Arch of Neutrality

Ashgabat

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Once the centrepiece of Niyazov's Ashgabat, the Arch of Neutrality was erected to celebrate the Turkmen people's unsurprisingly unanimous endorsement of Turkmenbashi's policy of neutrality in 1998. Above the arch itself is the real gem, a 12m-high polished-gold statue of Niyazov, which revolved to follow the sun throughout the day. Now in exile, overlooking his beloved city, Niyazov no longer rotates, but his comedic posture makes it clear why the monument was nicknamed 'batman' by locals.

A sporadically functioning lift (2M) takes you to the top of the monument, where you'll find a small museum (1M).

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Nearby Ashgabat attractions

1. National Museum

1.21 MILES

Looking like a lost palace in the urban desert, the National Museum occupies a striking position in front of the Kopet Dag. It’s actually a collection of…

3. Turkmenbashi Museum

2.68 MILES

Taking a leaf out of Kim Jong-il’s book, the Turkmenbashi Museum houses all the gifts and awards presented to former President Niyazov by various people…

4. Palace of Knowledge

2.69 MILES

Beyond the southern end of Independence Park is the huge, golden domed Palace of Knowledge: three large buildings that include a library, concert hall and…

5. Independence Park

2.74 MILES

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6. Carpet Museum

3.76 MILES

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7. Mosque of Khezrety Omar

4.17 MILES

The modern mosque of Khezrety Omar, off Atamurat Niyazov köçesi, is worth visiting for its wonderfully garish painted ceilings.

8. Majlis

4.24 MILES

Turkmenistan's parliament building is opposite Independence Square.

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  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
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  "url": "turkmenistan/ashgabat/attractions/arch-of-neutrality/a/poi-sig/443370/357814",
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  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Turkmenistan",
  "city": "Ashgabat",
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