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Turkmenistan - Christmas in Ashgabat

Andy substitutes his traditional seasonal fare for a glass of Presidential Vodka, a Christmas kebab, and a generous helping of Turkmen national folk music.

Turkmenistan is a curious, little-visited place where the months of the year are named after the President's family, beards are illegal, and there's a public holiday for the honeydew melon.

Andy substitutes his traditional seasonal fare for a glass of Presidential Vodka, a Christmas kebab, and a generous helping of Turkmen national folk music, in the first British documentary made inside one of the world's most autocratic states.

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1 hour, 45 minutes

Last on

Sun 28 Jan 2007 22:15
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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11/12/2005

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01/01/2006

See all episodes from Andy Kershaw

Music and featured items

  • Andy overlooks Turkmenistan.

    Andy Kershaw is at the top of a mountain overlooking the capital of Turkmenistan.

    Duration: 04:48

  • Music Played

    • Amenov Vepa/Rahmanov Guban

      Yar Otagynda

    • Chariyar Djumayev

      Menzar

    • Musicians from the Cultutal Centre of the Oil and Gas Complex of Turkmenistan, led by Hakberdy Allamuradov

      Oguzlar

  • The National Music Conservatory.

    Andy arrives at the Turkmen National Music Conservatory and is welcomed with gifts.

    Duration: 06:25

  • The national art gallery.

    Andy heads towards the national art gallery with the Ministry of Culture.

    Duration: 04:56

  • Music Played

    • Chariyar DjumayevKuwwat Annahalliyev

      Ghyr-At

  • Stuck in the hotel.

    Andy is in his hotel under advice not to go out by his government minders.

    Duration: 04:16

  • Music Played

    • Honour to Our President Folk Group

      Yara Yetir

  • Honour to our President.

    Andy meets the Director of a culture centre with a group called Honour to our President.

    Duration: 05:25

  • Music Played

    • Honour to Our President Folk Group

      Piala

  • β€œThe Arch of Neutrality”.

    Andy is at β€œThe Arch of Neutrality”, one of the most amazing monuments in the country.

    Duration: 05:56

  • Music Played

    • Musicians from the National Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan

      Reflections

  • The National Carpet Museum.

    Andy visits the National Carpet Museum next to his hotel.

    Duration: 07:32

  • Music Played

    • Children from the Danatar Ovezov Turkmen National Musical School

      A Piece based on the Verses of the President of Turkmenistan

    • Unknown performer from the Rukhabat District Department of Culture

      Gopuz

  • Contemporary national music.

    In search of some contemporary national music.

    Duration: 04:27

  • Music Played

    • DJ Begga

      Intro

    • Purmammedou Muhammet

      Yandym gyrk

  • Andy goes clubbing.

    Andy goes clubbing, an unofficial activity as club culture is considered to be un-Turkmen.

    Duration: 10:19

  • Music Played

    • Unknown - Night Club background music

    • DJ Begga

      Yene-Yene

    • DJ Begga

      Turkmen Gelin Gyzlary

  • Andy is at the horse races.

    Andy is at the horse races at the national hippodrome.

    Duration: 04:27

  • Music Played

    • Musicians from the National Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan

      Untitled traditional tune

  • Andy at the Palace of Culture.

    Andy is at the Palace of Culture, and watches a display of folk dancing.

    Duration: 06:54

  • Music Played

    • Music group from the Rukhabat District Department of Culture

      Dispute

    • Girl's chorus from the Rukhabat District Department of Culture

      Lale Jonym

    • Music group from the Rukhabat District Department of Culture

      Loyalty

    • Dutar player from the Rukhabat District Department of Culture

      Horse Races

  • Turkmen television studios.

    Andy is on a tour of the Turkmen television studios.

    Duration: 05:20

  • Theatre of Music and Drama.

    Andy is at the new Turkmen National Theatre of Music and Drama to hear some pop music.

    Duration: 12:17

  • Music Played

    • Lachyn Mammedova

      Kusht Depdi

    • Akmyrad Nurberdiyev/Arslan Babayev

      Support (based on verses of the President)

  • Andy describes the architecture.

    Andy describes the extraordinary architecture and its celebration of the President.

    Duration: 06:19

  • Music Played

    • Chariyar Djumayev

      Menzar

    • Ashkhabad

      From the Station to the Mill

  • Andy meets a percussionist.

    Andy meets a percussionist at the Oil and Gas Museum of Turkmenistan.

    Duration: 05:49

  • Music Played

    • Musicians from the Cultutal Centre of the Oil and Gas Complex of Turkmenistan

      Rhythms of Independence

    • Musicians from the Cultutal Centre of the Oil and Gas Complex of Turkmenistan

      Oguzlar

  • Oil and gas reserves.

    Andy asks about the reserves of oil and gas in Turkmenistan and its trade.

    Duration: 04:46

  • Music Played

    • An unknown member of the Danatar Ovezov Turkmen National Musical School

      Gem Solo

  • Souvenir shopping in Ashgabat.

    Andy goes to a souvenir shopping in the Russian market in Ashgabat.

    Duration: 05:58

  • Music Played

    • Amenov Vepa/Rahmanov Guban

      Yar Otagynda

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Day 2005 22:15
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
  • Sun 28 Jan 2007 22:15
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3