Turkmenistan: A land of white cars, marble cities, and strict laws

In today's internet-driven world, imagine living in a place where the internet is scarce, Wi-Fi is a luxury, and even your car’s color is restricted. Well, there is actually a place where the internet is still used sparsely. Welcome to Turkmenistan, a country full of peculiar laws and regulations, often baffling to outsiders.

Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic tucked away in Central Asia, with only 6.5 million people, is one of the world's most secretive countries. The ancient city of Merv, a major Silk Road destination, is among its many historical and cultural landmarks, despite its tiny size.

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If you thought this was weird enough, then hold on! You need to visit its capital city of Ashgabat, to believe what actually exists there. Often referred to as the 'City of White Marble,' you will see endless white, marble-covered buildings, which is one the highlights of this place. For your information, former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in 2018, mandated all vehicles also to be painted white or silver to give the city its consistent appearance. Black car owners were compelled to repaint their vehicles or risk fines, and black cars were outlawed and even seized. The city as a whole is a masterpiece of white marble buildings. It's also interesting to note that Ashgabat's commitment to cleanliness and compliance is further demonstrated by the fact that it has the Guinness World Record for having the most white marble buildings.

Despite its impressive architecture, this city frequently seems strangely deserted. Even though Ashgabat's streets are roomy enough, with broad avenues and imposing buildings, you hardly ever see people walking around. You may be surprised to learn why. Well, this is not an accident, as much of the city was designed for parades and government events, and not for daily life. The use of white marble throughout the city, while visually striking, gives the entire area an almost surreal, sterile appearance.

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If you go beyond this city, there are other things that make Turkmenistan unique. Here, the laws extend to internet usage as well. The country’s online landscape is tightly controlled, with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp blocked. So remember, you will less likely be able to make live reels there! Only a censored version of the internet is available to the public here.

Despite the flaws, Turkmenistan is also home to some of the most well-liked sights that draw tourists from near and far. Known as the 'Door to Hell,' the Darvaza gas crater is a natural wonder that has been burning for decades and is among the most well-known. The nation is a fascinating location for inquisitive tourists seeking something unusual because of its unique character, stunning architecture, and extensive history.