Amu Darya – A Wonderful Gift of Nature
The Natural, Historical, and Economic Significance of the Amu Darya
Water is one of nature’s most wonderful creations. It covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is regarded as the source of life. In our country, where arid climatic conditions prevail, the importance of water increases even more. Our people use water wisely, valuing every drop as if it were a grain of gold. Where there is water, there is life and livelihood.
The Amu Darya is one of the most water-abundant rivers in Central Asia. It originates from glaciers in the Pamir Mountains and flows through neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and nearly 800 kilometers through Turkmenistan. Many scholars associate the river’s name with the ancient and once-famous city of Amul.
Historically, the river has been known by various names over centuries—such as Oguz Darya, Oks, Jayhun, and Wehrud. Historians like N. Muravyov in his work “A Journey to Turkmenistan and Khiva in 1819–1820” and O. Jalmenov in “The Importance of the Amu Darya in the History of Border Regions” mention that the river used to flow into the Aral Sea through the Akjaderýa canal. This idea is also supported by the 1025 geographical writings of the Khorezm scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni.
Due to powerful tectonic and other natural phenomena, the river's course has changed multiple times. From the 13th century to the second half of the 15th century, it is believed that the Amu Darya flowed into the Caspian Sea, during which the Aral Sea’s water level dropped, and then the river’s course changed again to flow back into the Aral Sea.
In the past, the river irrigated vast areas, forming lakes and small rivers with its abundant waters. During dry periods, some of its channels dried up and abandoned their flow paths. The accumulation of sand and silt has softened the riverbed, contributing to shifts in its flow direction. The sediments carried by the river give the water a light brown hue and contain beneficial substances like chloride sulfate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which enrich soil fertility.
The abundance of water from the Amu Darya has significantly impacted the living conditions of people along its banks. Its fresh water has been a source of life, playing a vital role in the development of agriculture, livestock, industry, and the overall national economy. For millennia, this majestic river has symbolized unity and friendship among neighboring nations. It also serves as a major water artery for our country, and one of the largest artificial rivers, the Karakum River, originates from it.
In the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, our country’s progress is fueled by the powerful waves of our full-flowing rivers. The Amu Darya contributes to sustainable development, large-scale reforms, and a prosperous, happy life for our beloved people. The natural division of our province by the river into right and left banks improves water supply to regions, expands agriculture, and opens up broad opportunities for rural development alongside other sectors.
Today, thanks to the continuous efforts of Hero Arkadag and Hero Arkadagly Serdar, the fields irrigated by the Amu Darya’s waters are transforming into blooming gardens. The well-being and living conditions of our people are improving day by day.
The importance of this river in beautifying nature and enriching flora and fauna cannot be overstated. Its role in supporting the diversity of aquatic life—especially fish and birds—is unmatched. Protecting this natural beauty and the entire environment is a sacred duty of every citizen of our country.
