Facts for Kids

Mary is a beautiful city located in Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia! 🏜

️ It’s special because it sits on an oasis in the sandy Karakum Desert. 🌵

This means there are lots of trees and water, making it a perfect spot for people to live. The Murgab River flows nearby, bringing life to the area. Mary is known for its rich history and natural beauty. In 2012, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site! 🌍

People in Mary love to celebrate their culture, and it has a population of about 130,000 people. It's a place filled with excitement and adventure! 🎉

The city of Mary has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years! 🕰

️ It was once a part of the ancient Silk Road, which was a major trade route connecting Asia and Europe. Merchants traveled through Mary to sell goods like silk and spices. 🌟

In the 20th century, Mary became an important city for the Soviet Union. Today, you can find many historical sites like the ancient city of Merv, which is located near Mary! 🏰

This makes Mary a treasure chest of stories from the past, and it helps us learn about different cultures and traditions. 📚

Mary is a city full of exciting traditions and cultural heritage! 🎨

People in Mary celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Novruz, which marks the beginning of spring! 🌼

During Novruz, families gather to enjoy special foods like sweets and colored eggs. The city has beautiful art and crafts, including traditional carpets and pottery. 🧶

The locals proudly share their history through music and dance. Folk dances are often performed at celebrations, showing off their lively spirit! 🕺

By visiting Mary, you can learn a lot about Turkmen culture and join in on the fun celebrations! 🎉

Mary’s economy thrives thanks to its rich natural resources! 💰

The area is known for oil and natural gas, which are important for making energy. Many people in Mary work in the oil and gas industry, ensuring the city has plenty of jobs. There are also farmers growing fruits and vegetables thanks to the oasis! 🍅🥦 This variety helps the economy grow strong. Additionally, recently, they have started to focus on tourism, inviting visitors to see their beautiful sights and learn about their culture. 🌏

The mix of industries makes Mary a bustling place to live and work! 🌟

Mary is located in Turkmenistan, right in the heart of the Karakum Desert. 🌞

The city sits on an oasis where the Murgab River flows, helping plants and trees to grow. It has a hot semi-arid climate, which means it can get very hot in the summer, reaching up to 40 °C (104 °F)! 🔥

Winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 0 °C (32 °F) sometimes. The landscape is mainly sandy desert with some beautiful green areas from the oasis. 🌳

This mix of sand and greenery creates a unique and exciting environment to explore! 🌈

Mary has many amazing attractions for tourists to explore! 🗺

️ One of the biggest attractions is the ancient city of Merv, which was once a bustling trade center on the Silk Road. 🏰

It's filled with ancient ruins and towers, making it a great spot for history lovers! The city also has museums showcasing local art and culture. 🖼

️ Visitors can enjoy beautiful parks and gardens in the oasis with colorful flowers and trees, perfect for a picnic! 🌳

Families love to visit Mary to experience the history, culture, and friendly people. There’s always something fun to do! 🎈

Education is very important in Mary! 📚

There are several schools where children learn subjects like math, science, and language. There are also universities offering higher education, allowing students to continue their studies on various topics. 🏫

The Mary State University is one of the major institutions and helps young minds grow! Students can learn about engineering, medicine, and more! 🎓

The emphasis on education helps prepare children for bright futures. Parents encourage their kids to read, ask questions, and explore. Learning in Mary is an exciting adventure where curiosity meets knowledge! 🌏✨

Mary is home to about 130,000 friendly people! 👫

The majority of the population is Turkmen, who are proud of their heritage and traditions. The city is full of families, schools, and people working together to improve their community. Diversity is important in Mary, and you can find people from different backgrounds living together. 🌈

Young children go to school, learning and playing with their friends. 📚

In Mary, everyone contributes to a lively atmosphere and helps share stories and culture. Meeting new friends in Mary is always an exciting experience! 🎉

In Mary, food is super tasty and reflects the culture! 🍽

️ One of the most popular dishes is Plov, a delicious rice dish made with carrots, onions, and meat! It is often served during celebrations. 🍚

They also enjoy kebabs, which are grilled meats, and various breads. Fresh fruits like pomegranates and melons are found everywhere. 🍏✨ Drinking green tea is a cherished tradition, often shared with family and friends. Meals are special times for gathering and connecting. The flavors of Mary’s cuisine, along with their warm hospitality, make every meal a delightful experience! 🌟

Mary has seen many important events throughout its history! 🏛

️ During the time of the Silk Road, merchants and traders played a big role in making the city famous. One significant figure is the ancient Persian poet, Omar Khayyam, who lived nearby and wrote beautiful poems about life. 📖

Today, the city hosts events celebrating its culture, like performances and festivals that unite the community. In 2013, Mary celebrated its 140th anniversary as a city! 🎈

These events help keep history alive and allow people to enjoy their vibrant traditions!

Mary has developed transportation systems to help people travel easily! 🚗

There is a good road network connecting Mary to nearby cities and towns. The city also has a train station, making it convenient for passengers to travel by train. 🚆

The Mary International Airport connects the city to other parts of Turkmenistan and even the world! ✈

️ Buses are another popular way to get around the city. The infrastructure is constantly improving to make life easier for its residents. With all these options, exploring Mary and its surroundings is very enjoyable! 🌟