A GLANCE AT THE HISTORY OF ASHGABAT: FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE

The Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan is currently running in its gallery an exhibition and competition to celebrate Ashgabat’s 140th anniversary. On display are works by young architects, painters, designers, and photographers expressing their love for the Turkmen capital and paying respect to its rich history.

The exhibition traces the city’s history from its early stages of development to the present day. Meanwhile, models of ultramodern buildings by students from the Art College, Academy of Arts, and Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute offer a fascinating glimpse into the future.

Ashgabat seen through the eyes of the young people is showcased as a large megapolis with a unique blend of architectural innovations and eclectic design, quaint buildings that look very much like spaceships and oriental motifs.

The exhibition opens with rare photographs and vintage household items on loan from amateur collector Mukhammed Amanmammedov.

A photographer and traveler immensely fond of Turkmen culture, Mukhammed has been collecting old artifacts traveling all over Turkmenistan. The exhibition also features an over-100-year-old araba (an Asian cart drawn by horses) from his private collection.

– We have prepared 50 archival photographs of Ashgabat from 1905 to 1907 for the exhibition. The images provide a unique glimpse of the city and its residents. Although many streets have not retained their original appearance, their names have remained, Mukhammed Amanmammedov tells. – Pay attention to the round flower bed in front of the railway station building – it is still there today. It has markedly changed, but the area is quite recognizable. Another eloquent example is this barbershop. We tried our best to keep a sense of the bygone era while restoring the old photographs.

After taking a look back at the past, visitors can enjoy depictions of modern Ashgabat. Towering buildings clad in white marble, fountains sparkling in the sunlight, spectacular city lights shimmering at night, and colorful floral arrangements standing out against the background of monochromatic avenues. Our country’s achievements in the post-independence period are celebrated by paintings and sculptures.

The exhibition of the young talents’ works carries an inspirational message: May our beloved city of Ashgabat flourish and amaze with its unique beauty!