Ashgabat

Ashgabat, the capital and most populous city of Turkmenistan, exemplifies the nation’s distinctive amalgamation of history and modernity. Comprising 1,030,063 people as of the 2022 census, this Central Asian city is nestled between the Karakum Desert and the Kopetdag mountain range, about 50 kilometers from the Iran-Turkmenistan border. As the political, commercial, and cultural center, Ashgabat serves as Turkmenistan’s heart.

The city began on the site of an Ahal Teke tribal village in 1881. However, Ashgabat, initially known as Poltoratsk, became the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic’s capital in 1924, marking its transformation into a vast metropolitan center.

Natural forces and human ambition have shaped Ashgabat’s growth. The city suffered a devastating earthquake in 1948, but from this tragedy arose the “White City,” an ambitious urban renewal initiative led by Saparmurat Niyazov. This transformation established Ashgabat as a city of architectural excellence with structures adorned in gleaming white marble.

Ashgabat’s topography plays a vital role in its development. Positioned on a seismically active oasis plain, the city is bounded by the Kopet Dag mountains to the south and the Karakum Desert to the north. The Karakum Canal, a Soviet-era engineering marvel, flows from the Amu Darya river through the city, providing essential water resources for urban growth.

The geological diversity of Ashgabat adds depth to its historical allure. The soil, rich in silt from the ancient Paratethys Ocean, and the nearby Kopet Dag mountains, which date back to the Cretaceous Period, lend a unique natural backdrop to the city.

While government and administrative roles drive the local economy, Ashgabat also thrives in metalworking and cotton textiles. Its strategic position along the Trans-Caspian railway enhances trade and mobility across Central Asia. Through the Ashgabat Agreement, a collaborative effort with India, Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, the city is poised to become a major hub for regional trade and connectivity between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.

The city’s transportation infrastructure has undergone major upgrades, with the Ashgabat International Airport now handling 14 million passengers annually, underscoring Turkmenistan’s commitment to connectivity. Although the pandemic has rerouted international flights to Turkmenabat, the measure highlights the nation’s dedication to public health and safety.

Ashgabat’s cost of living has gained global attention, ranking as one of the world’s most expensive cities due to inflation and import challenges. Despite these issues, the government continues to invest in public spaces and infrastructure to maintain the city’s grandeur.

The city’s architectural landscape is a blend of modern and Central Asian design. White marble buildings, golden domes, and wide boulevards dominate, creating a cityscape that delights residents and visitors alike. Ashgabat’s cultural scene is rich, with museums, theaters, and festivals celebrating Turkmen heritage through traditional music, dance, art, and literature year-round.