Anau, Turkmenistan

Anau (Turkmen: Änew, Russian: Аннау, romanized: Annau) is a city in Turkmenistan. Until 20 December 2022 it was the capital of Ahal Province.^[2] It is situated 8 km southeast of Ashgabat, to which it is connected via the M37 highway.

Anau Änew
Ruins of Seýit Jemaladdin Mosque near Anau
Anau Location in Turkmenistan
Coordinates: 37°53′N 58°32′E
Country	Turkmenistan
Province	Ahal Province
District	Ak bugdaý District
Population  (1989 census)[1]
• Total	30,000

Mosque in Anau. By K. Mishin, 1902; Museum of Fine Art in Ashgabat

Etymology

The name Anau derives from Turkic Ana ev (Mother's Home), meaning "Mother's Home".

Overview

The city built a new stadium in 2003 and the National White Wheat Museum in 2005 to house artifacts recovered from the area.^[3]

City status in the etrap was assigned on February 3, 2008.^[4]

The city was designated "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" for 2024 at the 39th session of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of TURKSOY.^[5][6]

Archaeology

Compartmented seals of eagle, monkey, and goddess, Turkmenistan or northeast Iran, early Bronze Age, c. 2200-1800 BC, bronze - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Chalcolithic Anau culture dates to 4500 BC, following the Neolithic Jeitun culture in the cultural sequence of southern Turkmenistan.^[7]

Anau was excavated by a joint Turkmen-U.S. archaeological expedition in the 1990s and 2000s.^[7] Anau was a stopping point along the ancient Silk Road. Fine painted pottery is found here.

Transportation

The city is connected to Ashgabat and Mary by M37 highway.

The largest nearby airport is Ashgabat International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights.

Sport

In soccer, Anau is represented by Ahal FK of Ýokary Liga, who play their home games in Ashgabat. ^[8]

The city has a stadium Änew Sport Toplumy with 10 thousand seats.^[9]