Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASHGABAT1087
2008-08-19 13:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S DISCOTHEQUES -- HITCH UP
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001087
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN;
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI TX
SUBJECT: INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S DISCOTHEQUES -- HITCH UP
YOUR TRADITIONAL DRESS
REF: ASHGABAT 1076
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001087
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN;
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI TX
SUBJECT: INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S DISCOTHEQUES -- HITCH UP
YOUR TRADITIONAL DRESS
REF: ASHGABAT 1076
1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Turkmenistan's clubs represent an
opportunity for young people to dress and act more liberally.
At the same time, youth maintain a sense of modesty and do
not seriously challenge cultural traditions. Many Turkmen
are too worried about finding work to consider going out
regularly. Politics and other sensitive topics are rarely
discussed at the discotheques. Prostitution is endemic to
most major clubs in the country and is likely to grow as the
country attracts more foreign businessmen. END SUMMARY.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE
3. (SBU) A minority of Turkmenistan's youth regularly go to
the discotheques. Those that go to clubs are likely to be
from more affluent families or hold steady jobs. Although
one might expect the percentage of people going to clubs to
rise markedly because of a more relaxed atmosphere under the
new regime, many Turkmen are preoccupied with finding work or
are content to simply drink in private. For less affluent
young men, it is very popular to simply find a place to drink
alcohol with their buddies. Young women generally are
expected to remain at home and help with household chores.
INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S CLUBS
4. (SBU) The "Florida" nightclub in Ashgabat is generally
considered the best club in Turkmenistan, although many
hotels that cater to foreigners, such as the Nissa and Ak
Altyn, have some sort of dance hall or discotheque. More
prestigious clubs charge around 100,000 manat (about $70) as
an entrance fee. However, the fee is usually waived for
foreigners who are more likely to buy drinks and spend money.
Periodically, smaller clubs are closed to the general public
when they are rented out to wealthy (usually Russian or
Turkish) patrons. Each club generally has a dance floor and
sitting area with a bar and plays a combination of Russian
and Euro-pop and American top-40 hits, often uncomfortably
loudly.
PROFESSIONAL LADIES OF THE EVENING
5. (SBU) Prostitution, mostly catering to foreign
businessmen, is endemic in Ashgabat's clubs. Many
prostitutes have at least a rudimentary knowledge of English.
Prostitution is somewhat less prevalent (though certainly
still present) in smaller clubs around the country that are
frequented mainly by students. Club owners will generally
make some attempt to ensure that girls who are too young
(below 18) are not allowed in.
MODEST BY DAY? ROLL YOUR STOCKINGS DOWN AT NIGHT
6. (SBU) Turkmenistan's conservative culture discourages
revealing clothing among its ethnic Turkmen population.
However, many young women wish to dress in the latest Western
fashion and use an outing to the nightclub as an excuse to
wear slinky dresses and bare their shoulders. Frequently,
these women will change back into traditional Turkmen dresses
as soon as they return home.
LOOK BUT DON'T TOUCH
7. (SBU) Although a growing number of Turkmen are eager to
dress and act in a more "Western" manner, there is still a
sense of modesty and propriety even on the dance floor.
Public displays of affection are rare, although increasing.
In contrast to Western dancing, men and women will often not
hold hands or maintain prolonged body contact with one
another. It is also customary for groups of young women to
ASHGABAT 00001087 002 OF 002
dance in a circle and for young men to form their own,
separate circle of dancing.
WHY TALK POLITICS WHEN YOU CAN DANCE?
8. (SBU) Many young people are not well informed politically
and rarely talk politics at the discotheque, preferring
lighter topics. Those that do discuss politics are heavily
influenced by Russian media and generally take a pro-Russia
stance, for example on the conflict in Georgia (reftel).
Those working for transnational corporations or in
professions that deal with many foreigners are more likely to
expound nuanced positions.
9. (SBU) COMMENT. Turkmenistan's nightlife is rife with
contradiction. While young people see the discotheques as an
engine of counterculture, there are still cultural boundaries
very much in place, and sensitive topics are rarely broached.
Importantly, the clubs do function as a form of escapism for
a generation of young people struggling with high
unemployment and limited opportunities. Prostitution remains
the biggest problem in these clubs and is likely to thrive by
catering to the increasing numbers of foreign businessmen.
