Location
Independence Monument of Turkmenistan
The main tourist attraction of the capital of Turkmenistan can safely be called the National Park of Independence with the symbol of modern Ashgabat installed in it - the Independence Monument, the tallest building in the country (popularly called the "Eight-legged"). The base of the snow-white monument is a hemisphere, which is a symbolic image of a traditional Turkmen yurt. Rivers-fountains flow down all eight "legs" of the yurt dome and partially along its surface. The upward-reaching column is decorated with five-headed eagles and ends with a gilded spire, crowned with a crescent with five stars - a symbol of the unity of the five largest Turkmen tribes. The total height of the monument is 118 meters, and this number is not accidental: it is a derivative of the sum of two numbers: 27 + 91, denoting the Day of Independence - October 27, 1991. Five main entrances, guarded by formidable statues of warriors with gilded spears and sabers, allow you to get inside the monument, where the Museum of National Values is located, striking in its luxury of decoration. This museum contains beautiful examples of jewelry art, cold arms, firearms, a numismatic collection. Around the monument rise majestic statues of great rulers and military leaders, thinkers and artists of Turkmenistan, also decorated with gold paint. The ceremonial alley leading to the monument completes the majestic composition. In the evening, Independence Park is filled with the light of numerous lanterns, lamps, and spotlights, and all this white and gold splendor leaves a long-lasting mark on the soul of even the most sophisticated traveler.
