This site is mostly a rebuilding of the old Nisa, between the earthquake and time passing the old Nisa is pretty much gone. But it’s still worth a visit. We had a guide with us to explain the history of the place as well as what it was like long ago, without him we would have missed much. FYI, if you want to photograph the site you need to pay additional $500 per person (approximately $3.50 USD).

An interesting archaeological site of the old Parthian Persian empire The ruins tell the story of the greatness of this empire related to the Iran history during the 3rd BC until 3rd AD Located only 20 mins from Ashgabat it is worth a visit

Archaeological site in Baghr, Ashgabat. Easy walk out in open terrain. May want to bring a hat or umbrella for sun protection. Believed to be from Arsacid Empire, 200 BC. Reputedly the royal residence of the Parthian kings, but it has not ascertained if the fortress at Nisa was a royal residence or a mausoleum.

It was so amazing to see Iranian culture and history in this old town

Not a lot there if you have seen other ruins from this time. But if you are really into archaeology you’d prob want to go. Weird thing—some of the ruins were just strewn in the sand, for example pieces of decorative turquoise tiles. I even found a broken handle from an urn. You’d think these things would be valuable to archeologists. For the record, I did not take anything and I hope you don’t either.

By reviewing the various opinions, we realize that unfortunately very few people have pointed out that Nisa (or its correct Persian pronunciation; Nesa) was the first capital of the Parthian Persian Empire, which revolted against the remnants of the Macedonian occupiers and restored Iranian independence. This is probably the only reason why the Turkmen government refuses to put up any kind of explanatory sign about Nisa, which would mean that it would have to admit that the entire territory of Turkmenistan is part of Greater Iran.

Beautiful archeological site from the Arsacid empire. Refer to Nusay when wanting to get here, otherwise the locals will have no idea where it is. Unfortunately quite hard to reach by foot when walking the route of health (saglyk ýolu)

The museum has about 500,000 exhibits including Turkmen carpets and rugs; national dress and fabrics; musical instruments; weapons; jewelry; orders and medals, and historical documents, paintings, drawings and sculptures and more. Among the most interesting are the ritons – special horn-like vessels made of ivory featuring magnificent artwork

Really interesting visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Unfortunately we were only given 1 hour in here so we had to speed run the exhibits. The interior of the building is very Soviet Brutalist style and made from dark marble / granite. The ground floor shows Presidential history and artefacts, the world's largest rug and modern artworks. The next floor had amazing historic artefacts dating back to pre Islamic period and time of Alexander the Great. I especially appreciated the detailed dioramas of historic sites that wouldn't have been out of place at a history museum anywhere in the world. We were watched like hawks in each section by staff members. Some items are not allowed to be photographed so pay attention to the signage. Checkout the enormous flag and flagpole outside the museum which is kept permanently "flapping in the wind" courtesy of a jet engine at the base.

A very nice museum with many artifacts and jewelry items! Totally worth a visit. There are 3 sections, but I visited only one. It accepts only dollar for entrance ($10), but photo permission can be paid in manat.

This is a very exceptional museum of the history of the country and people of Turkmenistan. I really was very impressed of the different archeological finding and how well they tell the story how this great nation started.

Amazing museum. A lot to offer by this museum. Nicely organized with ancient time to moderen era of Turkmenistan.

Interesting museum. We had a local english speaking museum guide that gave us a good overview in about one hour.

I was wondering what to do on a lazy Sunday. I decided to try the museum. I visited here 16 years ago, but was escorting a group of VIPs, so I didn’t really get to see anything. Today also happened to be a national holiday, the end of Ramadan. I was the only guest in the place! It was awesome. I went through all the galleries at my own pace. The staff stayed nearby, but didn’t “hover”. When I had questions, they answered very quickly and quite well. I really was impressed with the entire staff. Professional, friendly, and not pushy. Prices (for locals, since I’m a diplomat): Each hall (there are 3): 3 manat Photography (only allowed in 2 of the 3 halls): 50 manat I believe that entry for foreigners is $10 per hall, but I’m not positive. Overall a great couple of hours. It renewed my interest in Turkmenistan’s history and culture.

We can take pictures of the independence monument but not of the guards. So it make it challenging to get close up or interesting shots. It’s a tall, tall building with the founding father on top. Too bad we can’t go into many/any of the buildings to see the interior.

Such a big park to explore. Impressive built. Very clean park and many beautiful flowers along the pathway.

Unfortunately the monument's interior was (allegedly) under construction during our visit so we couldn't go inside. But the surrounding park and the large Türkmenbashi statue in front of the monument is already worth visiting. As for all other places in Turkmenistan: don't take pictures of the soldiers!

The independent monument is impressive but also guarded. You can't take pictures of the military and they will approach you and wanting to delete. It's very clean and not a big visit, for sure check it out.

We visited independence monument as part of my tour program , clean and big attraction , saw young locals visiting too . We are not allowed to to take photo of the guards .

You don’t realize the intricacies and details in the statues until you get up close. The photos are not enough. In person it’s absolutely stunning. This country has so much culture. They acknowledge poets here not just soldiers. I have never seen such a clean city as well. No trash or papers. The sites are impeccably maintained. I could have spend at least a full hour admiring the works of art.

The Turkmen independence monument built by Saparmurat Niyazov (the first president of independent Turkmenistan) in 2000 consists of a yurt-modeled dome crowned with a huge spire. The date of Turkmen independence, 10/27/1991, is reflected in the dimensions of the building: a 27-meter high, thick spire and an observation platform with a diameter of 10 meters on top of a 91-meter tower. Surrounding the building are statues of the great heroes of Turkmenistan, and of course this includes a gilded statue of Niyazov.

This mosque was designed and construction supervised by a French company and it shows. Its very impressive structure and all the details are so precise. It’s bordering on obnoxious, but it feels right.

Really beautiful mosque in a unique Turkmen style. Unfortunately it is quite hard to reach and far away from the city centre. Hence why the mosque only had 5 people for prayer in the evening.

As with many monuments and sights in Ashgabat this too is extravagant. Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque is about 7km on the outskirts of the city and is the resting place for Saparmurat Niyazov, the leader of Turkmenistan from 1985 to 2006. It opened on 22 October 2004 and remains the centre of controversy as scriptures from both the Quran and the Ruhnama (The Book of the Soul). The latter is a weird book by Nyýazow's 'pseudo-spiritual guide to life' are built into the walls. Becausse of this madness it is often empty as the Ruhnama inscriptions are considered blasphemous by devout mosquegoers. That pretty well tells you a lot about this city and its rulers.

On the outskirts of Ashgabat is the country’s biggest mosque which is under reconstruction until spring of 2024. Could go in side unfortunately because it looks amazing from the outside. Like the majority of buildings in Ashgabat, this is covered in white Italian marble and gold.

Stunning !! Absolutely a must see

Interesting mosque, try not to fart in the middle, it amplifies all sounds to a crazy extent.

Enjoyed our visit with beautiful gardens and water, the architecture of the building was so well thought out and everything had a meaning

Gorgeous and very detailed Mosque. A true work of art and definitely worth visiting. Exceptional, clean and well maintained.

Grandiose Turkish styled mosque in the heart of Ashgabat. Very clean and well kept.

A very grand Turkish architecture mosque located in the heart of the city in Ashgabat Detailed marble works

Nice Ottoman style mosque!

Beautiful, large and spacious Mosque not far away from Ashgabat city center. Entrance is free.

Best Place for Peace and Pray to Allah. Must visit here. 5 star.

Same design with Soltan Ahmet mosque,