Turkmenistan is an Islamic country with a population of around 6 million people, located in Central Asia. It has its own language and culture. Islam is the official religion of the state and it governs many aspects of society.
There are also some local beliefs and traditions that influence social life. Marriage is one of them. Marriages are arranged between families and have strong religious and cultural meanings. Pre-marital sex and intimate relations before marriage are strictly forbidden for both men and women. Women who engage in premarital sex are considered shameless and sinful while men who do so may be socially ostracized and condemned by the community. In general, Turkmen girls are expected to remain virgins until they get married, although the standards vary depending on their family background and wealth. The law prohibits all forms of sexual activity outside marriage, including extramarital affairs and same-sex relationships. Sexual education is limited to biological facts and is rarely taught in schools or universities.
In terms of erotic identity, there is no clear distinction between gender roles and sexual orientation. Men and women can be either heterosexual or homosexual; however, homosexuality is not accepted openly by the society. Many young adults prefer to hide their true feelings and pretend to be straight until they find someone who shares similar interests. When it comes to dating, couples usually meet through friends or relatives and go out in public places like parks, cafes, and restaurants. Romantic relationships require parental approval and often end with marriage proposals within a few months after meeting. Physical contact between unrelated people is frowned upon and couples avoid showing affection in public.
Relationship negotiations involve discussions about family background, financial situation, future plans, and social status. They also include visits to each other's families and introductions to close relatives. These discussions can take weeks or even months before an official engagement takes place. Once engaged, the couple must follow strict religious rules regarding chastity and modesty, which means that they should not live together before marriage, nor have any physical relations before the wedding night. Traditionally, men propose to their future wives' families rather than the woman herself.
Premarital sex is strictly forbidden as per Islamic teachings, but some exceptions may occur in rural areas where people are less educated or conservative.
Premarital sex is allowed if both partners have agreed and promised to get married soon afterwards.
These cases are rare and often involve secret affairs outside of Turkmenistan. In general, most marriages are arranged by parents based on financial considerations and family ties. Women and girls typically marry at a young age while men usually wait for adulthood. Some urban women seek education and employment opportunities before getting married later in life.
Premarital sexual behavior, relational negotiation, and erotic identity all play an important role in Turkmen society due to its strong Islamic traditions and cultural norms.
How do Turkmen religious perspectives govern premarital sexual behavior, relational negotiation, and erotic identity?
Religious beliefs have played an important role in governing premarital sexual behaviors, relational negotiations, and erotic identities among people of different nationalities since time immemorial. As for the Turkmens, they are known as conservative individuals who believe that sex is only acceptable within marriage. Therefore, it can be assumed that their religious perspectives also influence these three factors mentioned above.