Historical Water Governance in Turkmenistan and the Challenges of Soviet Interventions

Abstract

This article investigates historical water management practices in Turkmenistan and the development of canal construction technology, comparing the operation of traditional irrigation canals with Soviet water management policies. It explores how Soviet officials regarded water and used water management to consolidate state power and advance the region economically, arguing that centralized Soviet water management policies, which largely disregarded local expertise and participation, ultimately proved unsustainable and environmentally destructive. The article underscores the need to include diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes to avoid perpetuating outdated practices, further exacerbating the deterioration of the environment and societal customs.