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Altyn Asyr Bazaar

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Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)

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The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, widely known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, is the largest marketplace in Turkmenistan, located in the Choganly suburb north of Ashgabat. Opened in 2011, this massive commercial complex spans approximately 154 hectares and was uniquely designed to resemble a traditional Turkmen carpet pattern when viewed from the air. The bazaar houses over 2,100 shops and stalls, offering a vast array of goods including world-renowned hand-woven carpets, intricate silver jewelry, and livestock. A prominent central clock tower stands as the main landmark within the facility, providing a navigational aid for shoppers exploring the extensive grounds. It successfully replaced the old open-air Tolkuchka market, providing modern amenities and improved infrastructure for thousands of daily traders and visitors. As a central pillar of the national economy, the bazaar remains a vital cultural hub where ancient Silk Road trading traditions meet contemporary commerce in a grand, state-of-the-art setting.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C45111724303230241795
Rain mm1731363316562292016

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
This vast marketplace is completely open to the public, allowing visitors to wander through endless aisles and experience the bustling local trading culture firsthand.
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Typical hours
The bazaar typically operates from early morning until mid-afternoon, but it is highly recommended to visit on weekends when the market reaches its peak activity.
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Photography
Capturing the animated atmosphere is usually allowed, though you should always be respectful and ask for explicit permission before photographing individual stall owners.
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Time needed
Given the sheer massive scale of the grounds, you should ideally plan to spend between three and four hours to fully explore the different specialized retail sections.
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Combine with
A trip here can be easily combined with further exploration of Ashgabat's futuristic cityscape, or a relaxing afternoon at one of the capital's numerous public parks.
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Getting there
Located just outside the capital, the easiest way to reach the site is by hiring a private taxi or taking one of the regular local buses departing from central Ashgabat.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes for the dusty terrain, and be sure to bring plenty of local currency in smaller notes to facilitate easier bargaining.

Geography

Coordinates
38.03060, 58.42390

Facts

  • The bazaar was officially opened in 2011 as part of a major urban development project.
  • The total site area covers approximately 154 hectares (380 acres).
  • It contains exactly 2,155 individual shops catering to diverse commercial needs.
  • The facility provides parking space for approximately 5,000 vehicles at any time.
  • On-site amenities include a 100-bed hotel designed specifically for traveling merchants.
  • From an aerial perspective, the layout mimics a traditional Turkmen carpet design.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AshgabatAshgabat7 km · SWExplore →
Ertuğrul Gazi MosqueErtuğrul Gazi Mosque7 km · SWExplore →
Ruhyyet ParkRuhyyet Park8 km · SWExplore →
Ashgabat Botanical GardenAshgabat Botanical Garden9 km · SWExplore →
Independence MonumentIndependence Monument10 km · SWExplore →
National Zoo of TurkmenistanNational Zoo of Turkmenistan11 km · SExplore →
Ashgabat FlagpoleAshgabat Flagpole12 km · SWExplore →
Wedding PalaceWedding Palace13 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Altyn Asyr Bazaar (2)

Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar🎭 culture

A globally notable and expansive trading center famous for its spirited oriental market stalls.

Ak Tam Bazary🎭 culture

A busy commercial market center situated near the area's famous Tolkuchka bazaar.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the bazaar open?
The main days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
What can you buy there?
Everything from traditional carpets to clothes and food.
Is bargaining common at the bazaar?
Yes, bargaining is part of the experience and totally common.
How to get there from the center?
Best by official taxi, which is safe and inexpensive.
Is it very crowded there?
Yes, especially on weekend days it is very busy.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar: where is it located?
Altyn Asyr Bazaar is located in Turkmenistan.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Altyn Asyr Oriental Bazaar, Ak Tam Bazary.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar: why is it worth visiting?
The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, widely known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, is the largest marketplace in Turkmenistan, located in the Choganly suburb north of Ashgabat.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Ashgabat — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat
The capital of Turkmenistan is famous for its unique white marble architecture.
Büzmeýin — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Büzmeýin
An important industrial suburb of Ashgabat, now part of the capital.

History & landmarks

Turkmen Carpet Museum — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Turkmen Carpet Museum
This museum is dedicated to the fine art of Turkmen carpet weaving, which has immense cultural significance for the country.
Ashgabat Flagpole — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Flagpole
One of the tallest freestanding flagpoles in the world stands proudly in front of the State Museum in Ashgabat.
Wedding Palace — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Wedding Palace
This futuristic building is a center for civil marriages in Ashgabat.
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center
The Alem Cultural Center in Ashgabat houses a gigantic Ferris wheel integrated into a structure of glass and white marble.

More places

Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque
Built in classical Ottoman style, the mosque in Ashgabat resembles the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
World of Fairy Tales Amusement Park — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
World of Fairy Tales Amusement Park
A theme park for children in Ashgabat featuring Turkmen fairy tale characters and modern rides.
Agricultural University Fields — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Agricultural University Fields
Experimental fields in Ashgabat where new cultivation methods for the desert climate are developed.
🗺️
Ashgabat Textile Complex
One of the most modern textile companies in Central Asia, covering the entire process from cotton to clothing.
Ruhyyet Park — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Ruhyyet Park
An elegant city park near the Presidential Palace, known for its marble architecture and tranquility.
Ashgabat Botanical Garden — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in Turkmenistan with a rich collection of desert plants.
10 Years of Independence Park — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
10 Years of Independence Park
An expansive park in Ashgabat featuring fountains and numerous monuments.
Independence Monument — Altyn Asyr Bazaar (Turkmenistan)
Independence Monument
This magnificent monument in Ashgabat symbolizes Turkmen independence.