Ashgabat

From Wikitravel

Ashgabat (Turkmen: Aşgabat, also Ashkabat, Ashkhabad, Ashgabad, etc) is the capital of Turkmenistan.

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The Neutrality Arch. The tallest structure in the capital, it was erected by former president-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov to commemorate Turkmenistan's official neutrality. It features ornate inscriptions and a glass elevator. Atop the monument is a gold-plated statue of Niyazov which rotates 360 degrees over 24 hours so as to always face the sun. The tripod design was inspired by a traditional Turkmen trivet. Construction of the arch was completed in 1998.

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• Hotel Nissa, Atabaeva Street, 18B, Tel: (+993-12) 22-10-25, Fax:(+993-12) 22-10-23. Apparently owned by family of Saparmurat Niyazov, this is a four-star hotel with air conditioning, swimming pool, pool bar, sauna, Turkish sauna, gym, jacuzzi. This is about the "best" quality hotel you'll find in Ashgabat (think somewhat run-down and a bit overpriced for its features), about a 10 minute walk from the war memorial and book shop. The restaurant has Italian decent food. Expect to come across lots of foreign workers, and women of dubious persuasion at the hotel bar. Some English is, however, spoken.

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