06. Unlike in the capital city, infrastructure throughout the rest of the country is in poor condition and mostly dating from the Soviet period. Moskvitch 2140 on M37 highway heading towards Turkmenabat. Northeastern Turkmenistan, July 2009.

07. Camels roaming around the ruins of Merv, once the major city on the Silk Road listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1999. Merv, July 2009.

08. Ruins of the Little and Great Kyz Qala are among the best preserved structures of ancient Merv. Merv, July 2009.

04. Produce seller at Gulistan, Soviet-style covered market in Asghabat built during the city reconstruction campaign of 1970s. Ashgabat, July 2009.

10. Ashgabat has witnessed radical transformation due to the large-scale construction campaign initiated by Saparmurat Niyazov, first leader of independent Turkmenistan. Thanks to the links with Turkmen government, French construction company Bouygues is among the main contractors which sparked controversy. Ashgabat, July 2009.

12. The eternal flame in Turkmen capital city. Turkmenistan is rich in natural reserves such as oil and natural gas whose export significantly contributes to the national economy. Ashgabat, July 2009.

14. Marching guardsmen in front of the Eternal glory monument. Ashgabat, July 2009.

01. Gold-plated statue of a former authoritarian president Saparmurat Niyazov revolving in direction of the sun placed on the top of Neutrality Monument. Ashgabat, July 2009.

02. National flags of Turkmenistan waving in the wind on Independence Square in central Ashgabat. Ashgabat, July 2009.

03. A billboard in showing Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the current president of Turkmenistan leading his people. To a certain extent, Berdimuhamedow continues to maintain the personality cult that marked the rule of his predecessor Turkmenbashi. Mary, July 2009.