independence park

Entrance to Independence Monument

Built in 1993, the Turkmenistan Independence park covers around 2 square km. The monument is 118m high - its height is linked to the date of indepence, 27 October 1991 - 27 + 91 = 118. For some reason the Halk, Watan, Turkmenbashi (People, Country, the President (or me)) is missing the Beyik (Great) bit which has been added to most of the similar logos in recent years. 

The monument is surrounded by Turkmen heros two of which are picture here.  The statue of Turkmenbashi is flanked by the five headed eagle - symbol of the Turkmen president and strangely resonant of the Russian Tsars.