Location
Monument of Neutrality
The Monument of Neutrality – an architectural symbol of modern Turkmenistan Some consider the Monument of Neutrality to be one of the most majestic structures in the world, while others are convinced that it is an architectural nightmare. Both call it one of the most striking symbols of modern Turkmenistan. The 95-meter structure, like a giant lighthouse, towering over the white marble Ashgabat, is the tallest monument in Turkmenistan. The structure rests on three pylons that form a tagan – a Turkmen stand for a hearth, symbolizing the strength of the state. The pylons are connected by disks and rings of different diameters and thicknesses, on which observation platforms are located. Funiculars run along two pylons, taking visitors to the first level of the monument. Here, at a height of 21.5 meters, there is a café-bar with an excellent view of the city. A transparent elevator takes everyone even higher – to a height of 50 m, where the upper observation platform is located. The structure is crowned by a 12-meter sculptural composition, on which, against the background of a fluttering flag, a golden statue of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, raises his hands to the sky. Monument of Neutrality, Ashgabat The Monument of Neutrality is faced with white marble, its pylons and lower cylinder are decorated with bas-reliefs with fragments of the history of Turkmenistan. The vertical part of the pylons is encircled by five bronze rings with national ornaments of Turkmen carpets, one for each Turkmen tribe. Previously, this giant structure slowly rotated around its axis, making a full revolution in 24 hours, and today it simply faces the city. Inside the monument is the Museum of Neutrality, the exposition of which is dedicated to the pages of the modern history of Turkmenistan. Around the Monument of Neutrality there is a landscaped park area with fountains, gazebos and cafes, and in the evening the giant structure shines in the lights of colored lighting. History of the Monument of Neutrality The idea of the Monument of Neutrality, which was initially called the Arch of Neutrality, is connected with Turkmenistan's acquisition of the international status of permanent neutrality on December 12, 1995. Thus, at the 50th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan was recognized as a neutral state pursuing a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and not participating in any military armed conflicts. December 12 began to be celebrated in Turkmenistan as Neutrality Day and in the same year the idea of building a monument in honor of this event arose. In 1996, by decree of Saparmurat Niyazov, the Turkish company "Polimer" began construction of the Arch of Neutrality. On December 12, 1998, the 75-meter Arch of Neutrality was officially opened in the very center of Ashgabat, where it stood until 2010. In 2010, a decision was made to move the arch to the southern part of the city. Over the next two years, the arch was uninstalled and moved to a modern highway - Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue. The Arch of Neutrality was renamed the Monument of Neutrality, and the height of the structure became 95 meters, which is 2 meters higher than the famous Statue of Liberty in the United States.
