General Knowledge

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

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.

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.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, How to Observe

National Energy Geek Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Body Language Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

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

Year Date Day
2023 October 6 Friday
2024 October 6 Sunday
2025 October 6 Monday
2026 October 6 Tuesday
2027 October 6 Wednesday
Arshiya Khan

Arshiya Khan is a Commerce graduate who loves to write on general and trending topics.

Recent Posts

Social Security September 2025: Payment dates for SSI and SSDI benefits explained

Social Security beneficiaries will receive SSI and SSDI payments on different September 2025 dates.Payment depends…

22 hours ago

VA Disability Payment Schedule: September 2025: When veterans can expect checks?

Veterans receiving VA disability benefits will see their September 2025 payments issued on the first…

22 hours ago

VA Chapter 35 Payment September 2025: When to expect the Payment?

Eligible dependents under the VA Chapter 35 (DEA) program receive monthly payments to support their…

2 days ago

San Francisco Minimum Wage 2025: How much workers must earn and how it compares across California

San Francisco’s minimum wage is set at $18.67 per hour in 2025, one of the…

2 days ago

Chapter 33 VA Benefits: Who qualifies for 50 percent of the GI Bill?

Veterans with at least 90 days but fewer than six months of active duty after…

2 days ago

Chapter 35 VA Benefits: Who Can Receive the Full $1,536 Monthly Payment?

The VA’s Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program offers up to $1,536 monthly.…

3 days ago