After segregation of Soviet, some independent countries were formed in the North. One of these countries was Turkmenistan with the capital of Ashgabat
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I visited Ashgabat in 2005 and what comes describes my observation of visiting the city. Personal experiences are valuable, especially they are general information of a place is available in books, media, internet, guide leaflets and so on. Many useful information coming from people individual experiences from foods, risks of visiting the cities, local traditions and customs, useful ways of transport, and many other things. However, in my opinion urban planning in Ashgabat was fabulous and aimed to make this city one of best places in Middle Asia. This important is done by a beautiful and aiming urban design. The city has compounded of two main parts; old and traditional part of the city and then the new parts of the city. In the south at the edge of the city, there is Berzengi area with fourteen hotels in a direct line along a vast street and that time with low traffic. An axe from the south to the north with an adverting point in the middle is base of the new part plan. However, I paid $100 to get the entry visa to this city.
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In the centre of the city there are governmental utilities such as President Palace, Independence Square in the same area, Trade Centre, Telecom Centre, Art Gallery, Defence Ministry and some other monumental buildings. As the street extends, there are buildings on the both sides until it ends in the north of the city.
Old part of the city has buildings from the time of Soviet regime and are sometimes highly dense areas.
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I remember there were two beautiful buildings which I think they were left from the time of Soviet regime. One of the buildings is used as a hospital and is located close to the governmental district where most of the government headquarters were located. The second building was a circular shaped theatre located in the old part of the city. The shape of these two buildings reminded me of modern architecture and theories of its pioneer master le Corbusier. I liked very much a coffee shop in the county (one of city suburbs). I observed people had dinner there and drinks on tables. The traditional music was played and traditional dance of locals. It seems to me a great place for socialising with each other. Waitresses were dressed in red as well
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However, I believe that by the time city buildings need conservation and restoration. However, any cultural changes and growing happen need to consider people as well. If any changes happen in the city, need to help people to move toward civilisation.
Unfortunately, Ashgabat in that time had no gas and most of the city facilities are run on electricity. For travellers that carry their food with them, they might find that they should eat their food cold. Overall, I found Ashgabat a cheap and comfortable city.
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Hotel prices ranged from $20 to 80$ daily and sometimes more. There were cheap hotels that you could share with others. Booking and reservation is recommended in touring seasons.
The main Rusk bazaar is close to Grand hotel and by walking some minutes from Nyssa hotel there is access to the governmental zoom.
After two or three days, living in the city, I figured out that I could provide all of my needs from Yimpas Center. All of necessaries from edible till clothes with price tags on them were available in this shopping center. Money exchange generally was done in the bazaars and by retail shokeepers.
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Published on Wednesday March 15th, 2006
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Sat, Apr 29 2006 - 02:42 AM
 by leillli
| humm,you know,this report completely shows your major!:))by the way it is good for architectural lesson but not enough interesting for travellers..hounestly;) |
Thu, Mar 16 2006 - 07:36 PM
 by jorgesanchez
| Good description of Ashgabat |
Thu, Mar 16 2006 - 03:18 PM
by isaacmolina
| Only for writing about such an unknown country where very very few Globo members have ever been, you deserve 5 points! |
Thu, Mar 16 2006 - 05:13 AM
 by marianne
| Interesting to read. your photos show give a good impression of the city. |
Wed, Mar 15 2006 - 12:41 PM
by davidx
| This is a report that makes me eager to see more from you. Thanks. |
Wed, Mar 15 2006 - 08:55 AM
by st.vincent
| It was nice to read your report. Very interesting, thank you |
Wed, Mar 15 2006 - 07:12 AM
by farnaz
nice to see your report.well done.Hope to see more and more.
brief and at the same time informative.pictures are also nice,thanks. |
Wed, Mar 15 2006 - 06:53 AM
by rangutan
| Wow, GLOBOs very first report about very travel shy Turkmenistan! Thank you very much. |
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| Turkey |
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| Turkmenistan |
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