Turkmenistan is a country of eternal beauty, in which the old traditions and great architectural monuments are in unity. The country is full of cultural treasures but one of the most fascinating features is the country mosques. Every mosque will reveal Turkmenistan's spiritual soul, which combines faith, history, and great craftsmanship. In case you are intending to visit its cultural heritage, make sure to visit the best Turkmenistan travel package to have a well guided experience.
It is not only about worship in these mosques but architectural masterpieces, which have stories about the past, and the art of Islamic design. Turkmenistan has a great variety of mosques, which are located in the most unexpected places: from shining marble domes to ruins that are several centuries old, each of them makes you stop, think and contemplate the beauty of this monument. You can be a cultural traveler or a person merely interested in Islamic heritage, but this list will help you to explore this amazing country of Central Asia.
Here are the 10 Beautiful Mosques to Visit in Turkmenistan
1. Ertugrul Gazi Mosque – Ashgabat
Ashgabat's big mosque is a copy of Istanbul's Blue Mosque. It is a stunning sight with its spotless white marble exterior, gorgeous domes, and massive minarets. The interior is decorated with elegant chandeliers and calligraphy to give worshippers a pleasant atmosphere. It is a contemporary architectural masterpiece that incorporates the Turkish architecture with the Turkmen finesse and represents the spiritual unity between the two nations.
2. Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque – Gypjak
This mosque is the largest in Central Asia and a symbol of the nation located in the Gypjak village. It is reflective of majesty and piety with its four tall minarets and golden dome. The mosque is constructed in the memory of the former president of Turkmenistan and his family and has also a mausoleum.
3. Azadi Mosque – Ashgabat
Iranian Mosque or the Azadi Mosque is one of the most outstanding religious buildings in Ashgabat. It is decorated with blue tiles of Persian style and decorated arches which indicate Iranian influence. It caters to the Iranian population in Turkmenistan and has a reputation of being a peaceful environment. The mosque provides an insight into the religious culture of multicultural practices that exist in the capital city.
4. Geokdepe Mosque – Geokdepe
This mosque was built on the site of the epic fight in 1881 between Russian and Turkmen defenders. It is a symbol of power and sacrifice. Geokdepe Mosque, with its stunning blue domes and white structure, is a very emotional and historical site. Visiting this area might provide you with a spiritual experience as well as a sense of Turkmen national identity.
5. Saparmurat Hajji Mosque – Dashoguz
This is a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture in the northern area of Dashoguz. Its immense prayer hall, combined with the stylish minarets and well-maintained landscaping, makes it a peaceful place to visit among the locals and the tourists. The tranquil and organized architecture of the mosque shows off the serene nature of the area and provides a calming place to contemplate.
6. Mary Central Mosque – Mary
A mosque situated in the very center of the Mary region, it is a crucial part of the religious life of the city. It has a spacious prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of people and the decoration of its walls is elaborate in traditional Turkmen designs. The mosque is usually a place where significant Islamic festivals are held and where the communities of the whole region come to gather in the spirit of unity and devotion.
7. Türkmenabat Grand Mosque – Türkmenabat
This contemporary mosque has beautiful domes and a beautiful color combination that makes the city of Tyrkmenabat more beautiful. Constructed to serve more and more worshippers it is both modern and spiritual in purpose. The mosque has a friendly environment and its modern structure is appealing to the young generation of people who need places of worship and socialization.
8. Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque – Anau
The Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque in Anau is one of the historical wonders, which is in ruins nowadays. Constructed during the 15th century, some of its glazed turquoise tiles and ornamental designs remain. The ruins provide a beautiful yet unnerving view of the architectural heritage of the country and it is a worthwhile visit to individuals who are interested in heritage tourism and the history of Islam.
9. Bayramaly Mosque – Bayramaly
It is a small yet well-tended mosque in Merv region. It is a calm place with modest architecture and peaceful environment. Bayramaly Mosque is a much smaller mosque, unlike the bigger ones, it offers a more personalized praying and reflection environment.
10. Balkanabat Central Mosque – Balkanabat
It is one of the main religious places in western Turkmenistan, which is symmetrical, has a grand dome and has well-built minarets. It is a community center and a unity place where prayers and social events are held regularly. The mosque is not only admired by its size but also by the intricate work that has been done on it in terms of its design and maintenance.
Conclusion
Turkmenistan mosques are not just buildings, they are pieces of history, art and religion brought to life. Both the big and the small ones have their own story and add to the rich cultural heritage of the country. The visit of these holy places helps the travelers to understand the traditions of Islam.
These mosques show the soul of Turkmenistan in every tile and arch, as well as in the ruins of ancient times as in the marvels of modernity. They allow the guests to experience not only beauty, but also faith, strength, and togetherness. Regardless of whether you are travelling around cities or small villages, the trip through these mosques is bound to be an emotional and unforgettable one.
