<< Previous | Main | Next >>
Independence Monument
Ashgabad
Located in the Ten Years of Independence Park, this statue which resembles a plunger but which in fact symbolizes the traditional gulpa or hat worn by Turkmen women, consists of a domed base with eight rivulets of water running over it, fountains at the base, and a 350 foot tower. In front is a permanent honor guard (I saw their hats taken off and their faces being wiped with a damp cloth by another soldier during their 2-hour sentry duty - it was 104 degrees and they were facing the sun.) A phalanx of four traditionally attired Turkmen warriors guards the entrance pathway. Newly weds come here to be photographed with the ruler.
