Turkmenistan

Mary is the third largest city in Turkmenistan, situated in the Karakum desert. It was an important centre on the Silk Road and the capital of a prosperous Margiana region. The city's name changed several times - Margush Maru, Margiane, Margao and Merv.

During the reign of the Turkmen Seljuk dynasty, Muslim architecture reached its apogee. At that time, the city of Merv was in an exceptional position, as an intellectual and cultural centre, a heritage from previous eras that played an important role.

Excavations at Sultan Kala bear witness to the high standard of urban life. The city is surrounded by the walls of the ancient fortress, in marvellous harmony with the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.

After the Mongol invasion, Merv was razed to the ground. Its ruins became sacred, and was given the name of ancient Merv.

Amir Timur's son Shahrukh rebuilt the city and in place of the old Merv, palaces, fortresses and squares were erected.

The most interesting monuments in Merv are the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar Dar al-Ahira, the Shazriar Arch citadel, the ruins of the Abdullakhan Kala wall (15th century), the ruins of the Bayramalihan-Kala fortress and towers, the ruins of the Kiz-Kala fortress (6th-7th centuries BC), the mausoleums of the Sultans of Merv and Amir Timur and the ruins of the Kiz-Kala fortress (6th-7th centuries AD). ), the mausoleums of al-Hakim ibn Amir al-Jaafari and Buraydah ibn al-Husayn al-Islami (15th century, a place of pilgrimage), the mausoleum of Muhammad ibn Zayd (12th century), the Talhatan Baba complex with the Talhatan Baba mausoleums, the ruins of a Beni Makhan mosque ("Friday mosque", 7th-12th centuries. ), the mausoleum of Kiz-Bibi and numerous remains of baths, palaces, ceremonial halls and other facilities.

Today, Merv is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List as the best-preserved ancient centre on the Great Silk Road.

International airport named after S.Turkmenbashy is on crossing of the international air lines. It has been constructed in 1994. Capacity of air terminal is 1600 passengers per hour. There are two artificial runways equipped on second category ICAO and platform, allowing to accept aircrafts of all types. Annually its services use more than one and a half millions passengers on local and international air-lines. On the area near the station are located stops of a municipal transportation and a taxi, allowing to deliver passengers in any point of capital. There is a round-the-clock parking of cars. For visitors and inhabitants of Turkmenistan in a building of an aerostation complex are located and work in a round-the-clock mode:

- spacious waiting rooms; 
- business club; 
- a mother-and-child room ; 
- help information; 
- the international telecommunication; 
- cash desks on sale and booking of tickets; 
- shops; - restaurants, bars, fast food points; 
- exchanges;
- halls the VIP and CIP;

All services of the airport work in a round-the-clock mode and it creates additional conveniences to passengers. Now at the international airport Ashkhabad are served planes of tens foreign airlines of the world, carrying out both passenger, and cargo air transportations that allows to take off from the airport practically for any city of the world.

The city of Tejen is a city oasis thanks to the river Heray Rud which takes its sources in Afghanistan in the mountains of Gobsmacked (Hindu Kush). This river was called in Greek " Arius " and "Tarius" in Latin. The city counts  more than 50'000 inhabitants and is in a road crossroad (M37) and railway (on the line of Trans-caspienne).

Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, a country located in Central Asia. Here are some interesting facts about Ashgabat:

City of White Marble: Ashgabat is often referred to as the "City of White Marble" due to its striking architecture featuring numerous buildings covered in white marble. The use of marble is a deliberate aesthetic choice by the government to create a visually impressive and cohesive urban landscape.

Guinness World Record Holder: Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record for having the most buildings with white marble cladding in the world. The city's grandiose architecture and extravagant constructions, such as the Ministry of Health and the Presidential Palace, contribute to this record.

Monumental Statues: Ashgabat is home to numerous monumental statues that depict national heroes and symbols of Turkmen culture. One of the most prominent statues is the Monument of Neutrality, which features a towering golden statue of former President Saparmurat Niyazov rotating on top.

Natural Gas Abundance: Turkmenistan is known for its vast natural gas reserves, and Ashgabat is a significant beneficiary of this natural resource. The city is illuminated at night by the flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell," which is located in the Karakum Desert not far from Ashgabat.

World-Class Architecture: Ashgabat boasts impressive modern architecture, showcasing a blend of traditional Turkmen motifs and contemporary design elements. The city's skyline features high-rise buildings, golden domes, and unique structures like the Independence Monument and the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center.

The Arch of Neutrality: The Arch of Neutrality was a prominent landmark in Ashgabat, symbolizing Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality. It stood until 2018 when it was dismantled and replaced by a new tower, the "Ashgabat TV and Radio Center," which offers panoramic views of the city.

Akhal-Teke Horses: Ashgabat is known for its association with the Akhal-Teke horses, a breed renowned for its beauty, speed, and endurance. These horses have been an integral part of Turkmen culture for centuries, and you can witness their elegance at the Hippodrome in Ashgabat.

Carpet Museum: Ashgabat is home to the Turkmen Carpet Museum, which showcases a vast collection of exquisite handmade carpets. Turkmen carpets are renowned worldwide for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and craftsmanship, and the museum provides a fascinating insight into this traditional art form.