20140925_Turkmenistan_0141 Ashgabat
The Monument of Neutrality on the outskirts of Ashgabat is an even bigger replacement of the original Arch of Neutrality that used to be downtown. The first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmyrat Niyazov also known as Turkmenbashi, declared a policy of permanent neutrality which was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1995.
The Monument retains the 12 meters (39 feet) tall golden statue of Turkmenbashi before a furling banner. However, unlike when it was atop the Arch, the statue no longer rotates to always face the sun. The five bands in the middle represent the five provinces of Turkmenistan and display each province’s signature carpet medallion. Two soldiers in what look like phone booths stand guard at the base. Incline elevators on the legs provide access to the interior of the monument.
In the background are the Kopet Dag mountains along the border with Iran.
A former Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), Turkmenistan reluctantly became independent on 27 October 1991. Ashgabat (‘the city of love’ in Arabic) is the capital.
On Google Earth:
Monument of Neutrality 37°52'56.02"N, 58°19'59.73"E
20140925_Turkmenistan_0141 Ashgabat
The Monument of Neutrality on the outskirts of Ashgabat is an even bigger replacement of the original Arch of Neutrality that used to be downtown. The first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmyrat Niyazov also known as Turkmenbashi, declared a policy of permanent neutrality which was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1995.
The Monument retains the 12 meters (39 feet) tall golden statue of Turkmenbashi before a furling banner. However, unlike when it was atop the Arch, the statue no longer rotates to always face the sun. The five bands in the middle represent the five provinces of Turkmenistan and display each province’s signature carpet medallion. Two soldiers in what look like phone booths stand guard at the base. Incline elevators on the legs provide access to the interior of the monument.
In the background are the Kopet Dag mountains along the border with Iran.
A former Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), Turkmenistan reluctantly became independent on 27 October 1991. Ashgabat (‘the city of love’ in Arabic) is the capital.
On Google Earth:
Monument of Neutrality 37°52'56.02"N, 58°19'59.73"E