Turkmenistan, from the time it gained independence from the Soviet Union, in 1991, until the end of 2006, was a tyranny, run by a madman, Saparmurat Niyazov. Now, there is a new madman in power, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
One of his “dream” projects was “Avaza” - a seaside resort like no other. This town was like nothing else on Earth you’ve ever seen. Built very recently, virtually in the middle of nowhere - a gallery of ultra modern high-rise buildings and empty 5-star hotels, Avaza is probably the least known and most peculiar resort in the world. And it’s inspiring to be the second Dubai. But it is empty. Tourists visit the resort rarely. The Caspian sea is cold and salty.
It is extremely difficult to get a visa. Journalists can visit only rarely. I was there in the middle of August 2019.
