Elaborately woven, bright crimson carpets created by the delicate ands of nomadic tribal women have become the artistic symbol of Turkmenistan, a country of sweeping deserts which played a vital role in the history of The Silk Road.
Three centuries before Christ, the Parthian tribes of horsemen arrived to establish their capital in Turkmenistan at Nisa. When their empire eventually encompassed much of Central Asia, the Parthians were a power which rivalled Rome.
From Nisa, the Parthians controlled The Silk Road and oasis settlements and trading centres like the region's harsh desert cities of Merv and Serakhs. Ruins of these ancient sites, evacuated and studied by international teams of archaeologists, can be visited and enjoyed today.
Turkmenistan later gained fame throughout Central Asia for producing the skilled and fierce nomadic tribesmen who rode out on raids to seize the riches of the passing caravans. These days, more benign tribal customs such as hospitality are making Turkmenistan famous.
