Plizio Visual Lab
Independence Monument
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
The Independence Monument in Ashgabat is a symbol of Turkmenistan's sovereignty, completed in 2001 to mark the tenth anniversary of the nation's independence from the Soviet Union. The structure's design is inspired by traditional Turkmen tents and the telpek headgear, featuring a white marble tower topped with a golden crescent and five stars representing the country's regions. Standing at a symbolic height of 91.8 meters, the monument references the date of independence, October 27, 1991. The surrounding park area is adorned with 27 statues of Turkmen national heroes and a golden statue of the first president, Saparmurat Niyazov. Inside the base, a museum showcases historical artifacts and jewelry that reflect the country's rich nomadic heritage and archaeological discoveries. The monument serves as the centerpiece for official state ceremonies and is a focal point of the modern Ashgabat skyline.
- Location: Turkmenistan
- Top sights: Yanardag (Horse Monument) · Oil and Gas Cultural Commercial Center · Amphitheatre
- Nearby: Änew (17 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 Independence Monument is a public monument surrounded by a vast park. You can view the monument from the outside and walk around its base; the tower itself is not accessible to visitors.
Typical hours
The park around the monument is open during the day, usually from sunrise until evening. Exact hours may vary seasonally, a late afternoon visit is recommended.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the entire park and from the monument. For a symmetrical shot, position yourself directly in front of the main axis of the monument, especially with a blue sky.
Time needed
A visit to the monument including a park walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to examine the surrounding sculptures and fountains in detail, plan for an hour.
Combine with
The Independence Monument is near the Neutrality Monument and the Ashgabat Flagpole. The State Museum is also within walking distance and provides an excellent complement.
Getting there
The monument is centrally located in Ashgabat on the main artery Bitaraplyk. By taxi you reach it from any point in the city within minutes, on foot from the city center in about 15 minutes.
Insider tip
Visit the monument in the late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates the golden tower. The park is then less crowded and the temperatures are more pleasant.
Geography
Facts
- Completed in 2001 for the 10th anniversary of independence
- Symbolic height of 91.8 meters represents the year 1991
- The park area covers over 84,500 square meters
- Constructed using white marble and gilded decorations
- Houses a museum of Turkmen history inside the base
- Features five stars representing the five regions of the country
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Independence Monument (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the monument located?
It is located in the center of Ashgabat.
Can one visit the monument?
Yes, the exterior grounds are freely accessible.
What is the best time?
In the evening when the monument is illuminated.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, it is permitted for private use.
Are there museums there?
Often there is a small exhibition inside.
Independence Monument: where is it located?
Independence Monument is located in Turkmenistan.
Independence Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yanardag (Horse Monument), Oil and Gas Cultural Commercial Center, Amphitheatre.
Independence Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Independence Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Independence Monument in Ashgabat is a symbol of Turkmenistan's sovereignty, completed in 2001 to mark the tenth anniversary of the nation's independence from the Soviet Union.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Turkmenistan →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
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
One of the tallest freestanding flagpoles in the world stands proudly in front of the State Museum in Ashgabat.
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.
Wedding Palace
This futuristic building is a center for civil marriages in Ashgabat.
More places
10 Years of Independence Park
An expansive park in Ashgabat featuring fountains and numerous monuments.
Ruhyyet Park
An elegant city park near the Presidential Palace, known for its marble architecture and tranquility.
Agricultural University Fields
Experimental fields in Ashgabat where new cultivation methods for the desert climate are developed.
World of Fairy Tales Amusement Park
A theme park for children in Ashgabat featuring Turkmen fairy tale characters and modern rides.
Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque
Built in classical Ottoman style, the mosque in Ashgabat resembles the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
State Museum of Turkmenistan
The impressive State Museum documents the history and culture of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in Turkmenistan with a rich collection of desert plants.
🗺️
Ashgabat Textile Complex
One of the most modern textile companies in Central Asia, covering the entire process from cotton to clothing.