Pray for Turkmenistan

About Turkmenistan

The capital is Ashgabat. People speak Turkmen. The largest faith is Islam.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Turkmenistan

Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

In early October Turkmenistan hosted regional leaders at Turkmenbashi, including the meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan on 8 October and a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States on 9 October. Earlier in the year President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a state visit to Azerbaijan. The government describes its foreign policy as "positive neutrality".

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Turkmenistan is a presidential republic with strong central power and no effective opposition. Serdar Berdimuhamedov became President in 2022, succeeding his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who led the country from 2006. His father now chairs the Halk Maslahaty, the national People's Council.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

Turkmenistan has very large natural gas reserves, and gas and cotton have long been the backbone of the economy. Economic statistics are closely guarded, so reliable figures on jobs, incomes and poverty are hard to find. Older estimates pointed to widespread poverty and large gaps between rich and poor.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

About 85% of people are Turkmen, with Uzbek, Russian and other minorities (2003). Turkmen is the main language, and Russian and Uzbek are also spoken.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

About 89% of people are Muslim and about 9% are Eastern Orthodox, according to older estimates. Most Christians belong to the Orthodox Church.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The US State Department has designated Turkmenistan a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom, most recently in December 2023, with a waiver on sanctions. In its 2026 report, USCIRF recommended that Turkmenistan stay on that list.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Russia annexed the region between 1865 and 1885, and it became a Soviet republic in 1924. After independence in 1991, President Saparmurat Niyazov held near-total power for many years, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov led the country from 2006 to 2022.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Turkmenistan. Watch over every family, and meet the needs that are hidden from view. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the President and all in authority. Provide honest work and fair income for every household, and let the wealth of the land bless the poor. Bring peace between peoples and protect the vulnerable. Let hope and Your truth be known in every town. Protect believers and give them freedom to worship. Heal the wounds of the past, and lead Turkmenistan in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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