END COMMENT.
CURRAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN;
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI TX
SUBJECT: INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S DISCOTHEQUES -- HITCH UP
YOUR TRADITIONAL DRESS
REF: ASHGABAT 1076
1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Turkmenistan's clubs represent an
opportunity for young people to dress and act more liberally.
At the same time, youth maintain a sense of modesty and do
not seriously challenge cultural traditions. Many Turkmen
are too worried about finding work to consider going out
regularly. Politics and other sensitive topics are rarely
discussed at the discotheques. Prostitution is endemic to
most major clubs in the country and is likely to grow as the
country attracts more foreign businessmen. END SUMMARY.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE
3. (SBU) A minority of Turkmenistan's youth regularly go to
the discotheques. Those that go to clubs are likely to be
from more affluent families or hold steady jobs. Although
one might expect the percentage of people going to clubs to
rise markedly because of a more relaxed atmosphere under the
new regime, many Turkmen are preoccupied with finding work or
are content to simply drink in private. For less affluent
young men, it is very popular to simply find a place to drink
alcohol with their buddies. Young women generally are
expected to remain at home and help with household chores.
INSIDE TURKMENISTAN'S CLUBS
4. (SBU) The "Florida" nightclub in Ashgabat is generally
considered the best club in Turkmenistan, although many
hotels that cater to foreigners, such as the Nissa and Ak
Altyn, have some sort of dance hall or discotheque. More
prestigious clubs charge around 100,000 manat (about $70) as
an entrance fee. However, the fee is usually waived for
foreigners who are more likely to buy drinks and spend money.
Periodically, smaller clubs are closed to the general public
when they are rented out to wealthy (usually Russian or
Turkish) patrons. Each club generally has a dance floor and
sitting area with a bar and plays a combination of Russian
and Euro-pop and American top-40 hits, often uncomfortably
loudly.
PROFESSIONAL LADIES OF THE EVENING
5. (SBU) Prostitution, mostly catering to foreign
businessmen, is endemic in Ashgabat's clubs. Many
prostitutes have at least a rudimentary knowledge of English.
Prostitution is somewhat less prevalent (though certainly
still present) in smaller clubs around the country that are
frequented mainly by students. Club owners will generally
make some attempt to ensure that girls who are too young
(below 18) are not allowed in.
MODEST BY DAY? ROLL YOUR STOCKINGS DOWN AT NIGHT
6. (SBU) Turkmenistan's conservative culture discourages
revealing clothing among its ethnic Turkmen population.
However, many young women wish to dress in the latest Western
fashion and use an outing to the nightclub as an excuse to
wear slinky dresses and bare their shoulders. Frequently,
these women will change back into traditional Turkmen dresses
as soon as they return home.
LOOK BUT DON'T TOUCH
7. (SBU) Although a growing number of Turkmen are eager to
dress and act in a more "Western" manner, there is still a
sense of modesty and propriety even on the dance floor.
Public displays of affection are rare, although increasing.
In contrast to Western dancing, men and women will often not
hold hands or maintain prolonged body contact with one
another. It is also customary for groups of young women to
ASHGABAT 00001087 002 OF 002
dance in a circle and for young men to form their own,
separate circle of dancing.
WHY TALK POLITICS WHEN YOU CAN DANCE?
8. (SBU) Many young people are not well informed politically
and rarely talk politics at the discotheque, preferring
lighter topics. Those that do discuss politics are heavily
influenced by Russian media and generally take a pro-Russia
stance, for example on the conflict in Georgia (reftel).
Those working for transnational corporations or in
professions that deal with many foreigners are more likely to
expound nuanced positions.
9. (SBU) COMMENT. Turkmenistan's nightlife is rife with
contradiction. While young people see the discotheques as an
engine of counterculture, there are still cultural boundaries
very much in place, and sensitive topics are rarely broached.
Importantly, the clubs do function as a form of escapism for
a generation of young people struggling with high
unemployment and limited opportunities. Prostitution remains
the biggest problem in these clubs and is likely to thrive by
catering to the increasing numbers of foreign businessmen.
END COMMENT.
CURRAN