Turkmenistan is in the western part of Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest and the Caspian Sea to the west. The entire central part of the country is occupied by one of the largest sand deserts in the world, the Karakum Desert. Turkmenistan is a country of the oldest civilizations having made a significant contribution to the development of the world culture. Turkmens established over seventy big and small states throughout their legendary history in all parts of Asia and Eastern Europe. Turkmens have at all times remained courteous people devoted to the traditions of hospitality. Hence, there is a proverb:
‘’ the guest is higher than father ’’.