A post-Soviet Islamic state in Central Asia with colossal natural gas reserves. That, perhaps, is all that we know about the country called Turkmenistan. Sights, resorts, numerous monuments of history and architecture are also present here. It is about them that we will discuss in our article.
Turkmenistan: attractions, tourism and resorts
Turkmenistan is one of the most underestimated countries in the world by tourists. European travelers do not know anything about it at all, and when asked to show this Asian state on a map, they shrug their shoulders guiltily. Turkmenistan, in turn, is a kind of passage to the mysterious world of the ancient East.
It is here that the ruins of the very first state formations of Central Asia have been preserved. The historical sights of Turkmenistan are Nisa, Merv, Serakhs, Ekedeshik and other amazing places. Many monuments of this country are included in the World Heritage List. Heritage UNESCO.
The nature of Turkmenistan is no less attractive. Here you can see ancient pistachio groves, traces of real dinosaurs, huge gas craters and mud volcanoes. The local landscapes are especially beautiful in spring.
The resort sector of Turkmenistan is actively developing, especially therapeutic and prophylactic recreation. A large resort area Avaza with first-class sandy beaches, hotels and cottages is being created on the Caspian coast.
What else is interesting about Turkmenistan? The sights of this country are by no means limited to natural beauties and historical monuments. The real pride of Turkmenistan is its carpets, the qualities of which are recognized all over the world. The carpet museum is located in the capital Ashgabat - the only one on the planet.
Main attractions of Turkmenistan: Nisa
The capital of the state is the city of Ashgabat. It is here that many sights of Turkmenistan are located: the Independence Monument, the theater named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi, the Bagt Koshgi Palace, the Carpet Museum and others. Ashgabat itself is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the largest number of marble buildings on the planet.
However, the main attraction of Turkmenistan is located outside of Ashgabat, twenty kilometers from the capital. These are the remains of the ancient city of Nisa, founded in the third century BC. At one time it was the capital of Parthia, and in the Middle Ages Nisa became an important center of the Silk Road.
The invasion of the Mongols in 1220, andalso a number of other factors led to the fact that the city began to lose its former positions. By the beginning of the 18th century, it was almost completely empty. Today, only picturesque ruins in the middle of the desert remain from Nisa. All the remains of the ancient Asian city are under the protection of UNESCO.
Independence Monument in Ashgabat
Impressive, majestic, shocking… That's how you can describe this unique building in words. The Independence Monument is located in the park of the same name in Ashgabat, on the Archabil Highway. This is the highest building in Turkmenistan, the height of the monument reaches 118 meters.
The main object of the complex is a grandiose column crowned with a gilded crescent. On it you can see five stars, each of which symbolizes one of the largest Turkmen tribes. At the bottom of the monument is a stylized yurt with water flowing from its dome. The approaches to the monument are guarded by huge statues of guardians. In their hands you can see the classic military attributes - a saber and a spear. A wide front alley leads directly to the monument.
Inside the Independence Monument today there are expositions of the Museum of National Treasures. Its halls and exhibits will amaze any guest with their luxury and we alth.
Darvaza Crater
The unique natural site is located 90 kilometers north of Yerbent. "Gate to the Underworld" - this is how the word "darvaza" can be translated from the Turkmen language.
Darvaza gas crater was discovered by geologists in 1971 during excavations. Beforescientists in an instant opened up a hole of enormous size, exuding significant volumes of gas. Geologists set fire to this gas so that it would not harm local residents from a neighboring village. From that moment on, it burns to this day.
Approaching the edge of the gas crater is scary and very dangerous. Pillars of fire that erupt from a huge pit, sometimes reaching fifteen meters in height.
These and many other sights of Turkmenistan deserve the attention of tourists and careful study. Visit this unusual country and you will discover new pages of the history and culture of the East.
