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Monument of Neutrality

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Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)

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The Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat was erected in 1998 to commemorate the United Nations' recognition of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality in 1995. Originally located in the city center, the structure was moved in 2011 to its current site on the outskirts and expanded to a total height of 95 meters. The distinctive three-legged structure symbolizes a traditional Turkmen cooking tripod and is topped by a twelve-meter-high gilded statue of President Saparmurat Niyazov. In its original location, the statue rotated continuously to face the sun, a mechanism that was disabled following its relocation. The monument houses the Museum of Neutrality, which documents the country's diplomatic history and foreign policy principles. It stands as one of the most famous examples of post-Soviet monumental architecture in Central Asia and serves as a significant viewing platform over the city.

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
The Neutrality Monument is a public monument surrounded by a small park. You can view the monument from the outside and the base with the gilded statue; entering the monument is not possible.
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Typical hours
The park around the monument is open during the day, typically from sunrise to sunset. A visit in late morning or early afternoon features the best light for golden reflections.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the park and from the monument. For the best photo with the golden statue against a blue sky, choose a clear day and avoid backlight.
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Time needed
A short stay of 15 to 20 minutes is enough for viewing the monument. If you want to enjoy the park and surrounding sculptures, plan 30 minutes.
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Combine with
The Neutrality Monument is near the Independence Monument and the Ashgabat Flagpole. A walk along the monumental avenue connects all three sights.
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Getting there
The monument is in central Ashgabat on Neutrality Street (Bitaraplyk). From the city center you can reach it on foot in about 15 minutes or by taxi in a few minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument at noon when the sun makes the golden statue shine brightest. Watch out for traffic as the road around the monument is busy.

Geography

Coordinates
37.88020, 58.33080

Facts

  • Erected in 1998 to mark UN recognition of neutrality
  • The monument's height was increased to 95 meters in 2011
  • Features a 12-meter high gilded statue at the summit
  • The three legs represent a traditional cooking tripod
  • The statue originally rotated 360 degrees every 24 hours
  • Contains a museum documenting diplomatic milestones

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ashgabat Cable Car ParkAshgabat Cable Car Park<1 km · NEExplore →
Ashgabat FlagpoleAshgabat Flagpole2 km · NExplore →
Wedding PalaceWedding Palace2 km · EExplore →
Ashgabat Botanical GardenAshgabat Botanical Garden5 km · NEExplore →
10 Years of Independence Park10 Years of Independence Park5 km · NExplore →
National Zoo of TurkmenistanNational Zoo of Turkmenistan6 km · EExplore →
Agricultural University FieldsAgricultural University Fields7 km · NEExplore →
Ertuğrul Gazi MosqueErtuğrul Gazi Mosque8 km · NExplore →

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 Monument of Neutrality (2)

Bicycle Monument🏺 historical

A giant colourful sculpture of a bicycle in Ashgabat, inaugurated on World Bicycle Day in 2020.

Magtymguly Monument🏺 historical

A prominent statue in Ashgabat honoring the 18th-century national poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Neutrality Arch symbolize?
It celebrates Turkmenistan's neutrality status.
Can you go up?
Yes, there is an elevator to an observation deck.
Is the ticket expensive?
The fee is very low.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for about 1 hour.
Are there parking spaces?
Yes, there is enough space nearby.
Monument of Neutrality: where is it located?
Monument of Neutrality is located in Turkmenistan.
Monument of Neutrality: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bicycle Monument, Magtymguly Monument.
Monument of Neutrality: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Monument of Neutrality: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat was erected in 1998 to commemorate the United Nations' recognition of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality in 1995.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center — Monument of Neutrality (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.
Ashgabat Flagpole — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Flagpole
One of the tallest freestanding flagpoles in the world stands proudly in front of the State Museum in Ashgabat.
Wedding Palace — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Wedding Palace
This futuristic building is a center for civil marriages in Ashgabat.
Turkmen Carpet Museum — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Turkmen Carpet Museum
This museum is dedicated to the fine art of Turkmen carpet weaving, which has immense cultural significance for the country.

More places

Ashgabat Cable Car Park — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Cable Car Park
A recreation area at the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains, ideal for family outings with a cable car.
State Museum of Turkmenistan — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
State Museum of Turkmenistan
The impressive State Museum documents the history and culture of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat Botanical Garden — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in Turkmenistan with a rich collection of desert plants.
10 Years of Independence Park — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
10 Years of Independence Park
An expansive park in Ashgabat featuring fountains and numerous monuments.
Independence Monument — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Independence Monument
This magnificent monument in Ashgabat symbolizes Turkmen independence.
🗺️
Ashgabat Textile Complex
One of the most modern textile companies in Central Asia, covering the entire process from cotton to clothing.
Ruhyyet Park — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
Ruhyyet Park
An elegant city park near the Presidential Palace, known for its marble architecture and tranquility.
National Zoo of Turkmenistan — Monument of Neutrality (Turkmenistan)
National Zoo of Turkmenistan
A modern zoo in Ashgabat protecting many local and exotic animal species.