National Independence Park reflects the past and the present of Turkmenistan

To date, Ashgabat is called a city of gardens. It delights the eye with the freshness and splendour of green spaces, reviving streams of fountains, and the air filled with aromas of numerous flowers even on hot summer days. The number of the city parks and public gardens has exceeded a hundred after 2000 and continues to grow every year. Parks, public gardens and over 300 fountain complexes with the architectural masterpieces create a special style and charm of the present-day Ashgabat.

The National Independence Park is one of the largest parks in Ashgabat, located in the southern part of the Turkmen capital. Situated on an area of 140 hectares, it has connected several districts of the city and has become a favourite resting place for the residents. It is the most visited park of foreign tourists.

There are wide alleys with picturesque green lawns and original compositions of ornamental plants in the park. Beautiful national patterns of chrysanthemums, marigolds, and purslane look amazing on a green carpet of grass. There are many trees (about 26 thousands) in the park. This natural splendour is irrigated by a number of wells, reservoirs, from which water enters the drip irrigation system with a total length of almost 200 kilometres. Park accessories, including in decorative bridges, benches, fences, and original lamps, provide originality and expressiveness to the park.

The fountains and pools are one of the most important design elements in the Independence Park. They are located along the alleys of the park, each of which has a unique design. They form a single system of light and musical fountains.

An open amphitheatre for concerts and celebrations dedicated to the national holidays is located in the centre of the park. There is also one of the world's largest monuments to the Ruhnama book by Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of the country.

The Altyn Asyr shopping centre, including in shops, restaurants, cafes and offices of different companies, is located in the northern part of the park. The original architectural design of the building reminds a pyramid with a spire. The modern shopping centre was built on an original five-pointed base. Artificial waterfalls flow over the outside walls of the building into the pools framing the shopping centre.

The southern part of the park is dedicated to the history of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen nation and its statehood. Independence Monument, as a gilded arrow into the heavens (118 metres), embodies the idea of joy, freedom, and true independence. The foundation for the rapid development of the nation in the future is provided by the centuries-old history, full of glorious and dramatic events. The exhibits in the Museum of Independence of Turkmenistan demonstrate this history. The Museum is located in the massive base of the Monument, stylised as a traditional Turkmen yurt.

Independence Monument is one of the largest landmarks in the city, and the tallest building located in the parks of the capital. A wide marble alley leads to the Monument. The statues to the national heroes, who contributed to the strengthening of statehood and the protection of the Turkmen states in different years of the centuries-old history of the Turkmen people, adorn the alley. A statue to the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, is built in the centre of the alley.

The Museum of Independence amazes with solemnity and richness of décor in the halls and attracts tourists. The exposition of the museum occupies two floors of the building. The first floor presents the history of the independent Turkmenistan, the country’s economic achievements, political relations, and Velayats. One of the most valuable exhibits here is a sketch of the State Emblem of Turkmenistan. The museum’s entire collection is unique. The exposition on the second floor reflects the earlier history of Turkmenistan and historical figures; special maps highlight the states founded by the Turkmen people and their geographical position. The Turkmen classical literature has a large place in the exposition. The museum exhibits ancient and modern jewellery, as well as ancient golden and silver coins. The major part of the museum collection was gathered in the years of independence. All of them demonstrate the connection between the past and the present, the traditions in culture and art, which have been passed down from generation to generation, and the place they occupy in the world culture.