Ashgabat, Capital city in Central Asia, Turkmenistan
Ashgabat spreads along the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains and displays a cityscape of wide boulevards, public squares, and residential districts mostly clad in white marble. Parks with fountains thread between the buildings and create shaded zones in an otherwise dry environment.
Russian troops founded the settlement in 1881 as a fortress following a military victory over local tribes. After the severe earthquake in 1948, much of the city was rebuilt, replacing older structures with more modern buildings.
The Path of Health winds through the mountains along the city's edge for around 36 kilometers and serves residents as a place for walks and gatherings. On weekends especially, families use the trail to escape the heat of the desert plain.
Most attractions lie along the main axes running north and south from the city center, so visitors can plan a route that connects several sites in one trip. Summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), making early morning or late afternoon hours more comfortable for outdoor exploration.
A huge golden rider on horseback rotates atop one of the tallest buildings in the city and always faces toward the sunrise. This rotating statue is lit at night and visible from many points across the plain.
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