Turkmen State Circus
Building in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
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The Turkmen State Circus (Turkmen: Türkmenistanyň Döwlet Sirki/Түркменистаның Дөвлет Сирки) is the main arena circus of Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. It has a seating capacity of 1,700 seats. Is administered by the Ministry of Culture and Broadcasting of Turkmenistan.
| Turkmen State Circus | |
|---|---|
Türkmenistanyň Döwlet Sirki Түркменистаның Дөвлет Сирки | |
The interior of the Turkmen State Circus at the beginning of a performance in May 2015. | |
 Interactive map of the Turkmen State Circus area | |
| General information | |
| Location | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan |
| Construction started | 1979 |
| Completed | 1984 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architects | Annageldy Bazarov & Arif Zeynalov |
History
The circus was built from 1979–1984. In 2001, President Saparmurat Niyazov abolished all circuses in the country.[1] In 2008, the new President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov lifted the ban on circus.[2][3] By presidential decree, the State Circus of Turkmenistan was established, operating in the Soviet era building constructed. Reconstruction of an old two-story building of the Turkmen State Circus was started in June 2008 by the Turkish company "EFOR".[4] The cost of reconstruction was $17.9 million. In October 2009, the Turkmen State Circus was opened with the first presentation.
In 2010, an adjacent training school for circus arts was opened.[5] In 2012, the circus performed their first foreign performance in Minsk. In 2013, the Turkmen State Circus won first place in the Circus Festival Idol in Moscow.[6][7]
Design
The main arena, designed for circus performances, is a circular platform with a diameter of 13 meters. The height from the arena to the highest point of the circus building is 18 meters. Seating for spectators is arranged around the arena. [8]
Performers and Events
Akhal-Teke horses, trained dogs, and other animals are used in circus performances. Each program features unique acts involving the horses, performed according to a specially designed script. [9]