Berdimuhamedow Ordered the Extinguishing of the Darvaza Gas Crater

In January 2022, Turkmenistan’s president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, ordered the extinguishing of the famous Darvaza gas crater, often referred to as the "Gates of Hell." The crater, located in the Karakum Desert, has been burning continuously since the 1970s after a drilling accident caused an underground gas pocket to ignite. The site became one of Turkmenistan’s most famous tourist attractions due to its fiery, otherworldly appearance. However, Berdimuhamedow cited environmental and health concerns, as well as the country’s desire to conserve natural gas resources, as reasons for ordering the fire to be extinguished. The decision was also likely part of Turkmenistan’s efforts to project a more modern, environmentally conscious image to the international community. Extinguishing the crater posed significant technical challenges, and experts were called in to assess the situation. The Darvaza crater had long symbolized Turkmenistan’s vast energy reserves, and its closure reflected the government’s shifting priorities toward sustainability and responsible resource management. This move was seen as part of Berdimuhamedow’s broader agenda to modernize Turkmenistan’s infrastructure and energy policies.