In November 2013 Canadian explorer George Kourounis launched an expedition to its fury depths – the first ever person to do so – after a year of planning.

“The place has always fascinated me. The story behind how it came into existence has been sort of shrouded in mystery, and there’s no other place like it on Earth,” he told National Geographic. “There’s a lot that we can learn about this place.”

Mr Kourounis even hired a stunt coordinator who usually works on Hollywood films to light himself on fire on numerous occasions to prepare him to keep calm in close proximity to the flames.

“When you first set eyes on the crater, it’s like something out of a science fiction film,” he said. “When you go out over, looking straight down, it’s literally like another planet, almost.”

When Mr Kourounis reached the bottom he collected soil samples in an effort to learn whether life could survive in such hostile conditions elsewhere in the universe. He discovered that no one actually knows its definitive origins.

Mr Berdymukhamedov stunt speeding around the fire in 2019 is not unusual. He is known for his eccentric approach to leadership, having previously dabbled as a DJ, author and equestrian.

Mr Berdymukhamedov also made headlines when footage of him raising a hold bar during a cabinet meeting emerged before the country hosted the International Weightlifting Federation World Championship in 2020.

In 2018, the president officially renamed the crater the “Shining of Karakum”.

Mr Berdymukhamedov has ruled since 2007, although rights groups have raised concerns over his leadership.

“Turkmenistan remains an extremely repressive country,” said Human Rights Watch. “The government severely restricts all fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedoms of association, expression, and religion.”