Makhtumkuli Avenue


Makhtumkuli Avenue also spelled as Magtymguly Avenue in English is an avenue in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It is considered to be the longest and most prominent avenue in the capital

Origins and Description

When it was originally created, Makhtumkuli Avenue ran through the entire city and then merged with the road leading to Merv. Later during the Soviet period under the Turkmen SSR, the avenue was known as Liberty Avenue, which hosted military and civilian parades on the occasion of many holidays, with most being held on Revolution Day, Victory Day, and International Workers Day. In 1971, a monument which was designed by architects V. Vysotin and V. Kutumov to the 16th century Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, was installed on the avenue. Following the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991, the avenue was immediately renamed to Makhtumkuli Avenue by order of President Saparmurat Niyazov. Over the next 2 to 3 years, a large fountain was installed on the avenue and maple and acacia trees also appeared along its path. It was on this avenue in October 1992 where the first Turkmen Independence Day Parade took place, which saw troops of the Ashgabat Garrison of the newly formed Armed Forces of Turkmenistan march past the saluting base that President Niyazov was watching the parade from.

Landmarks and Buildings along the avenue