The Arch of Neutrality Tourism

The Arch of Neutrality is an iconic structure located in Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. Initially erected in the central part of the city in 1998, it was moved to the southern outskirts in 2010. The monument stands as a symbol of Turkmenistan's neutrality, officially recognized by the United Nations in 1995. The Arch, built to commemorate this status, features a tripod structure topped by a gold-plated statue of Turkmenistan's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi. The statue was designed to rotate so that it always faced the sun during daylight hours. The arch itself is 75 meters tall and coated with 22 karat gold leaf. White marble, a prominent material in Turkmenistan's architecture, is used extensively in the Arch of Neutrality. Visitors can ascend to the viewing platform using an elevator to get panoramic views of Ashgabat. This monument is not only a testament to Turkmenistan’s political stance but also reflects the distinctiveness of the local architectural style, combining modern design elements with traditional Turkmen motifs.