In the past, Turkmen culture was strongly influenced both by Turkic conquerors who imposed their language on them and by Arabs who forced them to accept Islam. For hundreds of years, they led a nomadic lifestyle, earning a living by raising cattle and selling captured Persian slaves. A common saying was: a Turkmen's home is where his horse is. But by the XIX century they began to lead a semi-nomadic way of life, grazing sheep and camels part of the year and farming the other part of the year. In the 17th century Turkmens moved to the Caucasus, which later became part of Russia. When Turkmenistan became one of the Soviet republics, Turkmens were forced to work on collective farms and their nomadic lifestyle came to an end.
Turkmens are generally physically strong and can easily endure harsh natural conditions. They are characterised by hospitality, sincerity and reliability; however, they have also been described as fiery and vindictive. Turkmens are one of many Central Asian ethnic groups that speak a related Turkic language. These languages are not always mutually understood, but Turkmens often understand parts of other languages. Turkmens have their own country, Turkmenistan, where most of them live. Significant numbers of Turkmens also live in Iran, where they make up about a third of the population, and in Afghanistan. They also live in almost all Central Asian countries.
Turkmens fled their native country to Russian cities in search of work. Even those who are well educated often have to settle for hard work with long working hours and low pay. They send most of their money back home to Turkmenistan. They work without permits or medical care. Many share small flats with other migrant workers. Like other Central Asians, Turkmens are often subjected to neglect.
