In 2026, Turkmenistan celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence, a historic milestone that invites a deeper look at how a young state has sought stability, identity, and international relevance amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. The country declared independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, immediately facing the dual challenge of state‑building at home and positioning abroad in a region bordered by new and old uncertainties—not least the civil conflict in neighboring Afghanistan and the global realignments following the Cold War. To consolidate its future, the country moved swiftly to stabilize governance and the economy, adopting policies designed to shield domestic development from external volatility and to anchor predictability for citizens and investors alike.

One emblematic step was the decision by the Mejlis (Parliament) to declare 2026 the Year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” Framed as both a tribute to sovereignty and to the iconic Akhal‑Teke horses, the designation underscores how nation‑building, cultural heritage, and economic strategy reinforce one another at a pivotal moment for the state.

The choice of motto is not merely ceremonial. It speaks to a broader policy architecture that Turkmenistan has refined over three and a half decades: permanent neutrality as international posture, nation‑building as internal compass, and connectivity as a practical route to prosperity—especially through the Middle Corridor (Trans‑Caspian International Transport Route) that links Central Asia to the South Caucasus, Türkiye, and Europe. Recent reporting, including Euronews’ analysis on Turkmenistan’s growing international engagement and openness—particularly around youth, education, and global partnerships—captures the way Ashgabat is reframing its image for long‑term collaboration.

Independence as the Core of State Policy

Independence is the strongest foundation of Turkmenistan’s state policy. This is more than a constitutional statement; it is a national sentiment. As Turkmen citizens often frame it, “independence is the most precious value”—a conviction expressed in the national anthem’s opening verses:

“My soul is a sacrifice to you, my beloved country,The spirit of brave fathers is in my heart.The light of a neutral and independent land,Your flag is raised high before the world.”

Since 1991, Turkmenistan has aimed consistently at “new heights of development,” rolling out socioeconomic programs and public‑administration reforms to improve state capacity and public services. Official narratives stress that state policy—domestic and foreign—must first deliver for the people, a philosophy encapsulated in the principle “the state is for the people,” frequently associated with reform agendas over the past decades. A government commentary titled “Independence – a strong basis of the state policy of Turkmenistan” sets out this logic plainly, tying institutional reforms to rights protection and inclusive governance.

The main task of the domestic and foreign policy pursued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is to ensure the proper well‑being of Turkmen citizens. This is why, when you travel to Turkmenistan, you immediately notice that it is the only country in Central Asia where the visible remnants of the Soviet era are minimal, while national Turkmen brands dominate the public space. This reality reflects the results of the “state‑for‑the‑people” principle introduced through the reforms of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Turkmenistan has placed strong emphasis on nation‑building, a process shaped by two main objectives: the unification of the various tribes and the gradual socio‑cultural de‑Russification of society, as highlighted in the academic research of Kuru, A. T. (2002).

As mentioned previously, Turkmenistan represents the most successful example of nation‑building in Central Asia, where one can truly feel the presence of a fully sovereign and culturally independent state. For instance, Turkmenistan was the first country in the region to establish its own national alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet disappeared very quickly after independence, reflecting the country’s determination to consolidate a distinct national identity. Furthermore, since independence in 1991, the country has undergone significant transformation, including the development of a unique, largely closed political system and massive architectural projects in the capital, Ashgabat.

Nation‑Building and Historical Memory

The early phase of independence also entailed constructing a shared historical memory. In his writings, Saparmyrat Niyazov, Turkmenistan’s first president, anchored the identity of the new nation in centuries of Turkmen statecraft and heroism—invoking figures such as Atabegs, Sultan Alp Arslan, Prince Melik, and Melik Shah to present independence as both a return to roots and a project for the future. As the Ruhnama famously puts it:

“Our ancestors have always wished that the Turkmen people may lead a free, independent and peaceful life. Until their wishes came true, our people had to suffer many bloody wars in long periods. Hundreds of thousands of people sacrificed their lives for the fatherland and its independence.”

The thread linking historical sacrifice to modern sovereignty is not simply literary. It is deployed as a civic ethic, explaining why independence is defended so emphatically in public discourse and political........

© Eurasia Review