Overview:

is a grand mausoleum and burial ground located in Gypjak, about 25 kilometers outside of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. It is dedicated to Saparmurat Niyazov, better known as Turkmenbashi, the former president of Turkmenistan. Largely composed of bright white marble, the mausoleum complex includes several smaller buildings, a large central dome, and a large sculpture of Niyazov framed by two seven-meter silver wings, representing his devotion to the Turkmen people. The complex incorporates both Islamic and Soviet architectural traditions, and is a popular site both for local and international visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

stands the Türkmenbaşy Mausoleum, an ornate domed and minareted shrine honoring the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov with two tombs. The Mausoleum is in the city of Gypjak and was built in 1997. The building features intricate Islamic designs with marble and gold-plated motifs. Inside are verses from Turkmenistan’s national anthem, literature about the president, and Persian carpets. A portrait of Niyazov as a youth also hangs on the wall. Near the mausoleum is a golden statue of Niyazov which rotates with the sun. Additionally, large murals depicting Niyazov are surrounded by mirrored walls. The former president is also buried next to the mausoleum. The exterior of the building is lit up at night and is a popular tourist destination. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

a marble mausoleum of legendary ruler Türkmenbaşy stands alone in a vast open steppe. It was completed in 1995 after two years of construction outside of the small Turkmen village of Gypjak. Central to the design of the structure are two massive marble minarets, which soar to a height of sixty metres. The interior, adorned with a central dome and ornate hand-crafted ceramic walls, contains the wooden tomb of Türkmenbaşy, while its walls house twelve portraits of leaders from the Islamic period. The construction of the mausoleum was undertaken in honour of President Saparmurat Niyazov, who vowed to honour the memory of his ancestors and create a lasting landmark of Turkmenistan heritage. The project was part of his wider campaign to promote the nation’s cultural identity. The mausoleum has also been used as a diplomatic tool, with Niyazov hosting a summit of Caspian Sea leaders in its grounds in 2002. Türkmenbaşy, for whom the mausoleum is named, was a powerful historical figure who served as ruler of the Turkmen tribe in the 17th century. His legacy is of a brave warrior who bravely defended his people against foreign enemies and who set a high example of justice and morality. The mausoleum therefore represents a powerful symbol of Turkmen national identity, honouring the legacy of the man who led them to independence. The project has remained controversial over the years, and has been targeted by rights groups for its extravagance and for its perceived political message. In 2011, Amnesty International noted that the “astronomical” costs of the project could have been used to better support public services and social welfare initiatives. In spite of these criticisms, the mausoleum remains a potent symbol of national pride and stands out as an important reminder of Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Türkmenbaşy Mausoleum, located in the Gypjak village, is the burial site of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (also known as Türkmenbaşy). 2. It is one of the most impressive landmarks in Turkmenistan, and the exterior is decorated with a pattern of stars and crescents from a design made of 60 thousand pieces of marble. 3. The mausoleum is a memorial to the deceased president and serves as a symbol of national unity and strength for the people of Turkmenistan. 4. Built in honor of Niyazov, it has become a traditional place of pilgrimage for many Turkmens visiting the country. 5. The mausoleum is built around an ovoid structure that houses Niyazov's remains and is guarded by two bronze lions and a marble sculpture of his likeness. 6. On the top of the mausoleum is a 53-meter high golden statue of a winged horse, which is said to represent Niyazov's spirit. 7. The mausoleum also features a memorial hall with the life story of the beloved president of Turkmenistan. 8. The whole complex is lit up every evening, making it an impressive sight to behold. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.