Foto: The Sunday market of Ashgabat (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Turkmenistan - On Sundays, the traditional Sunday market is held. In the past, this took place in the sand dunes at the edge of the city—a colorful scene of blankets spread out on the sand. Two years ago, the market was moved to new market halls, naturally built from white marble. When I arrive, I see the huge complex. It looks more like a shopping mall than a bazaar. For tourists, the old location was much more special, but for local traders, this environment is far more practical. I walk into the first hall: electronics. I stroll between the small shops. The latest televisions are stacked here. Through the household goods market, I arrive at the livestock market. I can hear the cows from a distance. I’m surprised by how the animals are treated. Goats are simply thrown into the back of cars. A camel is beaten when it has to get into the truck. On the other hand, this is the daily reality here.
The ancient trading city of Merv
Turkmenistan - It is barely six o’clock in the morning when I am already on the bus. Bachtiar is our guide today. He has taken over from Maksat. He is a cheerful man. Unfortunately, he speaks German, which is not my preferred language. Today, I am on my way to Uzbekistan. ...
The ever-burning gas crater of Derweze
Turkmenistan - We quickly set off towards the gas crater. The road, by Turkmen standards, is good—a wide asphalt road without lane markings. Every now and then, the asphalt is cracked or has large potholes. We’re becoming quite skilled at avoiding the holes. As ...
Turkmenbashi’s Ashgabat
Turkmenistan - Through the large white marble buildings, the wide boulevards, and the expansive parks, the streetscape looks very similar throughout. From the bus, I see the 2x4-lane wide boulevard. White apartment complexes line both sides. In the median lie several ...
Yangykala canyon
Turkmenistan - The road to Balkanabat is a good one. Work is underway to widen the road, though why is unclear, as there is hardly any traffic. Both directions can easily use one side of the road during construction. Even when both directions are open, cars drive on ...