that the mud volcanoes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran form an interconnected geological complex representing nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes.

Infrastructure Development

Ashgabat May Have a Metro System by 2035

Vladimir Petruk, managing director of Interbudmontazh Company, told the CIET-2024 international conference that a metro system may be built in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat by 2035. Petruk said that specialists from the Japanese company Sumitomo, the Japanese Subway Association, and the German consulting group K2 have studied Ashgabat's geological and seismic conditions. The study's results confirmed the possibility of building the subway using reinforced concrete structures. The Ashgabat metro plan calls for an environmentally friendly transportation solution. In the future, it could connect the capital with the “smart city” Arkadag and the settlements of Geokdepe and Anau. According to forecasts, construction could be completed by 2035. “Given the growing wealth and the increasing number of cars, the metro will become essential to solve the city's transportation problems,” Petruk emphasized, noting the successful experience of operating metros in seismically active regions. Consultations with the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan are ongoing, and the UN mission plans to cooperate with the country to support the urban infrastructure development program. Turkmenistan currently does not have a metro. The idea of building a metro in Ashgabat has been discussed since 2008 when the city mayor's office attracted companies from St. Petersburg to the project. In 2014, then-President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov instructed the Ukrainian construction association Interbudmontazh to consider the possibility of realizing this project. In 2020, the company presented the Ashgabat metro construction project developed jointly with Sumitomo and K2. However, specific dates for the start of construction and commissioning of the metro in Ashgabat have not yet been announced.