Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan, is a unique blend of ancient culture and modern architecture, situated between the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range. The city was completely rebuilt in a modern style after being devastated by an earthquake in 1948. Ashgabat is known for its white marble buildings, earning it a Guinness World Record for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings in the world. The city is adorned with grandiose monuments, and one of its most iconic structures is the Neutrality Monument, a 75-meter-high column topped with a golden statue of the country's first President, Saparmurat Niyazov. The city's wide boulevards and green spaces lend a peaceful air, and it is also home to several museums, including the Turkmen Carpet Museum and the National Museum of Turkmenistan, which showcase the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Despite its grand appearance, Ashgabat is a relatively young city, with much of its current development occurring after Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
