AWAZA, Turkmenistan/ISTANBUL 

Awaza, Turkmenistan’s premier tourism zone on the Caspian Sea, stands out with its striking white buildings and vehicles.

Renowned for its pristine beaches and modern facilities, the area plays a vital role in the country’s tourism development.

Located in the Balkan province, a 25-minute drive from the city of Turkmenbasi, Awaza attracts visitors from across Turkmenistan and beyond.

Tourists can conveniently reach the region via the Turkmenbasi International Airport, the nearest gateway to the coastal retreat.

The Awaza project was first announced in 2007, and by 2013, the area was fully operational, welcoming guests with luxury hotels, recreational parks, entertainment venues and sandy beaches where visitors can unwind year-round.

While most tourists to Awaza are Turkmen nationals, the annual visitor count of approximately 150,000 fluctuates with the influx of international guests attending conferences and meetings.

Recently, Awaza hosted the UN’s third meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), reinforcing its reputation as a hub for major international events.

Transportation within Awaza is primarily serviced by buses and taxis.

With affordable bus fares and complimentary city transport provided to conference attendees, getting around is convenient and cost-effective.

But due to summer temperatures often soaring to 40° Celsius (104° F), walking during the day is nearly impossible, making public transit essential.

The Turkmen government is undertaking extensive reforestation efforts in Awaza, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant meeting point of green, white and blue -- symbolizing nature, architecture and the sea.

Turkmenistan’s affection for Türkiye: Cultural connections in Awaza

On the streets of Awaza, locals express their affection and interest in Türkiye.

Some hum Turkish songs, others eagerly share their favorite Turkish TV series or cities they dream of visiting. Turkmen are quick to offer assistance once they realize you are Turkish.

A notable feature of the city is the omnipresence of Turkish music, heard from hotels, entertainment venues and cars driven by young people.

Turkish television dramas enjoy great popularity in Turkmenistan.

Gulnar Amanova, head of the Reporter’s Department at the Turkmenistan International News Center, is a prime example of the cultural affinity.

Amanova speaks Turkmen as her mother tongue, along with Russian, English, Turkish and some Hindi.

She told Anadolu that she learned Turkish from her family, who are avid fans of Turkish series, watching them daily.

Although initially finding Turkish difficult, Amanova soon realized that Turkmen and Turkish are similar languages.

"I learned Turkish by listening to my mother speak it with her sister," she said.

Amanova has visited Istanbul, enjoys Turkish cuisine and hopes to see historic sites in Anatolia as well as cities like Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.

She expressed a strong desire to speak only Turkish during her next visit to Türkiye and to report on historical landmarks as a Turkmen journalist.

Awaza’s clean streets and uniform white aesthetic

One of the first things visitors notice upon arriving in Awaza is the dominant white color that defines the cityscape.

Most buildings and vehicles are painted white, while traffic lights and bus stops are kept in light gray to preserve visual harmony.

The area exemplifies meticulous urban planning, where cleanliness is a priority.

It is almost impossible to find litter on the streets, thanks to strict penalties for littering and an environmentally conscious population.

Awaza’s pristine environment, combined with its modern amenities and cultural ties, continues to make it a shining example of Turkmenistan’s ambitions in tourism and international engagement.