Turkmenistan

Stored: Turkmenistan

Country: Turkmenistan
Historic:	No
Existence:	–
Continent:	Asia
Region:	Central Asia
Historical Region:
Area:	488100 km²
Population:	6700000
Catholic Population:	1000
Catholic Percentage:	0.01%
Catholicism Status:	Small minority religion, Islamic majority
Official Languages:	Turkmen
Capital:	Ashgabat
Catholicism Introduced:	20th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	0
Dioceses:	0
Patron Saints:	Saint Joseph
Predecessor States:
Successor States:

Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation, covering approximately 488,100 km² with a population of about 6.7 million as of 2025. Its official language is Turkmen, and its economy relies on natural gas, oil, and agriculture. The Catholic Church, with approximately 1,000 adherents (0.01% of the population), is a small minority religion, ranking third after Islam (93%) and Russian Orthodoxy (6%), introduced in the 20th century through missionary efforts. Catholicism has minimal cultural influence in Turkmenistan, primarily among expatriates and small local converts, with devotion to Saint Joseph.

The Church has no formal dioceses or ecclesiastical provinces, operating as a mission sui iuris under the Apostolic Administration of Central Asia, based in Ashgabat. It faces severe restrictions due to Turkmenistan’s authoritarian regime and Islamic dominance, with limited access to worship spaces. The Catholic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Ashgabat serves as the primary worship site for the tiny Catholic community.

Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with birth place matching Turkmenistan.

Death place

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with death place matching Turkmenistan.

Notable locations

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Turkmenistan.

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with Notable Address 2 matching Turkmenistan.

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Turkmenistan.

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Turkmenistan.

Parameter received: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan
No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Turkmenistan.

Geography

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. Its 488,100 km² includes the Karakum Desert, Amu Darya River, and Kopet Dag Mountains, with an arid climate. Major cities like Ashgabat (the capital), Turkmenbashi, and Mary host small Catholic communities, mostly expatriates. The desert terrain and government surveillance limit Church activities, with no significant Catholic pilgrimage routes.

History

Turkmenistan’s history includes ancient Persian and Turkic tribes, incorporation into the Russian Empire (1869–1917), Soviet rule (1924–1991), and independence in 1991. Catholicism was introduced in the 20th century by European missionaries and expatriates during Soviet times, with minimal growth due to religious suppression. Post-independence, the Church operates under strict government control, with no formal structures and limited visibility in an Islamic-majority society.

Predecessor states

Turkmenistan’s territory was part of the Persian Empire, Khwarazmian Empire, and Mongol Empire before Russian conquest. The Russian Empire (1869–1917) and Soviet Union (1924–1991) directly preceded modern Turkmenistan. Catholicism had no significant presence in these periods, with early Christians limited to transient missionaries.

Successor states

Turkmenistan, independent since 1991, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation. The Catholic Church operates discreetly, focusing on small-scale charity and maintaining a minimal presence under government restrictions.

Demographics

Turkmenistan’s 6.7 million people include 0.01% Catholics (1,000), 93% Muslims, 6% Russian Orthodox, and 1% others. Ethnic groups are Turkmen (85%), Uzbek (5%), and Russian (4%). Catholicism is concentrated in Ashgabat among expatriates and a few local converts, with no significant ethnic or regional base.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Turkmenistan has no dioceses or ecclesiastical provinces, operating as the Mission Sui Iuris of Turkmenistan under the Apostolic Administration of Central Asia, with about five worship sites. Led by Vatican-appointed administrators, the Church conducts limited charitable activities. It faces strict government oversight, with no formal schools or clinics.

Structure

The Church has no dioceses or provinces, operating as a mission sui iuris.

• Mission Sui Iuris of Turkmenistan (Ashgabat, nationwide).

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 20th century by European missionaries and expatriates during Soviet rule, with small communities forming in Ashgabat. The Church gained a foothold post-1991 independence but remains tightly controlled.

Key historical events

The 1997 establishment of the Mission Sui Iuris of Turkmenistan formalized the Church’s presence. The 2000 consecration of the Catholic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Ashgabat provided a worship space. Government restrictions since 2003 have limited growth.

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.01% adherence, is a small minority religion in an Islamic-majority state under the 1996 Constitution, which prioritizes Islam. The Church faces severe restrictions, including bans on public worship and missionary work, operating under tight government surveillance.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint Joseph (March 19) with private liturgies in Ashgabat. Public expressions of faith are restricted, with no major Catholic traditions.

Education and charity

The Church has no formal schools or clinics due to government restrictions. Small-scale charity, coordinated by Caritas Central Asia, aids local poor discreetly.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is minimal, with the Catholic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Ashgabat, built in 2000, as the primary site. No significant Catholic art exists due to restrictions.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Catholic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Ashgabat is the main worship site, with no formal pilgrimage tradition. Small gatherings occur privately.

Historical churches

The Catholic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Ashgabat, built in 2000, is the only notable Catholic structure. No historical churches exist due to the Church’s recent presence.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Joseph, celebrated on March 19, is Turkmenistan’s patron.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints or blesseds are directly tied to Turkmenistan due to the Church’s recent and limited presence. Saint Joseph is the primary figure of devotion among the small community.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces severe challenges from government restrictions, including bans on unregistered worship, surveillance, and clergy visa denials. Islamic dominance and societal suspicion limit growth, countered by discreet charity and private worship.

Social and political influence

The Church has no significant social or political influence due to government restrictions and its small size. Limited charity through Caritas Central Asia aligns with Catholic Social Teaching, focusing on discreet aid to the needy.

External links

• "Turkmenistan". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkmenistan/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in Turkmenistan". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TM.htm. 
• "Catholicism in Turkmenistan". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/turkmenistan.