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Since its independence, new monuments have been built in Turkmenistan. The above monument is the Arch of Neutrality. On top of the arch is a full size gold-covered statue of the president that rotates in order to always be facing the sun.
Above, the monument for five years of Independence and below, a monument dedicated to the famous Turkmen poet, Mahtumguly.
Many new monuments are dedicated to President Niyazov. One on the left represents the earthquake of 1946 that destroyed all of Ashgabat. The president's entire family died, leaving him as the only survivor - the statue of a child covered in gold represents the president. The statue on the right is a monument dedicated to president's mother Gurbansoltanedje, who is proclaimed to be "the mother of all Turkmens," just as her son is "the father of all Turkmens."
There are several new palaces that were built in Ashgabat. One of them is the Ministry of Justice Quarters, another is the President's palace and Ruhiyet Palace (for concerts).
Ruhiyet Koshk, or the Spiritual Palace, is built to hold concerts and events dedicated to the president. That's the place where the Turkmen leader "rests" and "gets energy" for his hard work. It is also where he receives his awards. A palace for the soul and well-being of Turkmen's president.
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