Elaborated Carpet Design Heritage - History Of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is one of the oldest countries in Central Asia, with a history as complex and diverse as its carpet designs.

Beginning with ancient states and ending with nomads, from Turkmenistan's conquest by foreign powers to Soviet rule, not to mention its independence period, it is truly a history full of excitement.

The settlements of people on the territory of Turkmenistan can be traced millions of years ago. Its history of agriculture in Central Asia is considered to have begun in the 5th millennium B.C.E. However, Paleolithic communities have been identified, too—in the area situated close to Ashgabat. The development of cultures in this area began with the Neolithic Jeitun civilization, and then numerous other cultures rose in the area, leading to the formation of cities.

Shaping of the Land

Over the years, the shrinking of the Caspian Sea has created the Karakum Desert, which provides a background to the people living there.

The first settlements were in the southern oases and the fertile valleys along the now dried-up rivers that are now nonexistent, such as:

• The Amu Darya
• Morghāb
• Tejen

These are the remnants of the early civilizations that once inhabited them.

The geographical area, which today is called Turkmenistan, has always been at the intersection of empire and civilizations. In the 6th century B.C.E., the Persians of the Achaemenid Dynasty conquered the area, and later in the 4th century B.C.E., Alexander the Great. This period of history is illustrated by the ruins of Nisa, which used to be the capital of the Parthian Kingdom.

Arrival of the Turkmen

The Turkmen people appeared in the region in the 11th century C.E. They were nomadic horsemen and were part of the Oghuz Confederation, which contributed to the formation of modern Turkmenistan's identity. During the rule of the Seljuq dynasty in the region between 1038 and 1194, the Turkmen faced invasions from Mongols and distinguished themselves as an ethnological group.

For centuries, Turkmen tribes lived a largely nomadic existence, organized along tribal lines rather than experiencing political unity. The Chaudor, Salor, Yomuts, Tekkes, Ersaris, and Saryks were among the prominent tribes that shaped Turkmen history. Their livelihood often involved raiding passing caravans, a practice that would eventually bring them into conflict with expanding empires.

Russian Conquest

The nineteenth century signaled the revolutionary period in the history of Turkmen, primarily due to the advent of the Russian Empire. Then, Russian forces began to take control of the region and faced stiff resistance initially from the Tekke tribe. In 1881 Gök-Tepe war claimed a victory of Turkmen by Gen M. Skobelev and this marked the annexation of Turkmenistan into the Russian empire.

In the 1920s, Soviet rule started, and changes in Turkmen society started to emerge visibly. The establishment of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic as part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics occurred in 1924. It was a time of aggressive industrialization, forced reorganization of agriculture, and language and cultural Russianisation.

Cultural Heritage

Turkmen people have always been characterized by the preservation of their valuable cultural traditions. The craft of carpet making, which is prevalent in Turkmenistan, is carried from one generation to the other. These elaborated carpets, whose designs and hues differ, have also been used as tools for the identification of various tribes as well as artwork in the past.

Religious Landscape

Islam, introduced to the region by Arab conquerors in the 7th century, became an essential component of the Turkmen people. However, ancient spiritual beliefs and practices have also persisted and remained with them to this day, intermingling with Islamic beliefs and practices.

Independence and Modern Era

Turkmenistan's opportunity to exist independently came when the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991. The country gained its independence from sovereign rule on October 27, 1991, thus starting its journey as an independent country. It is noteworthy that in the first years of independence, Turkmenistan was headed by Saparmurat Niyazov, who built an extensive cult of personality.

After gaining independence, the country planned to leverage its natural resources, especially the fifth-largest natural gas reserve in the world. It also maintained a foreign policy of neutrality and became a member of the United Nations in 1995.

Conclusion

Today, Turkmenistan is at a historical crossroads of its past. On one hand, like many other countries in the modern world, the country faces numerous problems related to the process of modernization and adaptation to globalization, on the other hand, it still tries to keep its cultural identity. Although the days of the oases of the desert to the nomadic tribes of the steppes are now in the past, Turkmenistan still holds a significant position in the political map of Central Asia.