Holidays & Observances in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a country in central Asia. It is a predominantly Muslim country, but it allows freedom of religion, and small communities of other religious groups exist peacefully within the country. Religious holidays are important, but not as important as individual family celebrations, especially since Soviet rule of Turkmenistan, which only expired in 1991, discouraged any kind of religious observation. Turkmen people celebrate all kinds of important life events such as birthdays, weddings, and even new homes or fishing boats. These anniversaries are celebrated with more enthusiasm than most country-wide holidays. Some holidays, such as Navruz (the New Year’s celebration in many Islamic states) incorporate ancient pre-Islam rituals and are important windows to Turkmenistan’s past.
Country Observances
Holiday Date | Country Holiday | Observance Type | Religion/Belief |
---|---|---|---|
Laylat Al-Qadr | Religious/Beliefs | Islam / Muslim | |
Independence Day Turkmenistan | Public | ||
New Years Eve | Popular | ||
New Year's Day | Popular | ||
Ramadan Begins | Religious/Beliefs | Islam / Muslim | |
International Women's Day | Popular | ||
Laylat Al-Qadr | Religious/Beliefs | Islam / Muslim |