Ashgabat
Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, is situated in the south-central region of the nation. It is the biggest city in Turkmenistan and the political, cultural, and economic hub of the nation with a population of over a million. The city of Ashgabat is renowned for its stunning contemporary architecture, which can be found in a number of its administrative structures, lodgings, and public areas. Archaeological findings indicate that the city has a long history and has been inhabited for a very long time. Today, Ashgabat is a vibrant and expanding city that draws tourists from all over the world to its distinctive fusion of modernity and old history.
Religion of Ashgabat:
Like the rest of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat is primarily Muslim, with Sunni Islam being practiced there. Turkmenistan’s government, on the other hand, adheres to a policy of secularism and places a strong emphasis on religious tolerance, and adherents of all faiths are allowed to practice their religion openly.
In Ashgabat, there are several mosques and Islamic organizations, including the Turkmenbashy Mosque, which is situated close to the city center, and the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in the nation. For Muslims in the city, these mosques are crucial hubs for religious instruction, prayer, and social activity.
Smaller populations of Christians, Jews, and other religious groups coexist with Islam in Ashgabat. The city is home to a number of Christian churches, including the Ashgabat Baptist Church, which ministers to the neighborhood Baptists, and the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
Overall, despite the fact that Islam is the majority religion in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan, the city is home to a variety of religious communities, and religious tolerance is a significant component of the nation’s cultural fabric.
Economy Thriving:
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, serves as the nation’s main economic centre. The city’s economy is largely supported by the nation’s plethora of natural resources, notably its enormous natural gas reserves, which make up a sizeable share of the GDP of the nation.
Along with generating natural gas, the city also boasts a sizable agricultural industry that grows a variety of commodities, such as cotton, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. Numerous small enterprises, mainly in the retail and service sectors, are also located in the city.
Turkmenistan’s government has made considerable expenditures in Ashgabat’s infrastructure, including the installation of new streets, structures, and public areas. With the support of these initiatives, the city’s economy has grown and attracted both local and foreign investment.
Due to Ashgabat’s distinctive fusion of modernity and old history, tourism plays a significant role in the city’s economy. Numerous significant historical structures may be found in the city, notably the UNESCO World Heritage Site Parthian Fortress of Nisa.
The city of Ashgabat is working to diversify its economy and draw new investments in a variety of fields, such as tourism, agriculture, and small company development, despite the fact that the city’s economy is mostly dependent on natural resources. Visit here to know more about Ashgabat economy.
Politics:
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, serves as a significant hub for national politics. The President of Turkmenistan serves as both the head of state and the head of government in this presidential republic. The Mejlis, the nation’s unicameral parliament, is made up of 125 members who are chosen for five-year periods, while the President is chosen for a seven-year term.
Some have criticized the Turkmen administration for its lack of political freedom and violations of human rights, including constraints on press and speech freedoms, restrictions on political opposition, and restricted access to information. The media are likewise subject to stringent government regulation, and social media and internet access are restricted.
Despite these difficulties, the Turkmenistan government has made large expenditures in Ashgabat’s infrastructure and social initiatives, including the erection of new administrative structures, public areas, and housing projects. The city is renowned for its stunning modern architecture, which is seen in many of its public buildings, hotels, and motels.
There are many different perspectives and ideas on Turkmenistan’s administration and its actions, making Ashgabat and Turkmenistan politics in general complex and contentious. The administration is working to modernize and grow the nation’s economy and infrastructure as well as to better the lives of its residents, despite worries about human rights and political freedom in the country.
Vibrant Culture of Ashgabat City:
Due to its location at the intersection of the historic Silk Road trade route, Ashgabat has a rich cultural legacy. The numerous ethnic and linguistic populations in the nation, including the Turkmen, Uzbek, Russian, and Armenian communities, have influenced the city’s cultural heritage.
The city is well-known for its stunning modern architecture, which incorporates aspects of modern design with traditional Turkmen characteristics. The city’s abundant open areas, parks, and cultural institutions, like the National Library of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen National Museum of Fine Arts, highlight the nation’s extensive creative legacy and cultural variety.
The cultural traditions of Ashgabat place a high value on music and dancing, and the city regularly hosts music festivals and other cultural events. Lezgi and Yyldyz, two traditional Turkmen dances, are well-liked in the city, and the Ashgabat Opera and Ballet Theater is a well-known location for classical music and dance performances.
The city is also home to a number of significant historical structures, notably the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Parthian Fortress of Nisa. The Ashgabat Arch of Neutrality, which was built to represent Turkmenistan’s neutrality in international affairs, is one of the city’s other famous cultural icons.
Overall, Ashgabat has a thriving cultural environment that is shaped by its distinctive history and numerous ethnic and linguistic groups. For tourists interested in learning more about Turkmenistan’s cultural legacy, the city is a fascinating destination since it celebrates cultural traditions through its architecture, music, dance, and historical buildings.
Must-Visit Attractions in Ashgabat:
Ashgabat National Museum of History and Ethnography: This museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays that showcase the history, culture, and traditions of Turkmenistan and its people.
Ashgabat Opera and Ballet Theater: This impressive building is a popular venue for classical music and dance performances, showcasing some of the best cultural talent in the country.
Turkmen Carpet Museum: This museum is dedicated to the art of carpet-making, which is an important part of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage. The museum showcases a range of exquisite carpets, rugs, and tapestries, some of which date back hundreds of years.
Parthian Fortress of Nisa: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just outside of Ashgabat and is an important archaeological site, featuring the remains of an ancient city that dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
Ashgabat Arch of Neutrality: This impressive monument was erected to symbolize Turkmenistan’s neutrality in international affairs. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
Ashgabat Olympic Complex: This impressive sports complex was built to host the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and features a range of facilities, including an indoor arena, swimming pool, and sports halls.
Independence Park: This large public park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a large lake.
Geok Tepe Mosque: This historic mosque is located in the town of Geok Tepe, just outside of Ashgabat, and is an important religious site for Muslims in the region.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar: This bustling marketplace is a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Ashgabat, featuring a range of goods, including traditional handicrafts, clothing, and food.
Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque: This stunning mosque is located on the outskirts of Ashgabat and is one of the largest mosques in the country, featuring impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere.
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