Ashgabat

Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan. It's known for its white marble buildings and grandiose national monuments. To the northwest, the sprawling Ruhy Mosque has a vast gilt dome. The central Artogrul Gazi Mosque is modeled on Istanbul's Blue Mosque. Examples of traditional weaving are displayed at Turkmen Carpet Museum. The Wedding Palace is a series of star-shaped tiers topped by a giant golden globe.