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The Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The base of the monument was inspired by the round tents, called yurts or gers, that the nomadic tribes of Turkmenistan live in. Locally however, it is known as the Toilet Plunger.
A Drop of Water is Grain of Gold Day celebration in Independence Park in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
A Drop of Water is Grain of Gold Day celebration in Independence Park in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
An oversize portrait of current Turkmenistan president Gurbanguly BerdiMuhamedov in Ashgabat.
Here might I present to you the ‘Arch of Neutrality’. Atop its hallowed heights stands a golden statue of the first Turkmen president, Saparmurat Niyazov, aka Turkmenbashi (Leader of the Turkmen People). For a statue of such a man you must make sure of one thing: that his golden presence rotates with the sun so as to always be bathed in golden rays. 360 degrees every 24 hours.
Ernst Neizvestny sculpture to the façade of the Communist Headquarters in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Stadium Çandebil Etrap in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The beautiful train station in Turkmenbashi is the Western terminus for the Trans-Caspian Railway, and located at 36 Rylov Street in Balkan Province, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi was formerly known as Krasnovodsk under Soviet rule.
A building in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, depicting the five Turkmen Tribes: Teke (Tekke), Yomut (Yomud), Arsary (Ersary), Chowdur (Choudur), and Saryk (Saryq).
A building in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, depicting the five Turkmen Tribes: Teke (Tekke), Yomut (Yomud), Arsary (Ersary), Chowdur (Choudur), and Saryk (Saryq).
The former Central library from Soviet times located right next to the Arch of Neutrality in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Designed by Ernst Neizvestny, a world-renowned sculptor from Soviet Union. He has buildings and monuments scattered all over Ashgabat that he designed. The building is now a Children’s Center – with various activity rooms for them. Plus a conference room for meetings, and a classroom on the top floor.
The former Central library from Soviet times located right next to the Arch of Neutrality in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Designed by Ernst Neizvestny, a world-renowned sculptor from Soviet Union. He has buildings and monuments scattered all over Ashgabat that he designed. The building is now a Children’s Center – with various activity rooms for them. Plus a conference room for meetings, and a classroom on the top floor.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
A grocery store in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi was formerly known as Krasnovodsk under Soviet rule.
A grocery store in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi was formerly known as Krasnovodsk under Soviet rule.
The Soltan Tekeş Mausoleum (aka Soltan Takesh Mausoleum) in Konye Urgench near the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.The ancient city of Urgench has ruins dating back to the 12th Century and has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A bust of Saparmurat Niyazov (aka Turkmenbashi) at a roadside diner near Konye Urgench in Turkmenistan.
The Russian Bazaar (aka Russki Bazaar) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
It seems that everyone, and I mean everyone in Ashgabat has a satellite dish. You can go for the cheaper Russian version, or get all the US channels (and hundreds more) for about $100. One-time fee only including all the hardware and illegal subscription.
This is the view from the 6th floor of “Five Legs” aka the Trade Center – a building with fountains running down the side of it and a shopping mall (and restaurants) inside. It was built to commemorate the fifth year of independence. This particular view overlooks Independence Park. In the background is the Independence Monument, known locally as the Toilet Plunger because its base is inspired by the round nomadic tents (gers or yurts). Behind the Independence Monument is the Palace of Knowledge, a sprawling complex with a museum, concert hall, and library.
The World of Turkmen Fairy Tales, known locally as Disneyland, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Two women walk by a wall depicting the Kremlin in front of Ashgabat's (Turkmenistan) amusement park, locally known as 'Disneyland'.
The Tolkuchka Bazaar in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Bazaar is the largest open-air market in Central Asia and is noted for both its animal and car markets, in addition to selling traditional Turkmen rugs.
The circus was banned under Turkmenbashi’s rule as it was not a traditional Turkmen pastime, having been introduced by the Soviets. Current president (Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow) is planning to re-open it. There is also a second hand book shop on the outside of the building where you can buy, or rent (yes, rent!) books.
The circus was banned under Turkmenbashi’s rule as it was not a traditional Turkmen pastime, having been introduced by the Soviets. Current president (Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow) is planning to re-open it. There is also a second hand book shop on the outside of the building where you can buy, or rent (yes, rent!) books.
The circus was banned under Turkmenbashi’s rule as it was not a traditional Turkmen pastime, having been introduced by the Soviets. Current president (Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow) is planning to re-open it. There is also a second hand book shop on the outside of the building where you can buy, or rent (yes, rent!) books.
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