Snapshot: Ashgabat

A Glimpse into Must-See Ashgabat Attractions

The history of Ashgabat, originally known as Nisa, stretches back to ancient times when it was part of the Parthian Empire (247 BC–224 AD) and later the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century. The strategic location of Nisa made it an important stop on Silk Road trade routes, where Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Greek philosophy intersected. The Parthians were known for their tolerance of multiple religions, and as a result, the city became a centre of cultural and intellectual exchange.

During the Russian Empire's rule in the late 19th century, Nisa was renamed Poltoratsk, after General Poltoratsky, who played a role in the Russian military expansion into the region. The Russians introduced modern infrastructure like railways, roads, and water systems, which further facilitated existing trade and communication. It wasn’t until the 20th century, particularly after Turkmenistan became a Soviet Republic in the early 1920s, that the city (and the unique architecture in Ashgabat) began to take shape. The focus was now on rapid industrialisation, with new factories contributing to the city's growing economy. A heavy importance on education and science led to the construction of new schools, universities, and public buildings. Following Turkmenistan's independence in 1991, Ashgabat underwent a dramatic transformation under Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan’s first president. Niyazov’s vision for the capital was to transform it into a bold metropolis full of grand monuments with every last detail reflecting Turkmenistan’s independence. 

Turkmenistan tourism is enjoying positive growth, and today, the capital is a city that maintains a strict sense of order and cleanliness—you may notice mostly spotless, white cars on the road, and this is no accident! Niyazov's broader vision of order and perfection extends to the city’s motor vehicles. Visitors can expect to tour a safe city without the bustling tourist crowds found in other capitals in the region.

Ashgabat's development, like the rest of the country, has continued into the 21st century. Still, despite its modern, futuristic appearance—white marble buildings (hence Ashgabat’s moniker, ‘The White City’), broad avenues, and grand monuments—the city retains a sense of tradition through local customs and cultural values that eternally connect it to its past. Influences from its Soviet era and Turkmen history are reflected in the city’s monuments and architecture. 

Ashgabat has grand boulevards and monumental squares down pat—and they’re as striking as you’d imagine. Many buildings are neoclassical style and elaborately adorned with Turkmen elements like gold accents, while statues, often of national figures of importance, keep a watchful eye over city squares.

The Arch of Neutrality, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, is a 75-metre-high gold monument erected to celebrate Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality, which was endorsed by the United Nations in 1995. A statue of President Saparmurat Niyazov sits on top of the arch and rotates so it faces the sun throughout the day, a symbol of the country's focus on growth, prosperity, and positive relations with the rest of the world. Its location at the heart of Ashgabat ensures that it's a fundamental part of the city’s landscape. 

The Neutrality Park and Monument, on the other hand, is a green retreat from Ashgabat's grandiose architecture and is adjacent to the Arch of Neutrality. The park’s design with ample gardens, fountains, and walking paths, is symbolic of the peaceful coexistence that Turkmenistan seeks to promote both internally and on the international stage. 

Another striking structure in the heart of the city is the Independence Monument, which celebrates Turkmenistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It features a golden statue of the president on top of a 118-metre towering column. The base of the column is in the shape of a yurt represents the country’s nomadic roots. Surrounding the monument are 27 statues of significant figures in Turkmen history. The surrounding square is a central public space used for national ceremonies, celebrations and events. The grandeur of the monument is especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated and the stellar view of both the monument and landscape is breathtaking.

Located just outside the city centre is Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Mausoleum, also known as the Gypjak Mosque, which was built to honour President Niyazov. This site is visited on the Ashgabat city tour on the 22 Day Five Stans Unveiled tour, and the mosque is a perfect example of modern Islamic architecture, very much part of Niyazov’s grand vision. It’s as lavish as you may expect: entirely made from white marble with a golden dome that was designed to be visible from a distance. The president was laid to rest in the mausoleum in 2006 and continues to be a pilgrim site for his supporters today. In addition to it being a site of national and cultural significance, the mosque is a place of worship today. 

Alongside sites of national significance, no Turkmenistan travel guide (or visit) is complete without local shopping spots. Tolkuchka Bazaar, the largest and most famous open air market in Ashgabat, sits just on the outskirts of the city. This bustling market is a key part of Turkmenistan’s long tradition as a trading hub along the Silk Road, offering a glimpse at daily life here and the country’s culture as a whole. Like bazaars the world over, Tolkuchka is a place where you can find anything and everything: Turkmen rugs, handicrafts, silks and other fabrics, rice and spices, and fruit and vegetables. It even has a camel market. The bazaar’s lively atmosphere (especially evident on Sundays) is an experience in itself—a sensory overload of spruiking vendors and bargain-hunting buyers awaits! 

And if you’re interested in purchasing a special memento of your visit, Turkmenistan is known for its beautifully intricate carpets, the Turkmen Carpet Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the art form, meet artisans, and view some 2,000 carpets across 15,000 square metres. Look out for the smallest carpet, which is shaped like a key box, and the largest, a Guinness World Record holder at 301 square metres. Although carpets serve a practical purpose as both floor coverings and wall decorations, carpet-making is deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the Turkmen people. As such, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019. Popular Turkmenistan festivals celebrating traditional art include Carpet Day which falls on the last Sunday of May. The event features exhibitions, live demonstrations, and competitions where carpet weavers can display their craftsmanship and share techniques passed down through generations.  

Inspired to travel to Ashagbat? Our 22 Day Five Stans Unveiled tour takes in the exciting Turkmenistan capital city as well as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.