Ashgabat – White Marble Capital of Turkmenistan

Editor (Travel)

First note: it has nothing to do with the ash. In Persian, it means ‘city of devotion’ or ‘city of love’. This name is given to the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. It has its name borne in a Guinness Book of Records due to a huge number of white marble buildings like nowhere else in the world.

The country has spent many years under the occupation of the Soviet Union. As a consequence, many people, especially elderly, can speak Russian and Turkmenistan itself holds a number of typical Soviet-like block houses. After the independence in October 1991, there was a big will to reconstruct the country. A lot more modern tall buildings were built. The national pride of the Turkmen nation is observable on the Ashgabat Flagpole, rising to the height of 133m, and being the tallest flagpole in the world at the time of the building in 2008. At the moment it is in the 4^th place, exceeded by the flagpoles of Azerbaijan, North Korea and Tajikistan.

Having a stroll around the buildings in Ashgabat is wonderful, but looking at them from high above with a desert in the background is even better. Get on the Turkmenbashi Cableway near the National Museum and after only ten minutes you will reach a height of almost a 1300m above sea level. You will be amazed by the panorama and you can use telescopes for zooming.

Photos of Ashgabat are marvelous mementoes but if you need something more, Altyn Asyr Bazaar should be your destination. It is the biggest market in Turkmenistan and consists of more than 2000 shops, also being the biggest open-air market in the whole region of Central Asia. The best day to pay a visit is on Sunday. There you bargain for and can purchase all types of traditional Turkmen goods, especially popular are huge red traditional rugs. If you have a space both in your luggage and house, this is a wonderful souvenir. If that is not enough, be ready to buy a camel, everything is possible in Altyn Asyr Bazaar. If that is not your cup of tea, you can find more classic souvenirs like silks, handcrafts or traditional apparel.

At one point or another, you will get hungry. Embrace yourself in the flavours of Central Asia food (not just kebabs). Start your gourmet journey with plov (pilaf) if you like rice, roasted vegetables and mutton. It is a very popular meal which can be eaten on an everyday basis. To spice up your visit, taste manti, dumplings made of spiced ground meat. The Ottoman recipe originates from the 15^th century and is widely spread across all Turk countries and beyond. Manti is usually served with yogurt and a range of spices like dried mint, red pepper powder and garlic. Those are just a few wonderful dishes, be brave and try others because food in this region is so delectable in its simplicity, freshness and the love with which it was prepared.

Ingrida Kurlinkute

Ingrida is currently a student at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She is very curious about the world around her and is keen on sharing her opinion and knowledge with others. One of the biggest passions of Ingrida is travelling and therefore she heads the Travel Section on the website.