Turkmenistan’s Declaration of Independence: October 27, 1991

On October 27, 1991, Turkmenistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant moment in the dissolution of the USSR and the emergence of new sovereign states in Central Asia.

Historical Context

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a period of significant political upheaval in the Soviet Union. Under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) were introduced, which inadvertently accelerated demands for greater autonomy and independence among the Soviet republics. The weakening of central Soviet control and the rise of nationalist movements across the USSR set the stage for the eventual dissolution of the union.

Key Events Leading to Independence

• August 1991 Coup Attempt: The failed coup by hardline communists in August 1991 further destabilized the Soviet Union, leading to increased momentum for independence movements across the republics.
• Declaration of Sovereignty: Prior to full independence, Turkmenistan, like many other Soviet republics, declared its sovereignty on August 22, 1990, asserting its right to self-governance while still being part of the USSR.
• Referendum for Independence: On October 26, 1991, a referendum was held in Turkmenistan, where an overwhelming majority of voters supported the move towards full independence.

Declaration of Independence

On October 27, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Turkmenistan formally declared the republic’s independence. This declaration was part of a broader wave of independence declarations by Soviet republics during this period, as the Soviet Union neared its official dissolution in December 1991.

Aftermath and Significance

• International Recognition: Following its declaration, Turkmenistan quickly gained international recognition as an independent state. It became a member of the United Nations in 1992.
• Leadership: Saparmurat Niyazov, who had been the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan, became the country’s first president. He established a highly centralized and authoritarian regime, later adopting the title “Turkmenbashi” (Leader of the Turkmen).
• Neutrality: Turkmenistan adopted a policy of permanent neutrality, which was recognized by the United Nations in 1995. This policy has been a cornerstone of its foreign relations strategy.

Broader Historical Impact

Turkmenistan’s independence was part of the larger disintegration of the Soviet Union, which resulted in the emergence of 15 independent republics. This period reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia and had lasting impacts on global politics, economics, and security dynamics.

The independence of Turkmenistan also highlighted the diverse cultural and historical identities within the former Soviet Union, as each new nation sought to establish its own path in the post-Soviet world.