Yaqeen Blog

While the world often looks at North Korea as the ultimate "closed" nation, Turkmenistan is arguably even more mysterious. In 2026, the country remains a "Father-Son" duumvirate, where the transition from Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to his son, Serdar, hasn't changed the status quo. It is a land of extreme contrasts: a billion-dollar marble capital sitting atop one of the world’s largest gas reserves, while the people often stand in lines for bread.

Here is an investigative look into the "Silent Capital" and the bizarre rules that govern it.

1. The "Ghost City" of White Marble

Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record for the highest density of white marble buildings. However, if you visit in 2026, you will notice something haunting: the streets are almost completely empty.

• The White Car Rule: Since 2018, dark-colored cars have been banned. If you have a black car, you must paint it white or silver, or it will be impounded. The President believes white brings "good luck" and keeps the city looking "pristine."  

• The "City of the Dead": Over 543 marble-clad buildings exist, yet many are empty. They are built for show, not for people.  

• The Fountains of Waste: In a country that is 80% desert (the Karakum), Ashgabat features hundreds of massive, illuminated fountains that run 24/7, even as regular citizens in rural areas face water shortages.

2. The Berdimuhamedov "Duumvirate" (Two-Man Rule)

In 2022, Gurbanguly (the father) stepped down to let his son, Serdar, become President. However, as of January 2026, the father has actually increased his power through constitutional changes.

• The "National Leader": Gurbanguly is now the "National Leader" (Arkadag) and head of the People’s Council. He has total immunity and can override his son’s decisions. 

• The "Hero of Turkmenistan": Both men share the title of "Hero," and their portraits are everywhere—in every classroom, office, and even on the home screens of state-issued smartphones.

• Justice by TV: The "Public Humiliation" sessions continue. In 2025 and early 2026, high-ranking ministers were brought before cameras to beg for forgiveness for "corruption" before being hauled off to prison.

3. The "Silent" Surveillance State

Turkmenistan is one of the most monitored places on Earth. In 2026, the digital walls are higher than ever:

• Internet Blackout: Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked. The government uses advanced AI to track anyone using a VPN. If caught, citizens face fines or interrogation by the Ministry of National Security. 

• The "Alien" Ban: New rules in recent years restricted women’s rights, banning "foreign" beauty trends like dyed hair, false eyelashes, and jewelry labeled as "non-traditional."

• Compulsory Curfew: An 11:00 PM (and sometimes 9:00 PM in some provinces) curfew is strictly enforced. After this hour, the "White City" becomes even more silent, with only police patrols and a few street cleaners visible.

4. The "Gateway to Hell" and the Gas Crisis

Despite sitting on the world's 4th largest gas reserves, the economy is struggling under the weight of massive vanity projects.

• The Darvaza Gas Crater: This famous "Door to Hell"—a fire burning since 1971—was ordered to be put out in 2022. As of January 2026, scientists have finally begun a technical plan to drill a new well to divert the gas and stop the flames completely.

• Food Lines: While the capital glows with golden statues, reports from 2025 indicate that citizens in smaller towns still face shortages of subsidized flour and cooking oil.

• Natural Gas Monopoly: Almost all wealth comes from gas sales to China and Russia. This money is funneled directly into marble projects rather than public infrastructure.

Strategic Insight: The "Stability" Myth

For outsiders, Turkmenistan looks like a bizarre curiosity because of its "world records" and "dog statues." But for those living there, it is a high-stakes survival game. By controlling even the color of a car or the length of a beard, the regime ensures that no one feels safe enough to start a protest. In 2026, Turkmenistan remains a perfectly polished, marble-white cage.

Verified Research & Global Reports

• Freedom House: Turkmenistan 2025-2026 Freedom Report

• Human Rights Watch: Inside the Closed State of Turkmenistan

• Times of Central Asia: Turkmen Scientists Develop Plan to Extinguish Darvaza Gas Crater  

• The Guardian: Inside Ashgabat: The Empty City of the Dead