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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Turkmenistan
Index
Fundamental social institutions generally remained unchanged by the
presence of Marxist dogma for over seventy years, although the presence of
large numbers of Russians changed the distribution of the classes and the
cultural loyalties of the intelligentsia. With some weakening in urban
areas in the twentieth century, kinship and tribal affiliation retain a
strong influence over the structure of Turkmen society.
National Traditions
Today's Turkmen have fully embraced the concepts of national unity and
a strong national consciousness, which had been elusive through most of
their history. The Turkmen have begun to reassess their history and
culture, as well as the effects of Soviet rule. Some of the more notable
changes since independence have been a shift from open hostility to
cautious official sanctioning of Islam, the declaration of Turkmen as the
state language, and the state's promotion of national and religious
customs and holidays. For example, the vernal equinox, known as Novruz ("New
Year's Day"), is now celebrated officially country-wide.
Interest and pride in national traditions were demonstrated openly
prior to independence, particularly following the introduction of glasnost'
by Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev in 1985. Since
independence, the government has played a less restrictive and at times
actively supportive role in the promotion of national traditions. For
example, in a move to replace the Soviet version of Turkmen history with
one more in harmony with both traditional and current values, President
Niyazov formed a state commission to write the "true history of sunny
Turkmenistan."
The Soviet period dampened but did not suppress the expression of
prominent Turkmen cultural traditions. Turkmen carpets continue to receive
praise and special attention from Western enthusiasts. The high sheepskin
hats worn by men, as well as distinctive fabrics and jewelry, also are
age-old trademarks of Turkmen material culture. The Ahal-Teke breed of
horse, world-renowned for its beauty and swiftness, is particular to the
Turkmen. Aside from a rich musical heritage, the Turkmen continue to value
oral literature, including such epic tales as Korkut Ata and
Gurogly .
Increased national awareness is reflected in modifications of the
school curriculum as well. Among new courses of instruction is a class on
edep , or proper social behavior and moral conduct according to
traditional Turkmen and Islamic values. Officially sanctioned efforts also
have been made to contact members of the Turkmen population living outside
of Turkmenistan, and several international Turkmen organizations have been
established.
Data as of March 1996
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