TURKMENBASHI

• Geographical coordinates: 40.0337° N, 52.9759° E
• Elevation: 27  m
• Region: Balkan
• Official language: Turkmen
• Population: 73 000 (2022)
• Nationals: Turkmen, Russian, Armenian, Azeri etc.
• Time Zone: UTC+5
• Telephone Code: +993 243, 349, 465
• Postal Codes: 745000
• Vehicle Registration Code: BN

Türkmenbaşy: A Key City on the Caspian Sea

Türkmenbaşy, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, Kyzyl-Su, and Shagadam (Turkmen: Şagadam), is a vital port city in Balkan Province, western Turkmenistan. Located along the Türkmenbaşy Gulf of the Caspian Sea, the city sits at an elevation of 27 meters (89 feet). As of 2004, Türkmenbaşy had an estimated population of 86,800, primarily ethnic Turkmens, with minorities of Russians, Armenians, and Azeris. The city serves as the terminus of the Trans-Caspian Railway and hosts one of Turkmenistan's largest oil refineries, making it a crucial transportation and industrial hub. It is important to distinguish Türkmenbaşy from the similarly named Türkmenbaşy şäherçesi (formerly Janga), also in Balkan Province, and Saparmyrat Türkmenbaşy adyndaky city in Daşoguz Province.

Historical Overview

Early History

In 1717, Russian Prince Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky established a secret fortified settlement at the site, where an ancient dried riverbed of the Amu Darya once emptied into the Caspian Sea. His objective was to march up this riverbed to conquer the Khanate of Khiva, but the mission failed, and the Russians abandoned the area for over 150 years.

Krasnovodsk Period

The Russians returned in 1869, capturing the settlement and naming their fort Krasnovodsk, translating from its Turkmen name, Kyzyl-Su ("Red Water"). Krasnovodsk became a strategic base for Imperial Russia’s military campaigns against Khiva, Bukhara, and the semi-nomadic Turkmen tribes. The Trans-Caspian Railway initially started from Uzun-Ada but was later extended north to Krasnovodsk. The fort fell to the Red Army in February 1920. Krasnovodsk underwent several administrative changes, becoming the capital of Krasnovodsk Oblast on November 21, 1939. The oblast was repeatedly abolished and reinstated between 1947 and 1988. In 1942, a significant part of the Polish Anders’ Army was evacuated through the port to Iran. In 1985, during the Soviet-Afghan War, the local airbase was attacked by Afghan Mujahideen.

Modern Türkmenbaşy

On October 8, 1993, Krasnovodsk was renamed Türkmenbaşy by presidential decree, honoring President Saparmurat Niyazov, who adopted the title Türkmenbaşy ("Head of [all] Turkmens"). In 2007, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow announced a $1 billion project to transform Türkmenbaşy into a major tourist destination, focusing on the development of the Awaza Tourist Zone. Plans included constructing 60 modern hotels along a 16-km (10-mile) stretch of Caspian coastline. The city also has three notable hotels: Türkmenbaşy Hotel, Charlak Hotel, and the Silk Road Hotel, along with the Soviet-era Hazar Hotel. Türkmenbaşy has seen significant modernization in recent years, including improvements to infrastructure, roads, and public spaces. Notable projects include the renovation of Magtymguly Avenue, the creation of Turkish Park, and the addition of fountains. The city’s transportation network now features a dual carriageway connecting the seaport, airport, and Awaza. In 2014, the Oilworkers Palace of Culture was refurbished.

Administrative Divisions

As of July 2013, Türkmenbaşy was divided into two boroughs (etrap): Awaza Borough (Awaza etraby) and Kenar Borough (Kenar etraby). However, on November 9, 2022, Kenar Borough was officially abolished, leaving Awaza Borough as the city’s sole administrative division.

Awaza Borough

Covering 9,660 hectares, Awaza Borough includes the Awaza National Tourist Zone, Türkmenbaşy International Airport, and a small residential area. It is governed by a presidentially appointed mayor (häkim).

Former Kenar Borough

Spanning 7,262 hectares, Kenar Borough encompassed the main part of the city and the former town of Kenar. It housed the Türkmenbaşy International Seaport, the Kenar Oil Loading Terminal, and the Kenar Oil Storage and Loading Enterprise. Türkmenbaşy’s modern developments and rich historical heritage make it a unique destination in Turkmenistan.

