Which people have traditionally lived in the Karakum Desert?

The Karakum Desert has traditionally been inhabited by the Turkmen, a people whose social organization was historically defined by tribal structures.12

For centuries, these inhabitants practiced nomadic pastoralism, moving through the desert and eventually settling in oases and along river systems like the Amu Darya and the Morghāb River. Various tribes, such as the Tekke, Yomut, Ersari, Salor, and Saryk, played significant roles in the region's history, often maintaining distinct identities and rivalries while navigating the challenges of the desert environment.12

Traditionally, these groups relied on deep wells and rainwater catchment to survive in the arid landscape. While some tribes historically engaged in raiding passing caravans, many eventually transitioned toward a more settled way of life, particularly as they moved into oases to cultivate crops. In modern times, the population has largely transitioned to living in permanent towns and working on collective or private farms, supported by irrigation and industrial development.132