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🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
Capital: Ashgabat
Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan near the Kopet Dag Mountains
Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, located in the south of the country near the Kopet Dag Mountains and the Iranian border. A settlement existed in the area before Russian rule, but the modern city took shape after Ashgabat became an administrative center of the Transcaspian region in 1881. Much of the city was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1948 and rebuilt during the Soviet period. Since independence, large government complexes, monuments and white marble-clad buildings have become defining features of its urban landscape.
đź“ś Timeline of Ashgabat
1881: Ashgabat becomes an administrative center of the Transcaspian region under Russian rule, marking the beginning of its modern urban development.
1919: The city is renamed Poltoratsk during the early Soviet period.
February 1925: Poltoratsk becomes the capital of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic.
1927: The city is renamed Ashgabat.
1948: A powerful earthquake on October 6 destroys much of Ashgabat, leading to extensive reconstruction.
1991: Turkmenistan declares independence on October 27, with Ashgabat remaining the national capital.
2013: Guinness World Records recognizes Ashgabat for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings.
Today: Ashgabat is the seat of Turkmenistan’s national government and the country’s main administrative center.
đź“Š City Facts
Modern Urban Development
From 1881
Language
Turkmen
Currency
Turkmenistan manat (TMT)
Geography
Southern Turkmenistan, near the Kopet Dag Mountains and the Iranian border
Time Zone
Turkmenistan Time (TMT), UTC+5
Calling Code
+993
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
🏛️ Notable Landmarks
Monument of Neutrality
The monument commemorates Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. The present complex stands in the southern part of Ashgabat near the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains.
Independence Monument
Located in Independence Park, the monument commemorates Turkmenistan’s independence and is used for national ceremonies and commemorative events.
State Museum of the State Cultural Center
The museum in Ashgabat holds archaeological, historical and ethnographic collections covering Turkmenistan’s past and cultural traditions.
Ashgabat’s present appearance reflects several distinct periods of development: its growth as a regional administrative center after 1881, reconstruction following the 1948 earthquake, Soviet-era expansion and extensive construction after Turkmenistan became independent. Its white marble government buildings and monuments are now among the city’s most recognizable features.
