Ruhyýet Palace

Ruhyýet Palace
Ruhyýet köşgi
Ruhyýet Palace
Ruhyýet Palace during Independence Day celebrations
Interactive map of the Ruhyýet Palace area
Alternative namesPalace of Congresses and Arts, Rukhiyet Palace
General information
TypeCongress and cultural center
LocationAshgabat, Turkmenistan
Coordinates37°55′57″N 58°22′40″E / 37.9325°N 58.3778°E / 37.9325; 58.3778
Construction started1995
Completed1999
Inaugurated2000
ClientGovernment of Turkmenistan
Design and construction
Main contractorBouygues

Ruhyýet Palace (Ruhyýet köşgi), also known as the Palace of Congresses and Arts, is the seat of government in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.[1] The palace serves as a venue for official state events, international forums, meetings, and presidential inaugurations.[2]

History

The palace was commissioned by President Saparmurat Niyazov and constructed between 1995 and 1999 by the French construction company Bouygues, which has been responsible for numerous major building projects in Turkmenistan since the country's independence in 1991.[3][4] The palace was inaugurated in 2000.[5]

In 2008, the largest fountain complex in Turkmenistan was constructed in front of the palace.[5]

Architecture

The palace is located at Independence Square in central Ashgabat, adjacent to the Oguzkhan Presidential Palace, the Mejlis (parliament) building, and the Ministry of Defense headquarters.[6] The building features a white marble facade, a signature characteristic of Ashgabat's urban landscape, which holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble-clad buildings.[7][8]

The design combines traditional Turkmen motifs with modern architectural elements.[7] The interior features lavish halls with intricate decorations, showcasing Turkmenistan's cultural heritage through traditional art, carpets, and ornamental designs.[9] Among the palace's notable features is a giant handwoven Turkmen carpet called "President", created in 1998, which measures 294 square metres (14 × 21 m) and weighs 1,105 kilograms.[10]

Functions

Presidential inaugurations

The palace serves as the traditional venue for presidential inaugurations. Notable ceremonies held at Ruhyýet Palace include:

During inauguration ceremonies, the president-elect takes the oath of office on the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the Quran, and is presented with the presidential badge of office by Turkmen elders.[12]

International summits

The palace has hosted major international gatherings, including sessions of the Caspian Summit. The first summit of the Caspian littoral states was held in Ashgabat on 23–24 April 2002, attended by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.[13][14] The sixth Caspian Summit was also held in Ashgabat on 29 June 2022.[15]

State events

The palace hosts sessions of the Dovlet Maslahaty (State Council) and other major governmental meetings.[16] Regional Ruhyýet Palaces in the cities of Türkmenbaşy, Daşoguz, Türkmenabat, and Mary are connected via digital systems to participate in national forums held at the main palace in Ashgabat.[16]

The palace also hosts exhibitions, concerts, cultural celebrations, and international conferences, including the annual International Oil and Gas Conference.[5][17]

Depiction on currency

The palace has been depicted on multiple Turkmenistani manat banknotes. It appears on the reverse of the 10,000 manat note from the 2000 series, alongside the Neutrality Monument and national coat of arms.[18] The palace is also depicted on the reverse of the 20 manat banknote from the 2009 series, which features a portrait of Gorogly, the hero of Turkmen epics, on the obverse.[1][19]

  • Meeting of the heads of Caspian states, 2002
    Meeting of the heads of Caspian states, 2002
  • 10,000 manat banknote (2000)
    10,000 manat banknote (2000)
  • 20 manat banknote (2012)
    20 manat banknote (2012)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Turkmenistan Currency". OREXCA. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Solemn ceremony of inauguration of the President of Turkmenistan". Government of Turkmenistan. 19 March 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  3. ^ "20 Best Architectural Buildings in Turkmenistan". Engineers and Architects of America. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  4. ^ "For Turkmenistan, Looking Good Is Everything". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  5. ^ a b c "9 Instagrammable places in Ashgabat". PickVisa. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  6. ^ "Independence Square". World Heritage Journeys of Europe. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  7. ^ a b "Ruhyýet Palace". Mindtrip. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  8. ^ "A Ghost City: The White Buildings of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan". ArchDaily. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  9. ^ "Ruhyýet Palace (Ashgabat) Essential Tips and Information". Trek Zone. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  10. ^ "Carpet Museum". Stan Trips. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  11. ^ "Berdymukhamedov, Turkmenistan's horse-loving autocrat". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  12. ^ a b "Serdar Berdimuhamedov sworn in as Turkmenistan's new president". Anadolu Agency. 19 March 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  13. ^ "Caspian: Ashgabat Summit Ends Without Agreement". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 24 April 2002. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  14. ^ "Caspian Summit". Wikipedia. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  15. ^ "The sixth Caspian summit took place in the Ashgabat". Government of Turkmenistan. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  16. ^ a b "Dovlet Maslakhaty (State Council) was held in Ashgabat". Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United Kingdom. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  17. ^ "Ruhyyet Palace in Ashgabat". Roamopedia. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  18. ^ "Turkmenistan 10,000 manat type 2000". Numizon. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  19. ^ "Turkmenistan". BanknoteNews. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
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