A few years ago, being one of the most closed states in the world, Turkmenistan in 2006, in connection with a change of leadership, began to gradually move towards secular reforms. Today it is becoming easier for the residents of Russia to obtain a visa and visit Ashgabat and other regions of Turkmenistan, especially since there are many historical and cultural monuments and places for various recreation on the territory of the country.
Geographically, the country is divided into five velayats, to the list of which the capital with the same rights is added. Velayats, Ashgabat and the large cities of Turkmenabat and Turkmenbashi comprise smaller territorial units called etraps. This is followed by cities in the etrap, settlements, gengeshliks and villages, which makes it possible to consider the administrative-territorial system of Turkmenistan as one of the most ramified in Central Asia.
Repeating the alphabet
The alphabetical list of Akhal velayats opens, followed by the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats, and the last is the Lebap and Mary regions of Turkmenistan. The latter has the largest number of inhabitants, and the least populated is the city of Balkanabat and its environs.
On the market day
Oriental bazaar is as integral part of any of the regions of Turkmenistan as green tea and the lack of a high-quality internet. The most famous markets are noisy here in the Dashoguz velayat, where you can buy high-quality lamb and fresh fruits, a silk robe and pottery, jewelry and, of course, real Turkmen carpets. However, buying a carpet on the market for a tourist can turn into trouble when trying to export it. A piece of Turkmen carpet weaving must have a document confirming the legality of its purchase, and therefore it is best to purchase a carpet in a store. In addition, you will have to secure an export permit issued by the Carpet Museum in the capital of the country.
Beach vacation
Slowly but surely, the Avaza seaside resort on the Caspian Sea in the Balkan velayat is developing. Family resorts and modern hotels have opened 20 kilometers from the city of Turkmenbashi, a water park, an oceanarium, a golf center and a cycle track are under construction. While foreign tourists do not come here too willingly, the authorities hope that they will be able to lure them with a developed infrastructure and modern entertainment complexes.
