In the opposite direction, about 15 kilometers from Ashgabat, lies the native village of Turkmenbashi, Kipchak. Here, you can marvel at a white marble mosque built with a lavish budget of 100 million dollars, named after the city’s prominent figure. Covering an impressive area of 18,000 square meters, the mosque features a prayer hall that can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. The mosque also houses the sarcophagus of the honored individual.
Exploring Ashgabat’s museums offers a deep dive into its rich cultural heritage. The Carpet Museum is a standout, showcasing the history of carpet weaving, traditional techniques, and a vast array of artifacts—from the oldest carpet, dating back to the 17th century, to a modern giant measuring 301 square meters, known as the «Golden Age of Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi.» The National Museum provides insights into the country’s history with exhibits from archaeological sites such as Merv, Nisa, and Konye-Urgench. The Museum of Fine Arts displays works by Russian, European, and Central Asian artists with Turkmen themes, while the National Treasure House features silver jewelry for women and horses, as well as replicas of golden sculptures from the Altyn-Depe site.
For shopping, the bustling «Tolkochka» market, lively on weekends near the airport, offers a wide range of goods, from traditional items like sheep skins and tubeteks to colorful robes and intricate carpets. This market wraps up around 2 PM, so it’s best to visit in the morning. The «Gulistan» market is another popular spot for fruits, vegetables, clothing, home décor, and other everyday items.
The Carpet Museum’s shop is the go-to place for purchasing carpets, with prices ranging from $10 for modest felt mats to $500 for beautifully crafted rugs. For printed materials such as books, albums, and postcards, visit the bookstore at the Ministry of Culture or «Miras,» located in the city center near the university. Paintings can be found at the «Muhammed» art gallery.
When seeking leisure activities, Ashgabat offers a variety of attractions. One notable natural wonder is the Baharden Cave, located on the outskirts of the city. Discovered by locals in the 18th century, this cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, along with a warm underground lake maintained at approximately 37 degrees Celsius by subterranean springs. The cave is home to bats and rodents and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
A beautiful spot for relaxation is the park named after the ancient ruler Oghuz Khan. Spanning around 15 hectares, it boasts a stunning array of 27 synchronized fountains, enhanced by solar panels that provide spectacular evening lighting. The park is also decorated with sculptures of epic heroes and a variety of landscape designs.
Independence Park, another excellent choice for outdoor enjoyment, covers about 140 hectares and features a range of interesting monuments, including a unique tribute to the book of Turkmenbashi. The park has well-maintained walking paths, numerous benches, playgrounds for children, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts during the summer.
For a taste of local equestrian culture, visit the Ashgabat State Hippodrome, where you can see rare and beautiful horse breeds and enjoy regular horse races. The hippodrome is a beloved venue for the locals, and the equestrian center offers insights into horse care.
Ashgabat’s nightlife includes a range of options, though many clubs and bars close before midnight. The Florida nightclub is a stylish choice, known for its curated music selection and a variety of snacks, including caviar, at reasonable prices. For a more relaxed environment, the Zip Bar offers a great selection of beers and cocktails, along with regional-style snacks and kebabs. Theater enthusiasts should check out the Mollanepes Drama Theatre for engaging performances and musical shows, providing a distinctive evening entertainment experience.
