At the end of May 2015, Ashgabat celebrated its city day with the unveiling of six new monuments, including the striking «Ak Bugday,» which translates to «White Wheat.» This 36-meter-tall structure stands proudly on the southeastern edge of the city at the roundabout of Archabil Avenue and Annanova Street.
In contrast to global views, Turkmen people consider Turkmenistan to be the birthplace of white wheat. To honor this belief, the monument dedicated to this vital grain was erected. Official details about the monument reveal that it is crowned by a two-meter gilded spire shaped like wheat ears. The lower section of the monument features 24 hearths, representing the 24 grandsons of Oghuz Khan. These hearths, along with five soaring supports, create a unified whole. This design symbolizes the unity of the Turkmen people, who have carried their national spiritual values through the ages.
Encircling the base, which is inscribed within an octagon, are eight water-spouting jugs. These symbolize the eternal nature of existence and the fertility of the native land. The entire monument, resembling a colossal sprout breaking through the layers of time, represents the connection between the past, present, and future.
To the east of the monument stretches the highway to Mary,
while to the west extends Archabil Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares of the new white-marble Ashgabat.
Explore UNESCO-listed Old Nisa
Visit Spiritual Mosque, Central Asia’s largest
Discover history at National Museum
Visit Akhalteke horse stables
View Lenin Monument and surroundings
