National Library of Turkmenistan, National library in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The National Library of Turkmenistan is a large building with modern architecture that incorporates traditional Turkmen design elements in central Ashgabat. The facility contains reading rooms, digital archives, and reference services spread across multiple levels.
The institution was established in 1895 and evolved from a modest collection to become the primary repository of Turkmenistan's literary heritage. The expansion to a larger facility reflected the country's growing focus on documenting its cultural past.
The library holds extensive collections of manuscripts, books, and documents in multiple languages that reflect the diverse literary traditions across Central Asia. Walking through the collection rooms, you notice how deeply the holdings connect to local and regional cultural history.
Reading rooms, digital archives, and reference services are open to visitors throughout the week, with guided tours available for groups and researchers. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and bring proper identification documents to access all areas of the building.
The institution holds the world's largest collection of Turkmen literature and historical documents, including rare manuscripts from the Silk Road era. These rare items often remain less visited than the modern sections, yet they offer deep insight into the region's historical trading connections.
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