City views from Turkmenistan!

And the next country is Turkmenistan! A wonderful lady Valeriya sent me 2 wonderful cards from her exotic sunny country! So, let's find out some facts about Turkmenistan!

Location: Central Asia

Capital: Ashgabat

Population: 4,940,916

Official language: Turkmen

National anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrFq_4wV31w

The name Turkmenistan was derived from the Persian language, it means “Land of the Turkmen.” First of all, Turkmenistan is famous for its autocratic government and large gas reserves. It also has a reputation as an island of stability in restless Central Asia.

Despite its gas wealth, much of Turkmenistan's population is still poor. After receiving independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 the country lived in isolation that has only recently begun to end. The Karakum Desert covers almost 80% of the country. The Karakum Canal is one of the world’s longest irrigation canals.

Postcards depict the modern Ashgabat and evening time in Ashgabat. Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan with population of about 1,031,992.

Both stamps depict Törebeg Hanym. It is a mausoleum named after Turabek-Khanum, the wife of Kutlug-Timur (ruled between 1321 and 1336). It is located at the northern part of ancient Gurgench. It is a highly sophisticated work of architecture, both in its conceptualisation of spaces and in its engineering.

Thanks a lot for the postcards, Valeriya!