People of Turkmenistan

Girl with American Flag Bandana - Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

This adorable girl came running up to us with a big smile on her face and an American flag bandana on her head. ..We wondered...was this planned? Maybe Turkmenistan's new public relations department? All joking aside, it was a wonderful welcome to Turkmenistan. © UncorneredMarket.com

Turkmen Women and their Traditional Dress - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

Turkmen women wear vibrant dresses with beautifully embroidered necklines. These women had just descended from the sacred Paraw Bibi pilgrimage site. Read more about Turkmenistan.

An Elderly Pilgrim - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

An older woman takes a break from the steep stairs at Paraw Bibi, a pilgrimage site for women in Turkmenistan. Read more about Turkmenistan.

Smiling Women - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

These two women greeted us enthusiastically, with almost accent-less English, as we walked up to Paraw Bibi (pilgrimage site). Read more about Turkmenistan.

Boy with a Shaved Head - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

This photogenic boy at Paraw Bibi, with his shaved head, reminded us of something we might see in Tibet. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan.

Sisters - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

The little girl was a bit shy in front of the camera, but her older sister had a confident air about her, posing proudly. Taken at the Paraw Bibi site between Balkanabat and Ashgabat. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan.

Newlyweds - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

A young couple ties the knot in Ashgabat and has a photo shoot at Ashgabat's Walk of Health...It's tradition for the bride to keep her mouth shut during the day. Biting on fabric usually seems to do the trick. This laden bride is decorated from head to toe in metal and stone jewelry. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan and impressions of Ashgabat.

Elderly Man at Saparmyrat Hajii Mosque - Geok-Depe, Turkmenistan

This religious elder spends his evening hours chatting outside the Saparmyrat Hajii Mosque near Geok-Depe in Turkmenistan. Read more about Turkmenistan.

Mother with Sons - Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan

This man pulled me over to take a picture of him with his mother (his brother is in the background). It's hard to believe this tiny woman gave birth to such a large boy...Paraw Bibi, Turkmenistan. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan.

People Resting at Walk of Health in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

This woman, a teacher from Mary, visited Ashgabat for the weekend with her family. She made sure to visit the Walk of Health, although only got to the first resting point. "Too hot." We were told by someone that the locals call it "Walk of Sickness." There are many sick days called in after all the government employees (including teachers) are required to walk it once a year. It's just too hot. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan and impressions of Ashgabat.

Smiling Woman - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Our waitress at the Gulustan Restaurant in the Russian Bazaar. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan and impressions of Ashgabat.

Audrey and Vendor with Colorful Scarves - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

This woman tried to teach Audrey how to tie her scarf. Unfortunately, Audrey is a slow learner, so she had to get more help a few stalls away. The women taught her yet another way and secured the scarf with hair pins. Dig deeper into Central Asian Cuisine and find out the best and worst of food and markets in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Sisters with Little Brother - Jerbent, Turkmenistan

These two girls took good care of their baby brother. ..His necklace also provides extra protection...from snakes and other dangers. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan.

Man with Headwear - Jerbent, Turkmenistan

This man was one of the few people who spoke Russian (because of his service in the Soviet Army) in the village of Jerbent. Read more about Turkmenistan.

Old Mullah - Merv, Turkmenistan

This mullah tends the Mausoleum of Mohammaed ibn Zeid on the grounds of Merv. Read more about our visit to Turkmenistan.

Stuffed Breads and Vendor - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Stuffed breads and tea on sale at Ashgabat's Russian Market (Gulustan). Read more about Turkmenistan.

Dancing Couple at Market - Konye-Urgench, Turkmenistan

This spirited man grabbed a vendor at the market in Konye-Urgench and took her for a spin around the vegetables. Dig deeper into Central Asian Cuisine and find out the best and worst of food and markets in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Chubby Boy and Sister - Jerbent, Turkmenistan

Jerbent, an oasis town in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, was only recently settled (150 years ago) by nomads who were apparently tired of moving...During our visit, we were surrounded by excited children. This boy poses with his family's yurt in the distance. Read more about Turkmenistan.