The capital of Turkmenistan, the Marble city of Ashgabat, celebrates City Day on May 25th. It’s no coincidence that we mention white marble here. The thing is, on May 25, 2013, Ashgabat was included in the Guinness World Records as the city with the highest concentration of buildings faced with white marble. Thanks to the extensive use of this material, the capital of Turkmenistan has acquired its new original architectural appearance and unique charm.
That’s why in the same year, a decree was issued by the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to which May 25 is annually celebrated as the Day of Ashgabat City. This holiday aimed to strengthen the status of the Turkmen capital, enhance its international reputation as an international center of diplomacy and neutrality, an economic center of the Central Asian region, and increase the tourist attractiveness of the country.
It’s also worth mentioning that on May 1, 2020, the capital Ashgabat became a member of the World Federation of Tourist Cities (WFTC). Membership in this prestigious international structure provides access to various opportunities for the development and popularization of tourism, the development of the city’s tourist image, and its presentation on the world stage.
As a rule, festive events on the occasion of City Day begin on May 24, and they can take place not only in Ashgabat itself but also in other regions of Turkmenistan. During this time, delegations from foreign countries, representatives of foreign companies, as well as domestic officials and entrepreneurs from other regions of the country, arrive in the capital.
On City Day in Ashgabat, various festive celebrations, concerts, exhibitions, and creative meetings are organized. This year, the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan is hosting an exhibition titled “The Beautiful Marble City of Ashgabat,” which opens with a rich collection of photographs of the country’s capital, ranging from majestic administrative buildings to parks and recreation areas.