Ashgabat: The Capital of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, located in the south of the country at the foothills of the Kopet-Dag Range, on the edge of the Karakum Desert. It lies very close to the Iranian border. The city was founded in 1881 and was once known as Poltoratsk. Between 1924 and 1990, it served as the capital of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, and in 1991, it became the capital of independent Turkmenistan. One of the most tragic events in the city’s history was the Ashgabat earthquake of 6 October 1948. Measuring 7.3 in magnitude, it was the strongest earthquake in the country’s history, destroying much of the city and causing thousands of casualties.

Today, Ashgabat is the cultural, economic, industrial, transportation, and educational center of Turkmenistan, with a multicultural population. Known as the “White Marble City”, it is famous for its white marble buildings, lively bazaars, and traditional Turkmen rugs. The Trans-Caspian Railway runs through the city, and Ashgabat is home to the Ashgabat State Power Plant. The city is also home to the Turkmenistan Tower, which stands as the tallest structure in the country. Transportation is well developed, with Ashgabat International Airport, the main railway station, a monorail, a cable car, as well as buses and trolleybuses serving the city.

Ashgabat is an important tourist destination as well, offering numerous shopping centers, museums, theaters, palaces, parks, mosques, churches, and sports facilities.

Altyn Asyr Bazar (38.0447856, 58.4216262) is one of the most popular attractions in the city and the largest market in Turkmenistan. It is also among the largest bazaars in Central Asia. A must-visit spot, it is known not only for carpet shopping but also for its unique architecture. The complex includes cafés, a clock tower, and a hotel.

The National Museum of Turkmenistan (37.8850375, 58.3487267) is located near the Independence Monument and the Russian Embassy. Founded in 1998, it is one of the most important museums in Ashgabat and showcases the country’s history through seven permanent galleries.

The Alp Arslan National Theatre of Youth is located next to the National Museum of Turkmenistan and features two halls with capacities of 800 and 200 seats. Another major cultural venue is the Makhtumkuli National Theatre of Music and Drama, an opera house on Görogly Street. Founded in 2001, it has a seating capacity of 800 people.

Alem Center is one of the city’s main entertainment venues and attractions. Opened on May 18, 2012, it features a 95-meter-tall structure. Meaning “Universe”, Alem holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel.

Ashgabat Olympic Stadium is a major sports venue in the Kopetdag District at latitude 37.9042735 and longitude 58.3769418. Opened in 2003, it has a capacity of 45,000 people and hosts matches of the Turkmenistan national football team.

The city is also home to many mosques such as the Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque and the Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque.