Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

Inside, the mosque’s walls are adorned with verses from the Quran and excerpts from the Rukhnama, a spiritual and moral guide authored by Turkmenbashi himself. This combination has led to some controversy, as it does not align with traditional Islamic practices.

The interior of the mosque boasts a vast prayer hall, highlighted by white columns and a richly painted celestial blue dome. The floor, heated for comfort, is covered by an enormous handwoven Turkmen carpet. With a capacity of approximately 10,000 people, the mosque is often sparsely visited. Beneath the mosque, an underground garage provides space for over 400 vehicles.

Adjacent to the mosque is the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, which, while more modest in design and scale, serves as the final resting place for Turkmenbashi himself. The central sarcophagus is dedicated to Turkmenbashi, surrounded by the sarcophagi of his mother, two brothers, and a symbolic empty sarcophagus bearing his father’s name, who is interred elsewhere. Turkmenbashi’s mother and brothers perished in the 1948 earthquake, while Turkmenbashi narrowly escaped by taking an early morning walk on that fateful day.

Opposite the mausoleum stands a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the 1948 earthquake, honoring those who lost their lives.

The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque is not only a significant national landmark but also a source of pride for the Turkmen people. Its image is even featured on the 500-TMT banknote, underscoring its importance in the nation’s identity.