Turkmenistan Earthquake Memorial Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan observes Earthquake Memorial Day on October 6 as an annual remembrance ceremony. It is a day dedicated to remembering the casualties of the devastating 1948 earthquake. It is estimated that the earthquake, which was centered near the capital city of Ashgabat, killed up to 110,000 people, or roughly 10 percent of the country’s population at the time. Numerous monuments have been erected in Turkmenistan to commemorate the earthquake that transformed the nation.

The background of Turkmenistan Earthquake Memorial Day

On the evening of October 6, 1948, an enormous earthquake measuring up to 7.3 on the Richter scale struck the oil-rich Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Ashgabat, the capital, and it lasted approximately 10 seconds. Nevertheless, the devastation caused in those 10 seconds was catastrophic. The earthquake devastated brick buildings, toppled concrete structures, derailed trains, and obliterated as many as 40 villages. So powerful was the earthquake that sections of neighboring Iran were also affected.

Turkmenistan was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union at the time. Due to the Soviet Union’s notorious censorship practices, news of the earthquake did not travel outside of Turkmenistan, nor was it reported by Soviet state media. Initially, the Communist government of Turkmenistan reported 10,000 deaths. However, it was disclosed in 1988 that up to 110,000 people had perished, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history.

Despite the criticism, the central Soviet government did respond to the catastrophe by sending relief supplies and airlifting survivors to medical facilities in other union states. Additionally, the administrations of neighboring Soviet republics provided assistance.

Ashgabat was effectively closed for approximately five years while the city recovered and was then reconstructed.

The earthquake had a significant impact on Turkmens of all ages, with many knowing either a victim or a survivor. Thus, Earthquake Memorial Day is regarded as a solemn occasion to commemorate the tragedy that shook the nation to its essence.

On this day, flags are lowered across the country and in foreign offices with ties to Turkmenistan. Across the nation, memorial services are conducted in mosques and churches. The Turkmenistan administration observes wreath-laying ceremonies in Ashgabat. Numerous individuals visit the graves of the deceased and pray for those affected.

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5 fascinating facts about Turkmenistan

Another significant earthquake occurred in Turkmenistan in 2000, centered about 250 kilometers from Ashgabat, with a magnitude of seven on the Richter scale and eleven fatalities.

It is one of the world’s least-visited countries, with only 9,000 visitors visiting in 2016 and 14,438 in 2019.

With 543, Ashgabat retains the record for the most white-marble structures in a city.

Saparmurat Niyazov, the country’s late “President for Life,” prohibited men under the age of 70 from growing beards in 2004, and the law has not been revoked since then.

Turkmenistan is the only nation recognized by the United Nations as “permanently neutral”

TURKMENISTAN EARTHQUAKE MEMORIAL DAY DATES