City guide
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Marble City by the Kopet Dag
Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, lies between the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountains near the Iranian border. The city is known for its dense white marble architecture and landmarks like the Independence Monument along Archabil Avenue.
Fast facts
- Country
- Turkmenistan
- Region
- Ahal Region
- Population
- Approx. 1 million (2020)
- Elevation
- Approx. 230 meters
- Known for
- white marble buildings, Olympic Park, Turkmen carpets, desert climate
Ashgabat is the administrative and cultural center of Turkmenistan, set just 25 km from Iran.
It is divided into four districts: Bagtyýarlyk, Berkararlyk, Büzmeýin, and Köpetdag.
The city is noted for having the world’s highest density of white marble-clad buildings, as certified by Guinness World Records. Its central avenues feature key monuments including the Neutrality Monument, and the airport terminal serves up to 14 million passengers annually.
Marble Buildings
Walk along Archabil Avenue to see Ashgabat’s concentration of white marble-clad government and cultural buildings, recognized by Guinness World Records.
Ashgabat Airport
Ashgabat International Airport’s 2016 terminal expansion handles up to 14 million passengers, serving as the city’s main entry point.
Independence Parade
The annual Independence Day military parade on September 27 features large-scale displays and takes place in central Ashgabat.
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