Turkmenistan’s Quiet Shift: From Secrecy to Online Growth

In the heart of Turkmenistan’s capital, a bright office buzzes with activity. Azat Seyitmuhammedov, a 38‑year‑old dad of six, runs an e‑commerce company called Wabrum. He started it nine years ago, and today the business ships Turkish clothing across the country from a local warehouse. In places like Berlin or San Francisco, this would be ordinary; here it feels revolutionary. Turkmenistan has long been known as one of the world’s most isolated nations. After gaining independence from Russia in 1991, former president Saparmurat Niyazov declared the country “permanently neutral” and imposed strict visa rules. The capital, Ashgabat, was rebuilt in marble thanks to the nation’s huge natural gas reserves. The government still keeps tight control, but a new president took office in 2022. Serdar Berdymukhamedov has shown signs of easing restrictions. He talks about simplifying visas, joining the World Trade Organization, and diversifying a state‑run economy. His trips abroad are more frequent than his father’s, hinting at a slow but real change among the ruling elite. Some diplomats say personal freedoms have grown slightly, though foreign investors still face challenges like dual currency rates and opaque politics.Outside the political sphere, society is evolving—especially online. Internet speeds are slow and heavily censored, but platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be accessed with VPNs. Teenagers in high‑end malls film dance videos, and influencers such as Enejan Velmuradova promote travel agencies to wealthy Turkmens. She celebrates the country’s opening up and the breaking of old stereotypes. Dance is another area where change is visible. Muhammet Bayramgulyyev teaches breakdancing to teenagers in a new studio. He recalls that, back around 2000, the style was underground and only seen on tapes or TV. Now classes are full, and he hopes Turkmen athletes will compete internationally—perhaps even at the Olympics. These stories show a nation that is cautiously stepping out of its long‑standing isolation. While the government still holds firm, private businesses, social media, and youth culture are quietly reshaping Turkmenistan’s future.