What to See in Turkmenistan - Top Sights and Attractions

The Russian Bazaar or Gulistan in Ashgabat is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the Turkmenistan. It is located in the centre of the city. The "Russian Bazaar" was built in the period of 1972—1982 by the design of the Russian architect Vladimir Visotin among other buildings that were included in the "Ashgabat Reconstruction Program of 1970-1980." The building was done in the Soviet Modernism style and decorated by the Turkmen sculptor Klych Yarmamedov who adored the building with a magnificent abstract sculpture placed in one of the building's corners. Despite the emergence of new stores and malls in Ashgabat, markets continue to be popular among locals and tourists and are regularly visited by foreign delegations. The range of goods is enormous, and the bazaar also houses shops and eateries. In 2001 it was reconstructed by the Turkish company Ekol, with updated outlets, shops and foodstalls. The complex was covered with white marble. In 2007, there was a fire in the clothing section of the market.^[2]

Tourist attraction in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The "Independence Monument" is a monument located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The design of this building was inspired by traditional Turkmen tents and the traditional headgear worn by Turkmen girls. Elements of the building commemorate the independence date of Turkmenistan, 27 September. These elements include a 91-metre reinforced concrete tower with a 27-metre high golden gilt steel construction on top of the tower, along with an observation terrace with a diameter of 10 metres. Within the building, there are exhibition halls where important works of art representing Turkmenistan history are displayed. The Monument of Independence sits on a total area of 84,500 m2, surrounded by green landscaping that encompasses a cascaded pool and 27 heroic statues of Turkmen leaders, centered on a golden statue of Saparmurat Niyazov.^[3]

Museum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Turkmen Carpet Museum or the National Carpet Museum is a national museum, situated on 5 Gorogly Street in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The museum opened on 24 October 1994. It has the largest collection of Turkmen carpets of any museum. It has a rich collection of Turkmen carpets from the medieval through to the 20th century, including over 1000 carpets from the 18th and 19th centuries. Aside from its extensive collection of antique carpets, it has many carpet articles, chuvals, khurjuns, torba etc.

On the first floor of the museum are Tekke and Sarik carpets. The museum is noted for its huge Tekke carpets. One Tekke carpet measures 193m² and weighs a tonne and was made by some 40 people in 1941 to make a curtain for the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Another, made in 2001, is even larger, measuring 301m² and 14 by 21.2 metres and was made to commemorate 10 years of Turkmen independence from the Soviet Union. It is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. One carpet, made in 1968, is representative of all the tribes in Turkmenistan, fusing together the different styles to display unity. The museum also has carpets dedicated to President Niyazov. Some of the carpets on display are two-sided, often featuring different design on each side.^[4]