Türkmenbaşy: Geography and Climate

Türkmenbaşy is located on the Türkmenbaşy Gulf of the Caspian Sea and features a cold desert climate (BWk according to the Köppen classification). Summers are hot, with average July temperatures of 28°C (82°F), while winters are mild, with January averages around 3°C (37°F). Despite its maritime location, summers are exceptionally warm for its latitude, as it lies along the 40°N parallel. Annual precipitation is minimal, averaging 125 mm (5 inches).

Economic Overview

Oil and Gas Industry

Türkmenbaşy is a major hub for Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector. The Türkmenbaşy Oil Refinery, the country’s largest, has an annual refining capacity exceeding 10 million tons as of 2016. Products include unleaded gasoline, petroleum coke, asphalt, hydro-treated diesel, lubricants, and even laundry detergent. The refinery produces approximately 300,000 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas annually, accounting for two-thirds of the nation’s LPG output.

Shipbuilding and Repair

Since 2018, the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Yard at the Türkmenbaşy International Seaport has been constructing and repairing vessels. The yard processes 10,000 tons of steel annually, enabling the construction of 4–6 ships per year and maintenance of 20–30 ships, processing 2,000 tons of steel annually for repairs.

• Notable Attractions
• Museum of Regional History
• Gate of the Former Krasnovodsk Fort
• Khazar Nature Reserve
• Natural History Museum
• Beaches along the Caspian Sea

The central office of the State Archives of the Balkan Region is also located in Türkmenbaşy.

Religion

The city’s majority Turkmen population adheres to Sunni Islam.

Russian Orthodox Church

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel, originally gifted by the Astrakhan Diocese, was relocated to Krasnovodsk in 1895.

Armenian Apostolic Church

Built in 1903, this church requires significant restoration and is currently non-operational.

Sports and Recreation

Şagadam Stadium: Home to the Şagadam FK professional football team. Local futsal clubs Deňizçi and TNGIZT compete in the Turkmenistan Futsal League. In 2014, Turkmenistan hosted the PWA World Tour Windsurfing event in Türkmenbaşy.

Communication Infrastructure

Altyn Asyr, the sole mobile operator in the city, launched its 4G LTE network in 2010, offering comprehensive coverage. Internet services and cable TV are provided by Turkmentelecom. There is currently one internet café in the city.

Education

The Turkmenbashi Marine Secondary Vocational School, operated by the Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency, offers two to two-and-a-half-year programs, preparing specialists for sea and river transport services in Turkmenistan.

Cultural Significance

Several Soviet-era films, such as Days of Eclipse by Alexander Sokurov and The Forty-First by Grigory Chukhray, were shot in and around Türkmenbaşy.

Salkyn Kenar Amusement Park

Located along the Caspian coast, this 2.7-hectare park boasts over 30 attractions and several restaurants. It’s a popular tourist destination and also serves as a concert venue.

Transportation Hub

Türkmenbaşy is a critical transportation junction, supported by its seaport, airport, and railway station. The M37 Highway connects the city to eastern points, while the P-18 Highway links Türkmenbaşy with Awaza and the Kazakhstan border.

Seaport

The Türkmenbaşy International Seaport, the country’s largest, connects Turkmenistan with the West via ferry routes to Baku, Azerbaijan (260 km across the Caspian Sea). In 2018, a modernized port was inaugurated, featuring a 1.3 km² area and 3.6 km of berths, with a cargo terminal capacity of 18 million tons per year.

Railway Station

Constructed in 1895 by architect Alexeï Benois, the Türkmenbaşy railway station operates daily train services to Ashgabat (Route No. 605/606).

International Airport

First established in 1940 near Krasnovodsk Hospital, the airport was moved during World War II and later rebuilt. It achieved international status after its 2010 reconstruction. Flights connect Türkmenbaşy with Ashgabat, Daşoguz, Mary, Türkmenabat, and Istanbul.

Buses

The city’s bus network, featuring Hyundai Aero City buses, connects Türkmenbaşy to Ashgabat, Balkanabat, and Garabogaz.

• Twin Town
• Jūrmala, Latvia
• Astrakhan, Russia