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Ashgabat

Ashgabat, Asgabat, Turkmenistan

Ashgabat: Step into a City of White Marble and Turquoise Dreams Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is a city unlike any other. Gleaming white marble buildings rise from the desert landscape, shimmering under the Cent…

#Capital City#Central Asia#Modern Architecture#Turkmen Culture#Saparmurat Niyazov

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Ashgabat.

Top Hotels in Ashgabat

Top Flights to Ashgabat

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Ashgabat.

Tours

Exploring Ashgabat's Architectural Marvels

Delve into the stunning white marble structures and modern architectural wonders that define Ashgabat.

Shopping

Ashgabat Bazaar Adventure

Experience the local culture and shop for traditional goods at the Tolkuchka Bazaar.

Outdoor

Weekend Getaway at Kopet Dag Mountains

Enjoy hiking and camping in the stunning landscapes of the Kopet Dag mountain range.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Ashgabat.

Currency

TMT | Turkmenistani manat

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is '1.0 million'.

Languages

Turkmen, Russian

Average weather

Ashgabat

Jan

8°-1°

Feb

10°0°

Mar

15°4°

Apr

22°10°

May

28°15°

Jun

34°20°

Jul

37°23°

Aug

36°22°

Sep

31°17°

Oct

23°10°

Nov

15°5°

Dec

10°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Ashgabat.

What people love

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, offers several unique advantages for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Ashgabat include:

Architecture and Landmarks: Ashgabat is known for its impressive architecture and modern buildings. The city is filled with grandiose structures, including the Independence Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Turkmenistan Tower. These landmarks provide great opportunities for sightseeing and photography.
Rich Culture and History: Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage, and Ashgabat is a great place to explore it. Visitors can enjoy traditional Turkmen music, dance, and cuisine, as well as visit museums and historical sites to learn about the country's history.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens: Ashgabat is home to several well-maintained parks and gardens, such as the Ashgabat Botanical Garden and the Park of Independence. These green spaces offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and provide opportunities for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
Warm Hospitality: Turkmen people are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers to Ashgabat can expect to be warmly welcomed and well taken care of during their stay in the city.
Unique Shopping Opportunities: Ashgabat has a variety of markets and shopping centers where visitors can find traditional Turkmen handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs. The city's markets offer a vibrant and colorful shopping experience that is sure to delight travelers.

Overall, traveling to Ashgabat can be a rewarding experience for those interested in exploring a unique culture, admiring impressive architecture, and enjoying warm hospitality.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan may include:

Restricted freedom of speech and expression: Turkmenistan is known for its strict government control over media and expression. Criticism of the government is not tolerated, and visitors may need to be cautious about discussing certain topics openly.
Limited access to internet and communication: Internet access in Turkmenistan is heavily monitored and restricted. Foreign websites and social media platforms may be inaccessible or slow to load. This can be frustrating for travelers who rely on the internet for communication or information.
High level of bureaucracy: Turkmenistan has a reputation for its bureaucratic challenges, which can make simple tasks such as obtaining visas, permits, or travel approvals more time-consuming and complicated than in other countries.
Limited tourist infrastructure: While Ashgabat has some modern amenities and luxury hotels, the overall tourist infrastructure in Turkmenistan is still developing. Travelers may encounter difficulties in finding English-speaking locals, reliable transportation options, or tourist services.
Cultural differences and conservative norms: Turkmenistan is a conservative society with strict social norms. Visitors should be aware of local customs and traditions to avoid inadvertently causing offense or misunderstanding.

It's important to note that these potential cons are based on general observations and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research thoroughly and consider your own preferences and comfort levels before traveling to Ashgabat or any destination.

Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan, has a rich history marked by significant events and notable landmarks. Here's a detailed account:

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Parthian Empire: The region around modern-day Ashgabat was part of the Parthian Empire, which was a major Iranian political and cultural power from approximately 247 BC to 224 AD. The nearby ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was one of the capitals of the Parthian Empire.

Russian Empire

1869: Ashgabat was founded as a Russian military fortification. Its strategic location near the Persian border made it important for Russian interests in controlling Central Asia.
1881: After the annexation of Turkmenistan by the Russian Empire, Ashgabat grew as a city under Russian rule. It became a hub on the Trans-Caspian Railway, which further increased its importance.

Soviet Era

1924: Ashgabat became the capital of the newly formed Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic after the establishment of the USSR.
1948: A devastating earthquake struck Ashgabat on October 6, killing an estimated 110,000 people and destroying much of the city. This event is one of the most significant in the city's history due to its impact on the population and infrastructure.

Post-Soviet Independence

1991: Turkmenistan declared independence from the Soviet Union, and Ashgabat became the capital of the independent Turkmenistan.

Modern Developments

Saparmurat Niyazov Era: Under the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, Ashgabat underwent significant redevelopment. Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi, initiated the construction of many monumental buildings and monuments.
White Marble City: Ashgabat is known for its extensive use of white marble in construction, with numerous government buildings, hotels, and cultural institutions reflecting this architectural choice. The city holds the Guinness World Record for the most white marble used in a city.

Significant Landmarks

Independence Monument: A major landmark, celebrating Turkmenistan's independence, featuring a golden statue of Niyazov.
Neutrality Monument: Originally located in the city center, this monument commemorates Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and features a rotating golden statue of Niyazov.
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque: Located in the village of Kipchak near Ashgabat, it is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
Ashgabat International Airport: Known for its impressive falcon-shaped terminal, it reflects the city's modern architectural ambitions.
Olympic Village: Built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, it is a symbol of the city's development as a center for international sports.

Notable Figures

Saparmurat Niyazov: As the first president of Turkmenistan, Niyazov played a crucial role in shaping Ashgabat's modern identity, commissioning many of its landmarks and policies.

Ashgabat today is a city known for its unique blend of modern architecture and cultural heritage, making it a distinctive capital in Central Asia.