Achkhabad

Achkhabad Christian Sappa / Hoa Qui

Achkhabad, capital of Turkmenistan, is a modern city marked by the megalomania of President Niazov. At the town centre, from a 75m-high tower overlooked by a gilted statue of the president, take in the splendid panorama of the whole city. Nearby, in a recently developed square, admire the amazing and luxurious conference centre facing the presidential palace. With its gilted dome, its gardens and fountains, this palace built by a French architect is the Turkmen Taj Mahal (It is far different from the one built by the Soviets, which has equally survived and marked with the red star on Karl Marx street. From the tower, move a little further west after the impressive monument celebrating the 1948 earthquake, and wander around Azadi Square with its countless trees, lawns and monument in memory of Lenin. All over, you will be amazed by the giant billboards bearing the image of the president in bright colours. West of Achkabad, via Azadi avenue, do not miss out on the Opera Theatre and the Makhtoum Kouli Ballet. On Azadi square, the National History Museum on Shevchenko street displays a collection of antiquities, recovered from the historical site of Nisa, including unusual objects used in Zoroastrian rites. On the fringes of the city, in the north in the Berzengui suburb, visit the brand new Achkhabad museum commissioned by the president.