City Guide: Ashkhabad

Republic of Turkmenistan is set up on the south of Middle Asia, by Caspian Sea. There are Uzbekistan on the northeast, Kazakhstan on the northwest, Iran on the south, Afghanistan on the southeast. The Black Sand Desert covers the 80 % percent of country land. Turkmenistan has become a part of the Soviet Union in 1924 and the Republic of Turkmen Soviet Socialists was established. The country regained its supremacy on 1990 June 22nd and freedom on 1991 October 27th. According to current laws it is a constitutional state of democracy and secularism.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Because of the earthquake in 1948 on the south of the country, Ashgabat is not one of the old eastern style cities typical to Middle Asia. City center of Ashgabat is surrounded by modern buildings made of steel-concrete and glass resistant to earthquake.   
  
  “The city of Love” is another name for Ashgabat. The city has a flat settlement in the middle of desert. After all the desert is not an obstacle blocks the city from catching the global world’s improvements. There are many places to visit in the city. Walking is not a good choice to wander around Ashgabat which is settled on a wide land; instead you should consider taking a car.   
  
  One of the best sites in the city is the monuments spread all over the city. The reason of having that many monuments is the will to carry the freedom spirit, which has been won only 17 year ago, to the future. “The Tower of Impartiality” statue deserves seeing. There is the statue covered with gold of the old leader Saparmurat Niyazov on the monument. The Memorial of the 1948 Victims of Ashgabat Earthquake and the Statue of 10 Ahalteke Horses which is made for the 10th anniversary of independency are some of other monuments important for the city.  
  
  National Carpet and History and National Ethnography Museums are two establishment exhibit the Turkmen culture. The Palace of President, The Independence Square and the Golden Era National Park are some examples to visit. 
  
  The Kipcak Mosque, which is mentioned as the biggest mosque in Middle Asia, started to serve in 2004. The mosque which is made of marble is set up on 18 thousand square meter land. Next to the mosque, there is the graveyard of an old Turkmen leader Niyazov. All Niyazov family is resting in that magnificent mausoleum.  
  
  If you could make yourself sometime, you can visit the Palace of Nissa – Parfiyalian Kingdom lies in 18 kilometers west of Ashgabat. The Palace has lived its great era in between 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.C.  

• Culture & Entertainment

  Ashgabat has a good rate of improvement in recent years. The two stadiums for 35 thousand people, nine theatre buildings and numerous residences built in the last year prove that. Departed President had once said that “I will build you a snow-white city” and the city is still so. The secret of that whiteness is the marbles white and smooth as milk imported from the countries like Turkey and Italy. All the buildings without exception are being covered with those marbles. 
  
  Because of rich sources for natural gas, there is no pollution in the country. The natural gas they use is one of the cleanest energy sources in the world with its almost zero sulphur level. So the marbles are shining bright under the Ashgabat sun. Everything is so clean and in order and smoking is forbidden on the streets and in the parks.
  
  The most enthusiastic times are the Independency and Impartiality fest times in the country. The fest of Independency is on October 27th-28th and Impartiality is on December 12th. The Turkmen people show great attention on these magnificent celebrations. 

• Food & Drink

  Turkmen cuisine is changing depending on the regions but meat and vegetables are main ingredients. Ashgabat cuisine has plenty of meat dishes on the other hand by Caspian Sea usually people are eating fish. In Cercer region meat and fruits are main ingredients. The meat cooked with barley, rice, shish kebabs, stewed vegetables and stuffed peppers are the most important ones in Turkmen cuisine. 
   
  Rice is the most consumed nutrient. Turkmen pilaf is world wide famous. Not only the taste but also cultural importance makes this pilaf so special. Turkmen people cook pilaf on Thursday and Friday evening for the souls of their passed away relatives. They remember the passed away relatives by prayers and eat pilaf in memory of them. The bread is also very important like rice. There many types of bread made with milk, egg and butter. “Peti Bread” should absolutely be tasted. 
  
  Turkmen people, who eat three times a day, still protect their traditional eating habits. The breakfasts mainly include egg, cheese, butter, jam and honey. Of course milk and tea are the good companies. Tea is one of most common hot drink which is preferred by Turkmen people. They drink tea not only in the breakfast but also after meals and in the afternoons. Usually they drink green tea after meals. The tea is being served in a teapot called “caylik” along with jam, sultanas or fresh grape until the pot is empty.     
  
  
  For lunch salad, soup, fried or stewed meat is usually preferred and it is quite heavier comparing to dinner. The dinners are generally light. To drink “Ayran” (a yogurt drink) or eat yogurt is the choice for many Turkmen people. Ayran that is made of camel milk is accepted more delicious and special. That is why it is usually served to the guests.    
  
  Turkmen people prefer dried or fresh fruits for dessert in their daily meals. The desserts are being prepared for special days such as fests and weddings. “Şekşeki” and “Katlama” are the most popular desserts. Şekşeki is a type of dessert made of dough prepared on the wedding by the friends of the bride. Katlama is a dessert made in order to be sent to bride’s family after 40 days of marriage by bride groom’s family to keep the relationships in good conditions. Also the bride’s family make the same dessert while visiting their daughter.  

• Shopping

  The Desert Bazaar in Ashgabat is the most important address for the ones who want to live Turkmen culture and take back some souvenirs. This is an exotic bazaar shelters the life of desert and exhibits the life style of Turkmen people changing by time. At the bazaar, Turkmen women with their traditional clothes and jewelleries sell their handicrafts. It is possible to buy Turkmen rug, hand weaved cloth, jewellery and various vegetables, spices and plants from them.  

Ticket Sales Offices: Ashkhabad

• Ashkhabad: Airport Map Information

  Ashkhabad Airport

  Address	:	Ashkhabad Airport, Petrozavodskaya Street, 744000 Ashkhabad Turkmenistan
  Phone	:	+993 1 225-60-64

• Ashkhabad: Airport Map Information