Turkmenbashi Independent Monument

The Independence Monument is situated in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Turkmen tents and headgear worn by Turkmen girls. Key features of the monument commemorate Turkmenistan's independence, including a 91-meter (299 ft) reinforced concrete tower topped by a 27-meter (89 ft) golden steel structure and an observation terrace with a 10-meter (33 ft) diameter. The monument houses exhibition halls showcasing important artworks related to Turkmen history. Spanning 84,500 m² (910,000 sq ft), it is surrounded by landscaped grounds featuring a cascading pool and 27 statues of heroic Turkmen leaders, highlighted by a golden statue of Saparmurat Niyazov. Erected by the Turkish company Polimeks in 2001, it marked the tenth anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Traditionally, visiting dignitaries plant a young tree on the Alley of Honorary Guests nearby.