# Ashgabat

> capital city of Turkmenistan

**Wikidata**: [Q23438](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23438)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashgabat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ashgabat

## Summary
Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, serving as its political, economic, and cultural center. Founded in 1881 as a fortification for the Transcaspian Oblast, it has evolved into a major urban hub with a population exceeding 1 million people. The city is classified as a large human settlement, a first-level administrative division, and a big city with over 100,000 inhabitants.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Large human settlement, first-level administrative division, and big city (population ≥ 100,000).
- **Founding**: Established in 1881 as a fortification for the Transcaspian Oblast under the Russian Empire.
- **Population**: 1,030,063 (2022), with historical records dating back to 1897 (19,426 inhabitants).
- **Area**: 765 square kilometers (circa).
- **Coordinates**: 37.95° N, 58.38° E.
- **Postal Code**: 744000–744901.
- **Language**: Officially recognized as Turkmen.
- **Elevation**: 219 meters above sea level.
- **License Plate Code**: AG.
- **Capital of**: Turkmenistan since 1991-10-27.
- **Located in**: Turkmenistan, previously part of the Soviet Union (1922–1991) and the Russian Empire (1881–1917).
- **Named After**: Pavel Poltoratskiy (1919–1927).
- **Administrative Divisions**: Includes districts such as Bagtyýarlyk, Berkararlyk, and Büzmeýin.
- **Economy**: Home to key institutions like the Cabinet of Ministers, Halkbank, and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange.
- **Culture**: Features landmarks like the Ruhyýet Palace, Türkmenbaşy Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality.
- **Transportation**: Served by Ashgabat International Airport (inception 1994) and the Ashgabat railway station (inception 1888).
- **Education**: Hosts institutions like Magtymguly Turkmen State University (1950) and the Turkmen Agricultural University (1930).
- **Sports**: Features venues such as the Olympic Stadium (2003) and the Velodrome of Ashgabat (2014).
- **Media**: Publishes the Turkmenistan TV channel (inception 2004) and hosts the Miras television channel (2001).

## FAQs
- **What is Ashgabat's population?** As of 2022, Ashgabat has a population of 1,030,063, making it a major urban center in Turkmenistan.
- **When was Ashgabat founded?** The city was established in 1881 as a fortification for the Transcaspian Oblast under the Russian Empire.
- **What are the administrative divisions of Ashgabat?** Ashgabat includes districts such as Bagtyýarlyk, Berkararlyk, and Büzmeýin.
- **What are the key landmarks in Ashgabat?** Notable landmarks include the Ruhyýet Palace, Türkmenbaşy Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality.
- **What educational institutions are in Ashgabat?** Key institutions include Magtymguly Turkmen State University (1950) and the Turkmen Agricultural University (1930).
- **What is the elevation of Ashgabat?** Ashgabat is situated at an elevation of 219 meters above sea level.
- **What is the postal code for Ashgabat?** The postal code range for Ashgabat is 744000–744901.
- **What is the license plate code for Ashgabat?** The license plate code for vehicles registered in Ashgabat is AG.

## Why It Matters
Ashgabat serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Turkmenistan, playing a pivotal role in the country's governance and development. As the capital, it hosts key institutions such as the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ashgabat Stock Exchange, and the Turkmen State Circus. The city's strategic location and historical significance make it a focal point for national identity and modernization efforts. Its landmarks, such as the Ruhyýet Palace and the Türkmenbaşy Mosque, reflect the country's rich heritage and architectural achievements. Additionally, Ashgabat's role in education, sports, and media underscores its importance as a center for intellectual and cultural advancement in Turkmenistan.

## Notable For
- **First-level administrative division**: Directly subordinate to the national government of Turkmenistan.
- **Big city classification**: Population exceeds 100,000, qualifying it as a major urban center.
- **Historical significance**: Founded in 1881 as a fortification for the Transcaspian Oblast.
- **Cultural landmarks**: Home to the Ruhyýet Palace, Türkmenbaşy Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality.
- **Educational hub**: Hosts institutions like Magtymguly Turkmen State University (1950) and the Turkmen Agricultural University (1930).
- **Sports infrastructure**: Features venues such as the Olympic Stadium (2003) and the Velodrome of Ashgabat (2014).
- **Media presence**: Publishes the Turkmenistan TV channel (inception 2004) and hosts the Miras television channel (2001).
- **Transportation hub**: Served by Ashgabat International Airport (inception 1994) and the Ashgabat railway station (inception 1888).

