Overview:

The Türkmenbaşy (Turkmenbashi) Monument is a large-scale memorial complex located in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. The monument pays tribute to the first President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, who is popularly known as Turkmenbashi, or Leader of the Turkmens. The monument consists of a large sculpture of Niyazov sitting on a horse atop an arch. The complex is located in the city’s Freedom Square and is the centerpiece of the city. The complex is surrounded by other monuments including a gold- topped clock tower, the National Museum and a lake surrounded by statues of soldiers. The monument was erected in 1997 and is seen as a symbol of the Turkmen people’s gratitude for Niyazov’s service as the nation’s leader. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

, the defining features of the landscape, as well as the culture, could be summed up in the prominent Turkmenbashi Monument, located in Ashgabat. The monument is a towering 80 metre bronze statue of the Turkmenbashi, the first leader of Turkmenistan. This imposing monument stands atop an 85m tall base, making it the tallest bronze statue in the world, and a symbol of the nation’s history and pride. The base of the monument is constructed with layered slabs of marble, and the surrounding area is an impressive collection of organized gardens, fountains, and other sculptures. At night the monument is bathed in light, contributing to the tremendous ambience of the site. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The monument to the first president of Turkmenistan, also known as “Türkmenbaşy”, is a symbolic national shrine to the late President Saparmurat Niyazov (also known as “Turkmenbashi” or “Father of all Turkmens”). The monument, located in Ashgabat, was built in June 2007 by Turkmen sculptor Oraz Berdyev. The monument itself is composed of a twelve-meter-tall bronze statue of the former president, a six-pointed star, and eternal flame, which, according to the president’s wishes, will always be lit in his memory. The pedestal, a stepped platform nearly 10m in height standing 40m tall, is made of pink marble and topped by a 20m-tall imitation of a traditional Turkmen tent. The monument is framed by four spires, which are representations of columns in the Neoclassical style, with the names of the five provinces of Turkmenistan inscribed on them. The monument was designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Saparmurat Niyazov and the Republic of Turkmenistan. It stands as a testament to the former president’s dedication and service to his country. The monument serves as a major tourist destination in Turkmenistan, and is the tallest monument in Central Asia. It is also the fourth-largest free-standing statue in the world. The monument is a prominent symbol of national pride for Turkmens and a reminder of the legacy of the nation's first president. Unfortunately, after the death of President Niyazov in 2006, the monument fell into disrepair. In May 2017, a major renovation project was completed to restore the monument to its former glory. The monument was polished and painted, structural repairs were made and the eternal flame was lit once again. The Turkmenbashi Monument now serves as a reminder of the former President’s achievements and a symbol of Turkmenistan’s unity and progress. The Turkmenbashi Monument stands as a shining reminder of the legacy of President Saparmurat Niyazov and the Republic of Turkmenistan. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The tallest monument in Turkmenistan, the Turkmenbashi Monument, stands 33 metres tall and is located in Ashgabat. 2. The structure was built in 2008 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of former president and leader of independent Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as ‘Turkmenbashi’ – the leader of all Turkmens. 3. The monument features a soaring golden statue of former president Niyazov, surrounded by a park, a fountain, and a giant revolving book, which is inlaid with poetic verses and promotes moral values. 4. The monument has become a tourist destination in Turkmenistan and has become a symbol of the country’s strong national identity. 5. At night the monument is illuminated with bright lights, symbolizing the former president’s contribution to the country. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.