In Ashgabat, visitors should explore the ancient city of Nisa, which dates back to 1000 BC and was once the capital of the powerful Parthian Empire. The site includes the remains of fortresses, temples, palatial halls, and the tombs of the Arsacid dynasty. The bustling medieval bazaars, such as Djygallyk, Gulistan, Lalezar, and Tekin, offer a vibrant glimpse into the region’s market culture.
The Carpet Museum in Ashgabat provides an intriguing look at the history of carpet weaving, showcasing everything from the oldest known carpet (from the 17th century) to a contemporary giant measuring 301 square meters, aptly named «The Golden Age of Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi.» This theme of grand scale continues with the enormous Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, built in the former president’s hometown 15 kilometers from the capital, and a plethora of modern architectural marvels, including the Turkmenbashi and Ruhiyet Palaces, the Independence Monument, and the Neutrality Arch, along with numerous business centers, parks, and fountains.
In Mary, the ancient city of Merv offers several historical treasures, including the Erk-Kala citadel of the Achaemenid dynasty, the medieval settlement of Gyaur-Kala with its ruins of monasteries and noble castles, the Seljuk site of Sultan-Kala, and the Shahriyar-Ark citadel. Also notable are the ruins of the Parthian city of Gebekli, the sacred city of Gonur-Depe, and medieval castles like Kharam-Keshk and Akuyli-Koshuk, along with various mosques, mausoleums, and tombs.
Turkmenbashi is home to the 10th-century Shir-Kabib Mausoleum, the Parau-Bibi Mosque, an important pilgrimage site for Muslim women, the Tasharvat caravanserai, the Dehistan Valley, and the ruins of the medieval city of Misrian with its well-preserved 20-meter minarets.
In Turkmenabad, visitors should not miss the Repetek Reserve in the Karakum Desert, the hottest place in Central Asia, the ancient site of Amul-Chardzhui, the museum-city of Atamurat with the Almutasir and Astana-Baba Mausoleums, and the ancient caravanserai of Bai-Khatyn, which features decorative stone carvings with the names of righteous caliphs—Omar, Abu-Bakr, and Ali.
