Asgabat

Asgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. Located in the Ahal Province, it lies in the Karakum Desert near the Kopetdag Mountains. The city was founded in 1881 by the Russian Empire as a military outpost. Following the Russian Revolution, it became the capital of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic in 1925. Asgabat gained prominence as a center for cotton production and textile manufacturing.

The city's architecture is characterized by its modernist style, heavily influenced by Soviet urban planning. Many of the buildings are constructed from white marble, giving Asgabat a distinctive appearance. Key landmarks include the Independence Monument, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Presidential Palace. The city also features numerous parks and green spaces.

Asgabat serves as Turkmenistan's political, economic, and cultural hub. It is home to government institutions, universities, museums, and theaters. The city's economy is driven by the oil and gas industry, as well as agriculture and manufacturing. Transportation in Asgabat is provided by a public bus system, a metro line (though its operational status has varied), and a network of roads. The city is also served by the Ashgabat International Airport. Asgabat's development has been notably shaped by the country's focus on its rich natural resources and its pursuit of neutrality on the international stage.