Awaza

Awaza (or Avaza) refers to both a tourist zone in and a borough (district headed by a presidentially appointed mayor) of the city of Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan. It is located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, 12 km west of downtown Türkmenbaşy. Awaza has grown from a small village to one of the largest resort destinations along the Caspian Sea coast.

The Awaza District (borough) of Türkmenbaşy city was formed in July 2013. Awaza District, an area of 9660 hectares, includes the Awaza national tourist zone, Turkmenbashi International Airport and a small residential area.^[1]^[2]^[3]

The tourist zone was commissioned by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who sought to imitate Dubai's development boom. Turkmenistan's foreign ministry has touted Awaza as a "Turkmen Las Vegas"^[4] but foreign reports on the project have found that the accommodations are underutilized and hold little attraction apart from their sheer excess.^[5]

Awaza is also used as a conference site, particularly for the annual Turkmenistan Gas Conference.^[6]

Awaza's major industry in summer is domestic tourism thanks to its hot and dry climate and long beaches.

Public transport is represented mainly by bus and taxi. From Awaza there are buses to the Turkmenbashi city, the Turkmenbashi airport and city Ashgabat.^[7]

Awaza is served by the Turkmenbashi International Airport. Turkmenbashi Airport serves as a gateway to the tourists who visit this part of Turkmenistan every year. Turkmenistan Airlines offer daily flights to Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat. A new international airport terminal opened in 2010.

The Avaza Sanatorium opened in July 2018, the nine-story facility accommodates 200 guests and is equipped with modern medical technology from various countries. The sanatorium offers treatments utilizing seawater and mineral water from a 600-meter-deep well. Available therapies include balneotherapy, mud therapy, physiotherapy, and thalassotherapy. These treatments are used to address a range of health conditions, including nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory issues. In addition to medical services, the sanatorium provides leisure facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and a fitness bar. The "Avaza" Sanatorium operates year-round, offering both health and wellness programs.^[8]