Arch of Neutrality Ashgabat

... fountains (in a city without clean drinking water), a fake Olympic stadium and vast expanses of manicured parks. The now removed 'Arch of Neutrality' was topped with a 12 metre polished gold statue of the man that revolved with the sun. His slogan 'Halk, ...

... in bribes, we gave Ashgabat the benefit of the doubt and did some touristing, visiting the sites.  The highlight was the Arch of Neutrality, a hideously tacky tower, with a giant rotating gold statue of the President at the top of it.  It is is ...

... all over the country and has begun replacing all the statues and monuments to Turkmenbashy with his own. In fact, the Arch of Neutrality, which is the most famous monument to Turkmenbashy, and perhaps the most famous sight in Turkmenistan, is due to be ...

... to spot him around the city, but at least Wally tried to hide. Turkmenbashi is bloody everywhere. Our first stop was the Arch of Neutrality, a 75 metre high tower with a 12 metre high gold statue of the great man. The statue revolves with the sun, so ...

... prominent. Best of all is a 12 metre high, shiny gold statue of himself he's built in the centre of Ashgabat on top of the "Arch of Neutrality" - that constantly rotates so that he is always facing the sun... All citizens are required to take his book ...

... sent away by policemen, who motioned me to go around the long way. Independence square, in the heart of Ashgabat, is dominated by the Arch of Neutrality -- topped with a gold statue of Turkmenbashi which rotates to always face the sun.  Other ...

... flash room on the second floor, overlooking the pool, but the wrong side for views of the centrepiece buildings around the Arch of Neutrality.    Our guide tells us where to get a good meal, then heads out to see his family. The restaurant is ...

... golden bust or statue of Niyazov himself. It's hard to say if the revolving statue (always facing the sun) atop the arch of neutrality was more absurd, but my favourite was the giant bull, with the earth atop his horns, covered with scenes of ...

... spaced out, with the hills around also hosting some amazing buildings & statues. One of the most outrageous is the Arch of Neutrality - currently being moved  - it was in Independance square and ontop of it a gold statue of Niyazov that ...