Overview:

is a large religious structure located in the Gypjak district of Ahal Province in Turkmenistan. The mosque was built by the country's former president Saparmurat Niyazov and named after his title, Turkmenbashi (Father of the Turkmens). The mosque serves as a place of worship for the locals, and it is considered to be one of the most amazing architectural creations in Turkmenistan. The mosque is characterized by a magnificent large dome, as well as several minarets. The main building of the mosque is lavishly decorated with intricate blue and white ceramic tile work. The mosque also contains a library, prayer room and various educational facilities. The mosque is an iconic symbol of Turkmenistan and attracts a large amount of tourists each year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

1. The mosque was built in honor of the former president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (also known as Turkmenbashi). The mosque is located in Gypjak, and it is the largest in Central Asia. 2. It comprises a large dome and four minarets and measures 75 meters by 55 meters. 3. The mosque was completed in 2004 and can hold up to 10,000 people at one time. 4. It was commissioned by Turkmenbashi himself and was designed by the Belarusian firm KVENS. 5. The colossal structure is made of marble, limestone, and other materials and constructed with the help of 15,000 workers. 6. The external facade is adorned with intricate carvings of floral designs and verses from the Quran. 7. Inside, the walls are lined with intricate tilework, and turquoise and gold sculptures decorate the mosque’s interior. 8. The main hall is illuminated by a breathtaking crystal chandelier of more than 25,000 pieces of Swarovski crystal. 9. Its two floors accommodate Islamic programs, exhibitions and conferences. It also serves as a tourist attraction and has become popular for prayer and meditation. 10. The mosque was viewed as a monument to Turkmenbashi’s legacy and is considered one of Turkmenistan’s most iconic sites. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque (Turkmen: Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Moske) is an Islamic religious centre located in Gypjak, Turkmenistan which was a part of the former Soviet Union. The mosque was constructed as a memorial to the late first President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi. The mosque was constructed under the direct order of President Niyazov in 2002, and it was completed that same year, with the opening ceremony taking place in June 2003. It is the largest mosque in Central Asia as well as one of the largest mosques in the Muslim world, having a capacity for 7,000 worshippers. The mosque was built to resemble an 18th-century Azeri Baroque-style palace, and is adorned with the symbols of the Turkmen nation: the crescent, the star, and the five-pointed golden Turkmen seal. The mosque is also designed with a traditional caravanserai on the entrance side, as well as a number of other classic architectural features typical of Turkmen and Central Asian Islamic constructions. Inside the main mosque building, there are three stories, the largest of which houses a prayer hall and the tombs of the late 1991 President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, and his father. Other tombs, of scholars and poets, are also found inside the mosque's walls. The museum nearby showcases the artifacts, history, and culture of Niyazov and Turkmenistan, including a number of paintings and sculptures created under Niyazov. The mosque stands on a hill in Gypjak, about 20 kilometers from the city of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. It attracts tourists from around the world and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Moreover, it serves as a spiritual centre for gatherings of people for prayer, meditation, and for religious activities. The mosque stands as a testament to Turkmenistan’s culture, religion, and history and acts as a reminder of the legacy of Turkmenbashi. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest mosques in the world. 2. The mosque complex is located in Gypjak, a village located approximately 17 kilometres outside of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. 3. The mosque was built in honour of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as the "Turkmenbashi". 4. The mosque complex consists of four marble towers, five minarets, and four large, decorative domes. The towers are crowned with crescent-shaped stars. 5. It is estimated that about 50,000 Muslim faithful gather at the mosque complex for Friday prayers. 6. The interior of the mosque is decorated with geographical, historical and religious imagery, including carefully carved figures of prophets and ancient Turkmen heroes. 7. The walls of the facility are also adorned with calligraphy. 8. The mosque complex has become a major tourist attraction for visitors to Gypjak, as the structure provides a glimpse into Turkmenistan's past and present culture and traditions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.