Best Local Markets in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
1. Berkarar Bazaar
A bustling market offering a variety of locally produced goods such as carpets, textiles, and traditional Turkmen handicrafts. Solves the challenge of finding authentic souvenirs.
- Unique Handicrafts: Features unique Turkmenistan-made items like intricate rugs, traditional jewelry, and ceramics.
- Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Ashgabat, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Negotiable Prices: Vendors often welcome price negotiation, allowing for potential cost savings.
2. Awaza Market
A vibrant marketplace selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Solves the challenge of finding high-quality food items.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, some of which are grown locally.
- Local Delicacies: Features traditional Turkmen dishes such as shashlyk (grilled meat skewers) and pilau (rice dish with meat).
- Seafood Variety: Boasts a wide variety of fresh seafood, including Caspian sturgeon and local fish.
3. Gypjak Bazaar
A bustling marketplace selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and livestock. Solves the challenge of finding everyday items.
- Everyday Items: Provides essentials like food, household goods, and clothing.
- Livestock Market: Features a livestock market where you can purchase local sheep, goats, and cattle.
- Local Handicrafts: Offers locally produced handicrafts such as carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.
4. Garagum Shopping Center
A modern shopping center offering a variety of international brands alongside local goods. Solves the challenge of finding both familiar and local products.
- International Brands: Features popular international brands for electronics, fashion, and accessories.
- Local Goods: Offers a selection of locally produced goods such as carpets, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
- Food Court: Features a food court offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
5. Archway Shopping Center
A modern shopping mall with popular stores, a cinema, and a bowling alley. Solves the challenge of entertainment and shopping.
- Entertainment Options: Features a cinema and bowling alley for evening activities.
- Brand-name Stores: Hosts well-known international stores for clothing, electronics, and accessories.
- Diverse Restaurants: Offers a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining.
6. Kipchak Bazaar
A bustling marketplace specializing in spices, teas, and traditional Turkmen medicinal herbs. Solves the challenge of finding unique medicinal remedies.
- Traditional Medicines: Specializes in traditional Turkmen medicinal herbs and teas.
- Spice Variety: Offers a wide variety of spices, some of which are not commonly found elsewhere.
- Knowledgeable Vendors: Vendors are knowledgeable and can offer advice on medicinal uses and preparation.
7. Saparmurat Hajji Mosque Market
A marketplace selling traditional Turkmen clothing, textiles, and handicrafts. Solves the challenge of finding authentic local attire.
- Authentic Attire: Features traditional Turkmen clothing, such as the depe (tunic) and yashma (Turkmen cap).
- Handicraft Selection: Offers a wide selection of locally produced handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.
- Custom Tailoring: Some vendors offer custom tailoring for traditional clothing items.
8. Honest Ali Bazaar
A marketplace offering a variety of goods, including textiles, electronics, and household items. Solves the challenge of finding everyday items at reasonable prices.
- Reasonable Prices: Vendors are known for being honest and offer competitive pricing.
- Textile Selection: Features a wide selection of textiles, including locally produced silk.
- Electronics Variety: Offers a variety of electronics, including mobile phones and accessories.
9. Yyldyz Market
A marketplace selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and livestock. Solves the challenge of finding everyday items in one location.
- One-stop Shop: Provides a variety of goods under one roof, making it convenient for tourists.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Local Handicrafts: Features locally produced handicrafts, such as carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.
10. Bagt Koshgi Shopping Center
A shopping center offering a variety of international brands alongside local goods. Solves the challenge of finding both familiar and local products.
- International Brands: Hosts popular international stores for clothing, electronics, and accessories.
- Local Goods: Offers a selection of locally produced goods such as carpets, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
- Dining Options: Features a food court offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
11. Kow Ata Bazaar
A marketplace selling traditional Turkmen clothing, textiles, and handicrafts. Solves the challenge of finding authentic local attire.
- Authentic Attire: Features traditional Turkmen clothing, such as the depe (tunic) and yashma (Turkmen cap).
- Handicraft Selection: Offers a wide selection of locally produced handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.
- Custom Tailoring: Some vendors offer custom tailoring for traditional clothing items.
12. Oguzkhan Shopping Center
A shopping center offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Solves the challenge of finding shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Shopping Options: Features popular stores for clothing, electronics, and accessories.
- Dining Variety: Offers a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining.
- Entertainment Options: Features a cinema and bowling alley for evening activities.
13. Ogulderi Bazaar
A marketplace selling fresh produce, traditional Turkmen food items, and local handicrafts. Solves the challenge of finding fresh food and souvenirs.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Local Food Items: Features traditional Turkmen dishes such as shashlyk (grilled meat skewers) and pilau (rice dish with meat).
- Handicraft Selection: Offers a wide selection of locally produced handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.
14. Niyazov Shopping Center
A shopping center offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Solves the challenge of finding shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Shopping Options: Features popular stores for clothing, electronics, and accessories.
- Dining Variety: Offers a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining.
- Entertainment Options: Features a cinema and bowling alley for evening activities.
15. Atamurat Market
A bustling marketplace selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, traditional Turkmen handicrafts, and livestock. Solves the challenge of finding everyday items.
- Everyday Items: Provides essentials like food, household goods, and clothing.
- Livestock Market: Features a livestock market where you can purchase local sheep, goats, and cattle.
- Local Handicrafts: Offers locally produced handicrafts such as carpets, textiles, and traditional jewelry.