The history of Turkmenistan traditionally began with the arrival of Indo-European Iranian tribes around 2000 BC. Early tribes were nomadic or semi-nomadic due to the arid conditions of the region, preventing widespread adoption of agriculture. The steppe culture in Central Asia was an extension of a larger Eurasian series of horse cultures which spanned the entire spectrum of language families, including the Indo-Europeans and Turko-Mongol groups. Some of the known early Iranian tribes included the Massagatae, the Scythians/Sakas, and early Soghdians, who were most likely precursors of the Khwarezmians. Turkmenistan was a passing point for numerous migrations and invasions by tribes, which gravitated towards the settled regions of the south, including ancient Mesopotamia, Elam, and the Indus Valley civilization.
The politics of Turkmenistan nominally takes place in the framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of Turkmenistan is nominally both head of state and head of government. However, as of 21 January 2023 a "national leader" was appointed who chairs an independent People's Council (viz.) with authority to amend the constitution, and who exercises supreme political authority. No true opposition parties are allowed; every registered political party supports the third and current President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. The country is frequently described as a totalitarian state.
The "State Anthem of Turkmenistan", also known as the "National Anthem of Independent Neutral Turkmenistan", was adopted as the national anthem of Turkmenistan in 1996, then again with modified lyrics in 2008. The music was composed by Turkmenistani composer Veli Mukhatov, who also composed the music of the Turkmen SSR's regional anthem.
Turkmenistan's human rights record has been heavily criticized by various countries and scholars worldwide. Standards in education and health declined markedly during the rule of President Saparmurat Niyazov.
Turkmenistan elects on national level a head of state — the president — and a legislature. The elections in Turkmenistan since its split from the Soviet Union have been widely criticized for being neither free nor fair and attempting to give an appearance of legitimacy to what is in reality a dictatorship. Parties in Turkmenistan are the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan and the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The president has a seven-year term, while the legislature has a five-year term.
The People's Council of Turkmenistan is Turkmenistan's independent "representative body" exerting supreme constitutional authority. It includes in its membership, but is not considered part of, the legislature. Among other things, it is empowered to amend the constitution. Its chairperson is appointed by the president and is designated the "National Leader". State media referred to the People's Council as the "supreme organ of government authority". From 2018 to 2023 it was the upper chamber of Turkmenistan's Parliament, the "National Council".
Öwezgeldi Ataýew is a Turkmen politician. He was the chairman of the Assembly of Turkmenistan from 2002 to 2006. According to the Constitution of Turkmenistan, he was to become the acting president after the death of Saparmurat Niyazov in December 2006. However, the State Security Council of Turkmenistan reported that Atayev was not appointed acting president due to a criminal case started against him. Atayev was charged with abuse of power and human rights violations.
ArkadagGurbanguly Mälikgulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow is a Turkmen politician who is currently the chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan. He previously served as the 2nd President of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022, when he entered into a power-sharing arrangement with his son, Serdar, the current president.
Presidential elections were held in Turkmenistan on 11 February 2007, following the death of president-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov on 21 December 2006.
Batyr Ataýewiç Berdiýew is a Turkmen former politician, who served as the foreign minister of Turkmenistan from 2000 to 2001. He also worked as an ambassador.
The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan is a state body in Turkmenistan founded in 1951, which is responsible for the implementation of Turkmen scientific and technical policy. The academy was closed under president Saparmurat Niyazov and reopened by his successor, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
Presidential elections were held in Turkmenistan on 12 February 2012. They were Turkmenistan's fourth presidential elections and decided who would be the country's president for the next five years. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow won with 97% of the vote.
Independence Square is a square in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The identification number of the square is 2000.
Serdar Gurbangulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow is a Turkmen politician serving as the third and current president of Turkmenistan since 19 March 2022. Berdimuhamedow had previously served in several other positions within the government of his father, Gurbanguly.
Lieutenant General Begenç Ataýewiç Gündogdyýew is a Turkmen military officer and politician who currently serves as the 10th minister of defence of Turkmenistan under President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. He previously served in this same position from 2011 to 2015, succeeding Ýaýlym Berdiýew.
Shamuhammet Durdylyyev is a Turkmen politician and mayor of the city of Arkadag. He previously served as deputy chairman of the Turkmenistan government for construction and industry and as mayor of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital city. He is currently on the board of directors of the consortium of construction companies responsible for building the "Ashgabat City" residential development.
Early presidential elections were held in Turkmenistan on 12 March 2022. The elections were called after incumbent president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow announced his intention to resign.
Gozel Shagulyeva is a Turkmen poet. She began writing poetry at a young age, and has since become a prominent cultural figure in Turkmenistan. She writes about her affection and adoration of Turkmen politicians, including former presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Saparmurat Niyazov; she was awarded the title of Hero of Turkmenistan by Berdimuhamedow for her literary contributions to the culture of the country in 2015. Her writing has been criticised for being too flattering.
Byagul Nurmiradova is a Turkmen politician who previously served as the deputy chairperson for culture of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's cabinet, equivalent to a vice president in some other countries, until 2014.
Qurban Quli is a Turkic-derived Muslim male given name built from quli.
