Italy has 129 embassies in the world, many of which represent our country in geographically distant, little-known contexts. Avamposti, the new podcast series produced in collaboration with the AGI news agency, has selected some of them to describe their different facets and also analyse them in the light of their relations with the Italian culture. Thanks to the contribution of the diplomatic network and the voices of Italians who have had the opportunity to thoroughly examine their customs and traditions for professional or personal reasons, the profiles of these places will become clearer and more understandable. A journey around the world in 6 stages leading to 6 different destinations. From geopolitics to history, through entrepreneurship and cuisine: the many faces of these countries are observed through the eyes of our Italian nationals who have first-hand experience with them.
Today’s destination is Turkmenistan. With a past as a Soviet Republic and a recent history marked by the long rule of Saparmurat Niyazov, this Central Asian country now lives in a condition of permanent neutrality that limits its relations with the international community.
Strongly attached to its traditions, Turkmenistan is also the fourth largest country in the world in terms of natural gas reserves. What is life like in Ashgabat? What is so special about marriages in Turkmenistan?
Speakers: Luigi Ferrari (Ambassador of Italy in Ashgabat); Barbara Cerasetti (scientific director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Turkmenistan); Paola Ticozzi (UN official); Massimiliano Armenio (restaurant owner); Marco Sartori (entrepreneur); Christian Caviglia (lecturer at the Magtymguly University in Ashgabat).
Listen to the episode here.
