Ashgabat – The Capital of Beauty, Peace, and Progress
By Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra
Editor-In-Chief of “The Gulf Observer”
March 28th 2025 brought me to Ashgabat for a distinguished conference in the recently built Arkadag city. The architectural masterpieces in Ashgabat made a deep impact on everyone who saw them during their first encounter. The capital city of Turkmenistan appeared stunning because immaculate marble buildings shone under perfect blue skies while the temperate climate brought peace to the setting.
Ýyldyz Hotel provided a perfect location because it stood at the towering peak of Ashgabat while presenting extraordinary cityscape and mountain views of Kopetdag Mountains. The hotel stands strategically in an optimal location that delivers remarkable views together with easy reach to every point in Ashgabat.
Photo credit: Derya SOYSAL
Ashgabat stands proudly in the world as the “Capital of Beauty” surrounded by desert as it grows from the middle of this arid land like a pure white rose. The city presents itself as a balanced combination of natural beauty and traditional heritage and contemporary development because Akhal-Teke horses and Alabays roam freely through its green areas. Following the destruction caused by the 1948 earthquake Ashgabat experienced a rebirth which transformed the city into a significant white marble architecture landmark according to the Guinness World Records of 2013.
The respectful link between the Turkmen individuals and their birthplace becomes embodied in Ashgabat which holds the title of “Capital of Love.” Ashgabat demonstrates the blend of unity and harmony and eternal peace through its architecture together with its public life and cultural traditions. Visitors can feel love when they experience the generous nature of Turkmen people along with their cultural identity.
The city holds the distinguished status as a cultural capital together with sports, literature components and arts leadership. The city derives its heritage from Nysa and Parthia alongside its present-day attributes due to its rich historical foundation.
Turkmen carpets fashioned from historical threads continue to symbolize the everlasting artistic dedication of this region. Ashgabat citizens honor the literary masterpieces of Magtymguly Pyragy through their cultural heritage.
Ashgabat transitions toward becoming the “Capital of Welfare and Strategic Development” from an economic standpoint. Ashgabat executes economic cooperation through important energy projects TAPI, TAP and Lapis Lazuli while serving as a regional hub through its modern infrastructure and highway developments. The substantial natural gas reserves of Turkmenistan position Ashgabat to be a critical player in worldwide energy negotiations.
Additionally, Ashgabat functions as the “Capital of Peace and Politics.” Through its Permanent Neutrality programs and diplomatic initiatives Turkmenistan makes Ashgabat a continental stable city. Turkmenistan strengthened its international position when the United Nations selected 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust through Turkmenistan’s proposal.
The city of Ashgabat confirms its evolution into the “Capital of the Future” through its current progress. Similar to Istanbul, Cairo, Baghdad and Samarkand from previous centuries Ashgabat transforms into an innovative civilization center which will become an internationally significant modern city. Turkmenistan stands out with its modern skyline along with strategic governance and diverse cultural identity as a rising metropolis in worldwide developments.
The remarkable citywide evolution stems from the leadership paradigm known as the “Capital of Wise Leadership.” President Serdar Berdimuhamedow provides visionary leadership through which Turkmenistan achieved significant development under his supervision. The leadership practices of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow based on Turkmen historical principles and moral standards and cultural traditions are creating Ashgabat’s modern identity through ancient traditions combined with progressive planning.
The Turkmen people show national devotion and show resilience along with maintaining hope while acting as the transformative foundation. The collective support and faith as well as patriotic commitment of Turkmen people drives Ashgabat’s growth into becoming an emblem of peaceful development and economic prosperity.
The city of Ashgabat exists beyond its title as capital because it manifests into a vibrant story of enduring spirit combined with nationwide pride and positive visions for future development. My visit showed me that I developed immense admiration combined with profound respect for both the cultural and strategic merits of Turkmenistan.
More article needed? From Neutrality to Global Impact: Turkmenistan’s Role in LLDC3 and International Affairs – https://eureflect.com
written by Editor-in-chief of The Gulf Observer (partner of EUReflect) Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra
