31.03.2020

Akhal-Teke

State media is gradually breaking the taboo on mentioning the pandemic, but denialism is still the order of the day.

There are some interesting deals to be had on Turkmenistan’s used auto market.

As Vienna-based Chronicles of Turkmenistan reported this week, the government is auctioning off a number of cars from the presidential administration fleet. Items include a 2009 vintage Bentley Continental for $75,000, a pair of armor-plated Mercedes-Benz S600s at $48,500 a pop, and a 2010 Cadillac STS (also armored) for $72,500.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, a hardened car nut, is evidently tired of those old bangers. Last year, at an investment forum on the Caspian… >> подробнее

25.03.2020

Akhal-Teke

Ashgabat’s approach has been to shut all borders and suspend all international travel.

Officials do not explain why they are imposing such stringent internal restrictions if Turkmenistan is, as they insist, genuinely coronavirus-free.

There has been grim news this week out of Turkey, where as many as 37 nationals of Turkmenistan are reported to have died after using surrogate alcohol to ward off possible coronavirus infection.

This incident is a sad example of the tragedies that can occur when people have limited access to reliable advice on how best to protect their health.

Back in Turkmenistan, the government has largely maintained its tomblike silence… >> подробнее

19.03.2020

Akhal-Teke

The government is pointedly ignoring the global crisis. The very word “coronavirus” has made no appearance on any official websites since March 5.

Contrary to what has been reported in some quarters, Turkmenistan’s president has not devised a method for specifically warding off the coronavirus COVID-19.

Instead, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, addressing a government meeting on March 13, spoke generally about the protective properties of the plant known in Turkmen as yuzarlik (Peganum harmala). When burned, the plant can apparently be used to fumigate the home and thereby prevent the spread of all kinds of infectious diseases. The timing of these recommendations makes it obvious the president had COVID-19 in mind, however.