ASHGABAD

  A modern capital city of Turkmenistan inhabited by about 600,000 people located on the southern edge of Kara-Kum desert. It was first founded in 1881 but then destroyed by a major earth-quake in 1948 which was reported to be 10.5 points of Rchter's scale and reduced cities population by one third killing more then 100 000 people. After disaster city was closed for five years before all bodies were recovered and ruins cleared.

  There are quite a few attractive sights in Ashgabad. Neutrality Arch of 75 meters (245 ft) in hight has a spinning 12 meters (39 ft) all golden statue of President Saparmurad Niyazov on the top is the pride of the city. There are elevators that can take you to the viewing platforms. Palace of Turkmenbashi decorated with marble, gold and huge Islamic-style dome is just a few steps away. There is a number of museums including National Museum of Turkmenistan, Fine Arts Museum and a small carpet museum housing world largest handwoven rug at the carpet factory. One of the most exciting bazars in Central Asia is laying right outside Ashgabad and called "Tolkuchka". Here you can see the eastern way of traiding that didn't change much after centuries. People are selling anything; starting from shoe strings to used spare parts for cars and here is the best place to buy famous turkmen carpets mistakingly called Bukhara carpets in the Western world.

  Other places to visit in one day trip from Ashgabad are: Old Nisa - ruins of ancient cities, Turkmenbashi horse stud - watch wonderfull Akhal Teke horses, Anau Mosque, Chuli mountain resort - hiking and climbing area, Kov Ata underground mineral lake with water temerature of 36 C (97F).