Turkmenistan

Travel Guide

The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.
The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.
Ashgabat is a city of white marble with very few people in evidence in the streets (admittedly it is hot right now). I think they must have revived Turkey's marble market single-handedly!
Alternatively called Derweze or the door to hell, this crater can be found in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, north of Ashgabat. While drilling in 1971, the Soviets tapped into this cavern filled with natural gas. They lit it thinking it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Not so, as you can see! It was mighty hot around the crater's edge, especially when there was a gust of wind. Can you see the people standing near the edge at the back in the middle? That will give you an idea of the size.
You can see the golden statue of the first president presiding over his children atop the Arch of Neutrality. He is facing the city of Ashgabat, while behind him are the mountains separating Turkmenistan from Iran. The arch of Neutrality confirms Turkmenistan's decision to stay neutral in any conflicts after they left the Soviet Union. You can take a ride up into the tower. Can you see the bottom lift on the right leg of the tower?

Turkmenistan