Turkmenistan is beginning a tentative opening after years of isolation

Long considered one of the most closed countries in the world, Turkmenistan seems to be embarking on a cautious path toward greater openness. In the capital, Ashgabat, there are signs of a gradual easing of controls and a slow transformation of society.

In a modern, bright office, Azat Seyitmuhammedov runs Wabrum, an e-commerce startup he founded almost ten years ago. A scene that might seem ordinary in cities like Berlin or San Francisco, but remains unusual in this Central Asian country long marked by strict state control over the economy and private activities.

Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries in the world, due to its restrictive policies and international isolation. Its capital, Ashgabat, was largely rebuilt with white marble thanks to revenues from natural gas exploitation, the country's main source of wealth.

The arrival of a new president in 2022 raised expectations for potential political and economic reforms. While changes remain limited, some observers note a shift in the domestic climate, with signs of a relaxation of restrictions in certain areas.

Turkmen society thus appears to be evolving gradually, driven in particular by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are trying to develop innovative initiatives despite persistent constraints. These dynamics, however, remain framed by a still highly centralized political system.

Despite these signs of openness, the country retains an image of great opacity, and the reforms expected by the international community have yet to materialize. Turkmenistan thus appears to be at a crossroads, caught between authoritarian continuity and cautious opening.