Independence Monument (Turkmenistan)

Independence Monument
Garaşsyzlyk binasy
	Interactive map of Independence Monument
Location	Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Designer	Polimeks
Height	118 metres (387 ft)
Beginning date	2000
Opening date	2001
Dedicated to	Independence from USSR

The "Independence Monument" is a monument located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.^[1] The design of this building was inspired by traditional Turkmen tents and the traditional headgear worn by Turkmen girls. Elements of the building commemorate the independence date of Turkmenistan, 27 September. These elements include a 91-metre (299 ft) reinforced concrete tower with a 27-metre (89 ft) high golden gilt steel construction on top of the tower, along with an observation terrace with a diameter of 10 metres (33 ft). Within the building, there are exhibition halls where important works of art representing Turkmenistan history are displayed. The Monument of Independence sits on a total area of 84,500 m² (910,000 sq ft), surrounded by green landscaping that encompasses a cascaded pool and 27 heroic statues of Turkmen leaders, centered on a golden statue of Saparmurat Niyazov.^[1]