## Body
### History
Ashgabat was founded in 1881 as a fortification for the Transcaspian Oblast under the Russian Empire. Initially named Poltoratsk, it later became the capital of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. After Turkmenistan's independence in 1991, Ashgabat was designated as the capital, reflecting its status as the political and economic center of the country.

### Geography
Located at coordinates 37.95° N, 58.38° E, Ashgabat spans an area of 765 square kilometers. The city is situated at an elevation of 219 meters above sea level, contributing to its unique climate and landscape. Its strategic location has made it a key transportation hub, served by Ashgabat International Airport (inception 1994) and the Ashgabat railway station (inception 1888).

### Demographics
As of 2022, Ashgabat has a population of 1,030,063, making it a major urban center in Turkmenistan. Historical population records date back to 1897, with 19,426 inhabitants. The city's demographic evolution reflects its growth from a small fortification to a thriving metropolis.

### Economy
Ashgabat is home to key economic institutions such as the Cabinet of Ministers, Halkbank, and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange. The city's economy is driven by its role as the capital, hosting government offices, financial institutions, and commercial enterprises. The presence of the Ashgabat Stock Exchange underscores its importance in the national economy.

### Culture
Ashgabat is renowned for its cultural landmarks, including the Ruhyýet Palace, Türkmenbaşy Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality. These structures reflect the city's rich heritage and architectural achievements. The city also hosts cultural institutions such as the Turkmen National Conservatory (inception 1993) and the Turkmen National Theatre of Youth Alp Arslan (inception 2006).

### Education
Ashgabat is a hub for education, hosting institutions such as Magtymguly Turkmen State University (1950) and the Turkmen Agricultural University (1930). These institutions contribute to the city's intellectual and academic growth, fostering a culture of learning and development.

### Sports
Ashgabat features prominent sports venues such as the Olympic Stadium (2003) and the Velodrome of Ashgabat (2014). These facilities support the city's sports culture and contribute to its reputation as a center for athletic excellence.

### Media
Ashgabat is a significant media hub, publishing the Turkmenistan TV channel (inception 2004) and hosting the Miras television channel (2001). These media outlets play a crucial role in shaping the city's cultural and informational landscape.

### Transportation
Ashgabat's transportation infrastructure includes Ashgabat International Airport (inception 1994) and the Ashgabat railway station (inception 1888). These facilities ensure efficient connectivity and support the city's economic and social activities.

### Related Entities
Ashgabat is connected to numerous entities, including the Cabinet of Ministers, Halkbank, the Ashgabat Stock Exchange, and the Turkmen State Circus. These relationships highlight the city's multifaceted role in Turkmenistan's governance, economy, and culture.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:TM)
2. [Source](https://old.kyivcity.gov.ua/files/2018/2/15/Mista-pobratymy.pdf)
3. [Source](https://kyivcity.gov.ua/kyiv_ta_miska_vlada/pro_kyiv/mista-pobratimi_z_yakimi_kiyevom_pidpisani_dokumenti_pro_poridnennya_druzhbu_spivrobitnitstvo_partnerstvo/)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](https://cn.wtcf.org.cn/citys/4614-3.html)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://citypopulation.de/en/turkmenistan/)
9. 1959 Soviet census
10. 1970 Soviet census
11. 1979 Soviet census
12. 1989 Soviet census
13. Population census of Turkmenistan 1995
14. [Source](http://data.un.org/en/iso/tm.html)
15. [Source](http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/?id=16832)
16. [Russian Empire census](http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=803)
17. 1939 Soviet census
18. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
19. GeoNames
20. BBC Things
21. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/tm.htm)
22. [Source](http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/?id=5241)
23. [Source](http://news.asgabat.net/?p=3157)
24. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
25. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
26. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
27. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)