Founded as a fort called Tashauz in the early 19th century by the Russians, the name was changed to the Turkmen form Dashkhovuz in 1992 after independence, and to Daşoguz by order of President Niyazov in 1999; the modern city has all characteristics of Soviet planning.

[3] A pentad of statues — Oguzhan, Görogly, Gorkut Ata, Tughril, Alp Arslan and Magtymguly Pyragy surrounding a seated Saparmurat Niyazov, who is reading Ruhnama — ornament the town center.

The center offers vehicle washing, parking, spare parts storage, and quick replacement services, along with training facilities and a repair workshop.

[5] Daşoguz's population of 166,500 (1999 census estimate) is predominantly Turkmen, Uzbek and Kazakhs with smaller numbers of Russians, Koreans, Karakalpaks, and Tatars present.

A large number of those forcefully displaced by ex-President for Life Saparmurat Niyazov have been resettled in lands adjoining the town.