Balkanabat, the capital of Turkmenistan's Balkan Region, is located in the west of the country. With a population of about 110,000 people, this regional outpost is located at the foot of the Big Balkan, or Uly Balkan, mountain range. The city offers a unique blend of industrial chic and natural beauty. As an important centre for Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry, Balkanabat provides visitors with a glimpse into the country's economic backbone while also serving as a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural wonders.
History
The city was founded in 1933 as Neftedag, meaning "Oil Mountain", a combination of Russian and Turkmen. It was established as a settlement along one of the stations of the Trans-Caspian Railway. In 1946, when it was transformed into a city, it was renamed "Nebit-Dag", also meaning "Oil Mountain", but using the Turkmen word "nebit" for oil. The city's history is closely tied to the petroleum deposits in Goturdepe, Barsagelmes and Nebitdag. The first settlers faced extremely challenging conditions, living in tents and tilt carts, often without electricity or water. After World War II, there was a significant push to develop oil and gas resources in the area. This led to the growth of Balkanabat as an industrial centre. In 2001, the city was renamed Balkanabat by the former President Saparmurat Niyazov. The name comes from the nearby Balkan Mountains.
Where to Stay
Hotel Nebitchi is the sole accommodation option in Balkanabat. This distinctive hotel is shaped like a traditional yurt tent, offering a unique architectural experience that pays homage to Turkmenistan's nomadic heritage. Due to the significance of the Oil and Gas industries, the Nebitchi Hotel is one of the best hotels in Turkmenistan outside of Ashgabat. Every room has air conditioning, the hotel has Wifi, as well as a restaurant and bar.
Where to Eat
Balkanabat offers a range of dining options that all have similar options. Here are some recommended restaurants:
- Gara Altyn: It's known for its hearty portions of traditional Turkmen dishes such as pilaf (plov), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and manty (dumplings).
- Uly Balkan Cafe: Offering a mix of local and international cuisine, Uly Balkan Cafe is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Their menu features a variety of soups, salads, and main courses. Don't miss their traditional Turkmen bread, which is baked fresh daily.
- Arazbagt Restaurant: Also serving authentic Turkmen dishes. Their specialties include chorba (a hearty soup), dograma (a dish of chopped meat and onions), and ishlekli (meat-filled pastries).
- Zemin: For those craving a bit of variety, Zemin offers both Turkish and Russian cuisine. This restaurant is known for its kebabs, pide (Turkish-style pizza), and a selection of Russian salads and soups.
You can also visit the local Nar Bazaar, Balkanabat's vibrant local market. Our suggestions of local produce include:
- Local melons, both fresh and dried.
- Local dairy products, including gurt (dried yogurt balls).
- Samsa (meat-filled pastries).
The bazaar is not only a great place to sample local flavours but also to observe daily life in Balkanabat and interact with friendly locals.
What to See and Do
Balkanabat and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of attractions for visitors:
- Trailblazers Memorial Monument: This monument pays tribute to the geologists and oil workers who developed the region's natural resources under challenging conditions.
- Turkmen White Yurt: Located on the edge of the city is a giant ceremonial yurt used for special occasions and public holidays.
- Balkanabat Regional History Museum: This museum provides insights into the region's rich history, from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include archaeological findings, traditional costumes, and displays about the local oil and gas industry.
- Balkanabat Hippodrome: Turkmenistan is famous for its Akhal-Teke horses, and the hippodrome offers a chance to witness traditional horse racing events. If you're lucky, you might catch a special equestrian show during your visit.
- Yangykala Canyon: Located 165 km north of Balkanabat, this spectacular natural wonder is often compared to the Grand Canyon. The multicolored rock formations create a surreal landscape that's a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Gozli Ata Mausoleum: This pilgrimage site, located 135 km north of Balkanabat, is dedicated to a revered Sufi teacher. The journey there offers beautiful desert scenery, and the site itself is a place of great spiritual significance.
- Dekhistan Medieval City Ruins: 200kms south of Balkanabat, these ruins offer a glimpse into the once-thriving Silk Road city. The remains of two minarets and Turkmenistan's oldest mosque can still be seen here.
- Balkanabat city centre: As with all major cities in Turkmenistan, there are some spectacular modern buildings. In Balkanabat you will find the Wedding Palace, Central Hospital, State Drama Theatre, all built in modern Turkmen style.
Tips
- Balkanabat is accessible by train, with two daily services from both Turkmenbashy and Ashgabat. The train journey offers scenic views of the Turkmen landscape.
- For those traveling by road, the journey from Ashgabat takes about 6 hours
- The best times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are moderate. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters can be quite cold.
- While English is not widely spoken, locals are generally friendly and willing to help. Learning a few basic phrases in Turkmen or Russian will help.
While Balkanabat might not be a mainstream tourist destination, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkmenistan's industrial development, every day life for the majority of Turkmenistani people, as well as stunning landscapes.
If you'd like to come explore Balkanabat then join us on tour in Turkmenistan. You can check out our Turkmenistan
tours here.
