Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, near Ashgabat

It is the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and one of the largest single-domed mosques in the world. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque was built between 2002 and 2004 at the initiative of the first president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, who held the title Turkmenbashi. This grand structure became another symbol of the grandeur of the era of the first leader of independent Turkmenistan.

Located 11 kilometers west of Ashgabat, on the edge of Kipchak settlement where Niyazov was born in 1940, the mosque covers an area of 18 thousand square meters, with the central hall occupying 7 thousand square meters and accommodating nearly 10 thousand worshippers. A golden dome 55 meters high crowns the mosque, flanked by four minarets each standing 91 meters tall.

The mosque, built of white marble, is surrounded by numerous fountains. The central hall features a huge handmade carpet, and the walls are inscribed with suras from the Quran and quotes from “Ruhnama”, President Niyazov's book. Due to these inscriptions, the mosque is not recognized by many Muslims worldwide.

Next to the mosque is a small mausoleum for the Turkmenbashi family, built in the same style. Inside are the sarcophagi of Niyazov's parents and brothers, and in 2006, Niyazov's own slab was added.

Today, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque near Ashgabat is one of the most grandiose sights of modern Turkmenistan. Almost all tours and excursions in Ashgabat include a visit to this impressive mosque, known for its scale and rich decoration. Additionally, this mosque is featured on the 500 manat bill (~142 US dollars in 2024), making it a memorable symbol you can take home.