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Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
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The Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque, located in Gypjak, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and a significant monument of modern Turkmen history. Built between 2002 and 2004 by order of the first president Saparmurat Niyazov in his home village, the construction cost approximately 100 million USD. The mosque is entirely clad in white marble and features a massive golden dome and four minarets that stand 91 meters tall, symbolizing the year of independence. A unique feature of the interior is that quotes from the president's book, 'Ruhnama,' are engraved on the walls alongside verses from the Quran. Adjacent to the mosque is the Niyazov family mausoleum, where the president was buried in 2006. The structure can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers and serves as both a religious center and a memorial for national identity.
- Location: Turkmenistan
- Top sights: Gypjak Medeniýet Öýi · Türkmenbaşy Monument · Turkmenbashy Mosque
- Nearby: Büzmeýin (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 24 | 30 | 32 | 30 | 24 | 17 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 17 | 31 | 36 | 33 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 20 | 16 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque is an active mosque open to worshippers and visitors. Tourists can enter the mosque outside prayer times; the interior is magnificent with white marble and golden ornaments.
Typical hours
The mosque is usually open daily from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for visitors, with breaks for the five daily prayers. Friday noon is the main prayer, then the mosque is closed for tourists.
Photography
Photography inside the mosque is allowed without flash, but prohibited during prayer times. The golden dome and white marble facade offer excellent photo subjects from outside.
Time needed
A visit to the mosque including interior viewing takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you also want to visit the surrounding gardens and the former president's cemetery, plan an hour.
Combine with
The mosque is in Gökdepe, about 45 kilometers northwest of Ashgabat. Combine the visit with the historic battlefield of Gökdepe and its museum.
Getting there
From Ashgabat, Gökdepe is best reached by taxi (about 40 minutes) or your own car. Public buses also run, but with less comfort and longer travel time.
Insider tip
Pay attention to appropriate clothing: shoulders and knees must be covered, women must wear a headscarf. Friday morning the mosque is very busy - visit on another weekday.
Geography
Facts
- Largest mosque in Central Asia, holds 10,000 people
- Built between 2002 and 2004 in Gypjak village
- Minarets are 91 meters high (referencing year 1991)
- The central dome has a diameter of 50 meters
- Estimated construction cost of 100 million USD
- Walls feature inscriptions from the 'Ruhnama' book
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Sights in the town Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque (4)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code?
Cover shoulders and legs.
Can non-Muslims enter?
Yes, but respect the prayer areas.
Is photography allowed?
Outside yes, inside please only with permission.
When should one visit the mosque?
In the morning it is quietest.
Is there an entry fee?
No, access is usually free.
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque: where is it located?
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque is located in Turkmenistan.
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gypjak Medeniýet Öýi, Türkmenbaşy Monument, Turkmenbashy Mosque.
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque, located in Gypjak, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and a significant monument of modern Turkmen history.
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Nearby cities
Tejen
An oasis city in the Karakum Desert that is an important transportation hub.
Bäherden
A city on the edge of the Kopet Dag mountains, known for an underground cave.
Gökdepe
A historical city where a significant battle took place at the end of the 19th century.
Kaka
A small town on the Trans-Caspian Railway, near the Iranian border.
Änew
A city east of Ashgabat known for its archaeological sites.
History & landmarks
Nature
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Gökdere Gorge
A picturesque natural area near Ashgabat, rich in native flora and fauna.
Geok Tepe Fortress
The site of a major battle in 1881 where Turkmen forces defended themselves against the Russian army.
Anau Mosque Ruins
Remains of a 15th-century mosque that was almost completely destroyed in a 1948 earthquake.