20 Disturbing Facts About Turkmenistan That Sound Made Up

When you think of weird world records, Turkmenistan probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. But maybe it should be. It’s a Central Asian country that people know nothing about, and honestly, the facts are so bizarre they sound like satire. Except they’re real.

Let’s look at a few facts about Turkmenistan that are so weird that they’re hard to believe.

There’s a Giant Crater That’s Been on Fire Since the 70s

Locals call it the “Door to Hell,” once you see it, the name makes total sense. This is a massive pit of flames in the middle of the Karakum Desert. It was created in 1971 when Soviet engineers hit a pocket of natural gas. The ground collapsed, and gas started leaking. So they lit it on fire, hoping it would burn off in a few days, but it’s been burning ever since.

The Capital Is Covered in White Marble

Almost every major building in Ashgabat is covered in polished white marble. The city’s use of marble is so extravagant that it landed a Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of marble buildings worldwide. The government wants the capital to look rich and powerful.

Black Cars Are Illegal

If you want to drive a sleek black car in Ashgabat, good luck. Black is considered an unlucky color here, and for years, the government banned the import of black vehicles completely. Police even stopped drivers with dark-colored cars and made them repaint them. White cars, on the other hand, are everywhere. What makes it even weirder is that this rule supposedly came from a presidential superstition.

A Former President’s Bizarre Rules

President Saparmurat Niyazov ruled Turkmenistan like it was his reality show. He banned lip-syncing at concerts because he said it was “fake.” He also banned ballet, opera, and even dogs in the capital. Then he renamed January after himself and April after his mom. These weren’t suggestions either—people had to use the new names in schools, on calendars, everywhere.

World’s Largest Indoor Ferris Wheel

Ashgabat is home to the largest indoor Ferris wheel on Earth. It’s built inside a glass dome with gold trim and white walls. You’d think it would be packed with kids and tourists. Nope. It’s usually empty. Locals say it’s more of a photo op than a fun ride.

The Internet Is So Bad

Turkmenistan has some of the worst internet access on the planet. They’ve blocked social media and made YouTube, TikTok, and even Google unusable. VPNs are banned, too. Most people don’t even try to go online because the slow speed and constant surveillance make it frustrating. If you do manage to connect, you’d better keep your searches boring.

There’s a Warm, Underground Lake You Can Actually Swim In

Deep inside a cave near the Kopet Dag mountains, there’s a steamy underground lake called Kow Ata. The water smells like boiled eggs (thanks, sulfur) but is warm and packed with minerals. Locals believe it helps with skin problems and sore muscles. It’s dark, humid, and spooky, but people love it.

Dinosaur Footprints in the Open

There’s a remote plateau in Turkmenistan where you can walk alongside dinosaur tracks. It’s called the Dinosaur Plateau and has one of the world’s largest collections of preserved dino footprints—some dating back over 150 million years.

They Celebrate Melons With a National Holiday

Yes, melons. As in, the fruit. Every second Sunday of August is Melon Day in Turkmenistan. There are parades, music, speeches, and lots of melon slicing. It’s all about honoring Turkmenistan’s muskmelons, which are famously sweet and a big part of their agricultural pride.

Being Neutral Is a Huge Part of Their Identity

Turkmenistan takes neutrality very seriously. In 1995, the country declared "permanent neutrality," which the United Nations officially recognized. That means no military alliances, no foreign military bases, and no taking sides. The government even built a giant Neutrality Monument in the capital.

70% of the Country Is Basically Just Desert

Most of Turkmenistan is swallowed up by the Karakum Desert. It’s hot. It’s dry. And in summer, it gets hotter than 50°C, with sandstorms being a common occurrence. There are areas where nothing grows at all. People mostly live near rivers or borders, which are slightly more livable, but the desert makes life hard.

Almost No Tourists Visit

Getting into Turkmenistan isn’t easy. Apart from a special visa, you’d also need an official government-approved guide. You can’t just wander around. Your hotel, your routes, and even your conversations might be monitored.

Horses Look Like They’ve Been Photoshopped

Turkmenistan’s national pride is their Akhal-Teke horse. These horses are so shiny they almost look metallic. They’re incredibly fast and have been bred for thousands of years. The government treats them like celebrities. You’ll find their faces on stamps, statues, and money. Owning one is like driving a Bugatti in horse form.

There’s Only One Political Party

The Democratic Party of Turkmenistan runs the country, and other political parties don’t really exist. Elections are held, but there’s usually only one name on the ballot. If you dare to criticize the government here, you could face jail time. Journalists are state-controlled, which makes it more of a show than a choice.

The Golden Statue of the President Followed the Sun

Niyazov loved himself and, of course, gold. So he built a golden statue of himself that literally turned throughout the day to face the sun. For years, it stood in the center of Ashgabat. After he died, the statue was moved to the suburbs but not taken down.

Bread Was Literally Renamed After His Mom

This one’s not a joke. Niyazov renamed the word for bread to honor his mother, Gurbansoltan. People had to use her name when buying or talking about it. He also renamed months, days of the week, and schools. The cult of personality ran so deep that even your grocery list was political.

They’re Sitting on a Gold Mine of Natural Gas

Turkmenistan has the fifth-largest natural gas reserves in the world. And while that’s a huge deal, the average person doesn’t see much of that wealth. The government sells most of the gas to China. Meanwhile, public services are underfunded, and poverty remains high. It’s a classic case of “rich country, poor people.”

One of the World’s Longest Canals Runs Through It

The Karakum Canal is over 1,300 kilometers long. It cuts across the desert and brings water to areas that would otherwise be bone-dry. It’s impressive—but also super inefficient. The canal leaks a ton of water. Some experts say more is wasted than used. Still, it’s a lifeline for farming.

They’re Obsessed With Breaking Records—Weird Ones

Turkmenistan has a thing for Guinness World Records. Biggest indoor Ferris wheel? Check. Most white marble buildings in one city? Check. World’s tallest flagpole (for a while)? Yep. These records aren’t random. They’re part of the country’s image strategy to look modern and impressive.

A Silk Road Rest Stop Still Stands Strong

Out in the desert, near the Amu Darya River, you’ll find the Dayahatyn Caravanserai. It’s a medieval rest stop from the 9th century, where Silk Road traders used to crash for the night. The structure still stands with arched doorways, carved stone, and all. It’s one of the most treasured possessions of Turkmenistan, but barely anyone visits.