We are all familiar with Lenin monuments—the ones with and without caps, the statues of him standing behind a podium or holding a book, pointing to the bright future, or depicted as a young, curly-haired leader. In Belarus, these statues are everywhere, each with its unique style.
But have you ever seen a Lenin monument designed to reflect the national characteristics of the country in which it stands? There is indeed such a monument, and it stands proudly in the heart of Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat. This particular statue of Lenin is safeguarded by the state as a cultural treasure of Turkmenistan.
The value of this monument does not lie in the statue itself—it is rather a typical representation of Lenin. The true value is in the grandiose pedestal that supports the statue. On January 24, 1924, just three days after Lenin’s death, a somber meeting in Ashgabat saw N. Aitakov, then chairman of the Central Executive Committee, announce plans to immortalize the leader’s memory. Three days later, the monument’s foundation stone was laid in the city center on Gymnasium Square, now known as Lenin Square, located near the Theater named after Makhtumkuli. Close by is the building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
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