INDEPENDENCE PARK

This large park on the edge of the Berzengi area covers several hectares. Towards the bottom of the park, the city centre is the commercial centre Edition Altyn, which is recognisable to its pyramid form and cascades that catch the full height of the facades. A high-quality restaurant is located on the top floor of the shopping centre. Coming back to the park, we fall on a giant Ruhnama, with a Niyazov effigy on a purple background. Fill of kitsch: this 2,5 m high book opens on Saturday evening, a true spectacle of sounds and lights in tribute to the president's essential work. Even further in the park is the tower of Independence. In front of it, of course, there is a great golden statue of Niyazov, surrounded by five-headed eagles. This fabulous animal is the president's symbol: the five heads represent the five united provinces, and the snake is wisdom. The tower itself is surmounted by a golden ring, and is surrounded by huge statues representing the heroes of the nation. A museum is located in the tower building. It's the Coin Museum, open from 10 am to 17 pm, but whose visit is really not necessary.