Independence Monument — Attraction in Ashgabat City

The Turkmen independence monument built by Saparmurat Niyazov (the first president of independent Turkmenistan) in 2000 consists of a yurt-modeled dome crowned with a huge spire. The date of Turkmen independence, 10/27/1991, is reflected in the dimensions of the building: a 27-meter high, thick spire and an observation platform with a diameter of 10 meters on top of a 91-meter tower. Surrounding the building are statues of the great heroes of Turkmenistan, and of course this includes a gilded...

You don’t realize the intricacies and details in the statues until you get up close. The photos are not enough. In person it’s absolutely stunning. This country has so much culture. They acknowledge poets here not just soldiers. I have never seen such a clean city as well. No trash or papers. The sites are impeccably maintained. I could have spend at least a full hour admiring the...

If you ever get a chance to visit Turkmenistan, you should make it a point to visit this place. There are more than 60 statues in the vicinity and it is a sight to behold. The statues are impressive and they stand up tall and proud. I was there for a short while last year and was thoroughly impressed. Do make it a point to go there. You will not regret...