Driving through the streets of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, offers an unusual sight because almost all the cars are white.
The decision to ban black and bright colors was made in 2018, and although there is no official explanation, it is believed to be related to the superstition of former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Exceptionally, only silver and gold cars are allowed, but the most important rule is that they must be impeccably clean; a dirty vehicle means a sure fine.
Ashgabat is often called the “white city” because all buildings built after 2000 use white marble, holding the world record for its concentration.
Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country created after the collapse of the Soviet Union, is also known for its closedness. The state leadership shows no interest in the development of tourism, which is why they approve only about 10,000 visas per year, leaving numerous attractions of this country inaccessible to the majority of world travelers.
