The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, offers a variety of locations for tourists, from unique fountains and parks to famous architectural landmarks that have earned spots in the Guinness World Records. Here’s a guide to the must-see attractions in Ashgabat.
White marble palaces and buildings
In 2013, Ashgabat was included in the Guinness World Records for having the most buildings decorated with white marble — 543 in total. This snow-white decor gives the city a unique appearance, reflecting the sun’s rays in the summer and filling the streets with light on winter days.
Ferris Wheel
One of Ashgabat's unique attractions is the large, enclosed Ferris wheel located in the "Alem" cultural and entertainment center. The wheel, with a diameter of 57 meters, is impressive in size. Standing at a height of 95 meters, it was included in the Guinness World Records in 2012.
“Oghuz Khan and his Sons” fountain
The “Oghuz Khan and his Sons” fountain complex is another notable landmark in Ashgabat that was entered into the Guinness World Records in 2010. The complex covers an area of around 15 hectares and includes 27 automated lanterns that light up at night using solar energy. The composition depicts the legendary Oguzkhan on horseback with his six sons, each representing the sun, sky, moon, stars, sea, and mountains.
Olympic village
The Olympic Campus, built in 2017 for the Asian Indoor Games, has been honored with two Guinness World Records certificates at once. The first achievement is for the world's largest indoor swimming pool. The second certificate was awarded for the unique 40-meter-tall Akhal-Teke horse statue located at the Olympic stadium’s tribune. The Olympic Village features 40 original buildings.
Wedding palace
The "Bagt Koshgi" wedding palace, opened in 2011, is an extraordinary architectural landmark in Ashgabat. The building is designed in the shape of an eight-pointed star, which permeates all three levels of the structure. The crown of this original design is a cube containing a symbolic globe with a map of Turkmenistan at its center.
Lenin Monument
The Lenin Monument in Ashgabat stands out due to its original pedestal, which showcases Turkmen carpets and traditional designs in the technique of majolica. The monument’s foundation stone was laid nearly a century ago, on January 27, 1924. By November 7, 1927, the statue was placed in the central square of Poltoratsk — modern Ashgabat, and remained a prominent feature of the city for many years.
“Turkmen Alabai dog” monument
In Ashgabat, there is a monument to the loyal companion of humans — the dog. In 2020, a monument to the Turkmen Alabai dog was erected on Makhtumkuli Avenue. This ancient breed is considered a national treasure and holds a significant place in Turkmen folklore and art. The gilded, six-meter-high sculpture stands on a nine-meter pedestal in a square with a 36-meter diameter.
"Arch of Neutrality"
The "Arch of Neutrality" in Ashgabat is a multi-level structure 83 meters in height. The monument impresses not only with its scale but also its technical complexity: the arch rotates with the movement of the sun, completing a full rotation each day. Previously, an elevator inside the arch took visitors to observation decks. In 2010-2011, the "Arch of Neutrality" was dismantled and relocated to the southern part of Ashgabat.
State Museum of Turkmenistan
The State Museum of Turkmenistan is the largest museum in the capital. Its full name is the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. The building covers an area of around 15,000 square meters. The museum houses more than 130,000 exhibits, including archaeological finds, ethnographic collections, household items, and jewelry, all displayed in seven permanent galleries.
Monument to the book "Ruhnama"
The monument to the book “Ruhnama” in Ashgabat is a unique landmark dedicated to the work of the first president of Turkmenistan. Located in the Independence Park on the southern outskirts of the city, the monument is made of metal and granite. It not only attracts visitors with its significance but also with its technical innovations: the book is capable of flipping its pages automatically and displaying documentary films, all controlled by a computer.
