Ashgabat Attractions

The heart of modern Ashgabat is formed around the Arch of Neutrality, Presidential Complex, House of Congresses and a number of administrative buildings. Today the Turkmen capital is a construction site for the boldest innovative projects designed mostly by Turkish and French architects.

Inaugurated in the year of 1998 the ARCH of NEUTRALITY is the landmark of Ashgabat. Designed in the shape of a traditional tripod the Arch is topped by a revolving statue of the Turkmen President made of gold leaf. Overlooking the city from the height of 75 meters the Arch provides a lovely panoramic view of the city.

Next to the ARCH is the EARTHQUAKE MEMORIAL constructed in commemoration of the 50 th anniversary of Asgabat`s tragedy. The Memorial is topped by a huge bull holding the Earth on the tips of its horns and on the back of its neck. There is a legend here how earthquakes happen. When the legendary bull gets tired he tosses the Earth from one horn to the other and so an earthquake occurs on the surface. On the inside the Memorial has a photo display of Ashgabat before and after the earthquake, as well as a present day city.

Erected in the year of 2000 the TOWER of INDEPENDENCE stands on the southern outskirts of the city against the backdrop of the nearby mountains This118 m high structure is set in a fine garden embellished by a hundred fountains different in size and design. The Tower is guarded by a dozen of huge statues of bronze representing the most significant Turkmen chieftains and literary characters. Inside the tower visitors can familiarize with an informative display of Turkmen national values such as oriental arms, old coins and paper money.

The PARK of INDEPENDENCE in the city center is notable for its largest fountain topped by the statue of ten Turkmen pedigree horses. The monument was unveiled in commemoration of the 10 th anniversary of Independence .