Ashgabat, often referred to as the «City of Love,» is a unique metropolis with a name derived from the Turkmen words «yşk,» meaning «love,» «care,» and «desire,» and «abad,» which translates to «prosperous» or «inhabited.» This name reflects the city’s charm and significance in Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat stands on the historic grounds of Konjikala, an ancient city founded in the 2nd century BC. Strategically positioned along the Great Silk Road, Konjikala played a crucial role in the region’s trade and cultural exchanges. Despite being severely damaged by a major earthquake, the city was rebuilt and continued to thrive until the 13th century, when it was ultimately destroyed by Mongol invasions.
In addition to the historical significance of Konjikala, it’s important to note that just 15 kilometers west of modern Ashgabat lie the ruins of the ancient city of Nisa. Established in the 3rd century BC, Nisa was once the capital of the Parthian Empire.
The modern history of Ashgabat began in the 18th and 19th centuries, during a time when political instability and economic decline in southern Turkmenistan led to the emergence of small towns and settlements. Among these were Abiverd, Anau, Nisa, Dursun, and Kyzyl-Arvat (now Serdar), with Ashgabat being one of these nascent settlements. Historical records from the 19th century are sparse, but the earliest mentions of Ashgabat date back to 1811. A Russian Foreign Ministry document from 1850 lists 43 Akhal fortresses, including Ishkabad, as it was then known.
In 1871, traveler I.I. Stebnitsky noted that the city, referred to as Askhaba during that period, was engaged in trade with Khiva and Parthia. Its inhabitants were involved in animal husbandry and horticulture. Stebnitsky estimated the city had around 4,000 houses, suggesting a population of approximately 16,000 to 20,000 people.
Ashgabat is strategically positioned, offering stunning views of the Kopetdag mountain range to the south and the expansive Karakum Desert to the north. This setting gives Ashgabat the character of an artificial oasis nestled between the sands and the foothills, where urban development harmoniously integrates with the natural landscape.
The city’s modern development began in earnest in 1881 when it was chosen as a strategic outpost for Russian troops. The construction of a fortress on a 12-meter-high hill marked the start of the city’s transformation. The original fortress walls were replaced with an earthen rampart, and a moat with bridges was added. By 1883, the fortress, now known as Askhabad in Russian transcription, was largely complete.
The 1880s saw Ashgabat thrive due to the stabilization of the political climate in the Transcaspian region and Russia’s effective protection of its borders with northern Iran. The city rapidly grew in population and significance, surpassing even Tashkent in its early growth. Ashgabat served as a crucial caravan route between Khiva and Persia. The establishment of a wheeled road across the Kopetdag mountains in 1882 boosted trade between Iran and Russia, leading to a flourishing of Armenian and Persian communities in the city.
By 1885, the arrival of a railway line linked Ashgabat to the wider Russian Empire, enhancing its role as a transit hub. The city’s connection to Khorasan in Iran was strengthened, and by 1905, Ashgabat gained a second railway link through Tashkent, further solidifying its importance as a transit center.
In 1915, Ashgabat boasted 68 specialized institutions, including a railway depot, printing presses, an electric power station, and numerous factories. The city was home to branches of major banks, including the State Bank of Russia, the Persian Financial Bank, the Russo-Asian Bank, and the French Société Générale.
The city’s development entered a new phase with the creation of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924 and its integration into the Soviet Union. In February 1925, Poltoratsk (formerly Askhabad) was designated the capital of the Republic. On April 7, 1927, the city was renamed Ashgabat.
A devastating earthquake struck Ashgabat on October 6, 1948, at 1:17 a.m., registering 9-10 on the Richter scale. The city was almost entirely destroyed, prompting extensive reconstruction efforts.
In recent decades, Ashgabat has grown in prominence as a center of economic, scientific, educational, and cultural significance. The development of a transit railway and highway, along with the construction of an airport, has turned the city into a major transportation hub. Air connections now link Ashgabat with other capitals, major Russian cities, and distant locations.
In 1951, the Turkmen branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences became the national Academy of Sciences, enhancing the city’s stature. The Turkmen State University and various specialized higher education institutions were also established.
Since Turkmenistan gained independence, Ashgabat has experienced rapid development, with the construction of remarkable buildings that stand out for their elegance. The city’s recent architectural transformations continue to captivate both residents and visitors, adding to its allure as a dynamic capital.
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