Latest posts by Farida Yoony
No More Free Petrol in Turkmenistan
There aren't many benefits to living in an energy-rich dictatorship like Turkmenistan, but free energy rationing happens to be one of them. Yet President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, or Arkadag (The Protector), has tweaked the Turkmen social contract by ordering the abolishment of free monthly petrol handouts to private car and motorcycle owners starting...
Turkmenistan's National Cycling Day: Traditionalists, Penny-Pinchers and President-Pleasers
If you are a citizen of Turkmenistan, you had better be ready to don the Lycra and mount a bicycle: September 1 has been slated as National Cycling Day.
Turkmenistan's “Book of the Soul” Facing Difficult Times
Turkmenistan's first president once suggested reading his "Book of the Soul" three times could guarantee a person's place in heaven. Now the book's place in public life is under siege.
Turkmenistan's Internet Blues
Cyber-optimism is is in short supply in repressive Turkmenistan, and it is not difficult to see why.
Turkmens Appalled, J Lo Performs for Their President's Grand Birthday
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov got a fine 56th birthday present at the end of last month in the form of a concert starring Jennifer Lopez held at Turkmenistan's $2 billion state palace. But many ordinary Turkmens registered disgust at the display of opulence in a country where the average salary hovers around $200 per month.
The End of Dual Citizenship in Turkmenistan?
Being a Turkmen citizen is big on drawbacks and small on benefits, which is why many Turkmen citizens took advantage of a 1993 agreement between Turkmenistan and Russia that enabled them to hold passports belonging to both countries. But with the government releasing a new version of the country's main travel document, dual passport holders may be forced to choose their side.