Movie & TV Filming Locations in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
1. Palace of Happiness
A grandiose structure famous for its golden domes and marble architecture, featured in the movie 'The Dictator'. Notable for its unique architectural style that blends modern and traditional Turkmen design.
- Architectural Marvel: Its striking golden domes and marble façade are a must-see sight.
- Historical Significance: It serves as a symbol of Ashgabat's recent history and development.
- Movie Connection: The Palace of Happiness was featured in 'The Dictator', adding to its global recognition.
2. Alem Cultural Center
A massive spherical building used as a concert hall in the film 'Extraction'. Known for its stunning sphere design and impressive acoustics.
- Architectural Wonders: Its unique sphere-shaped structure is an iconic symbol of Ashgabat.
- Cultural Hub: Home to numerous art exhibitions, music events, and theatrical performances.
- Movie Connection: The Alem Cultural Center was a filming location for 'Extraction'.
3. Monument of Neutrality
A 72-meter tall monument, used as a backdrop in the film 'London Has Fallen'. Recognizable by its unique design and location atop a hill overlooking Ashgabat.
- Architectural Landmark: Its tall, striking structure can be seen from various parts of the city.
- Historical Significance: Symbolizes Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and unity.
- Movie Connection: The Monument of Neutrality was a filming location for 'London Has Fallen'.
4. Oguz Han Madrasah
An ancient madrasah featured in the movie 'The Dictator'. Known for its beautiful blue mosaics and intricate tile work.
- Historical Artifact: One of the oldest educational institutions in Ashgabat, dating back to the 16th century.
- Architectural Beauty: Its stunning blue mosaics and tile work are a testament to Turkmen craftsmanship.
- Movie Connection: The Oguz Han Madrasah was a filming location for 'The Dictator'.
5. Ertogrul Gazi Mosque
A modern mosque that made an appearance in the TV show 'Vikings'. Known for its massive size and ornate design.
- Religious Significance: One of the largest mosques in Ashgabat, offering prayers to the local Muslim community.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Its intricate design and massive size make it a striking landmark.
- Movie Connection: The Ertogrul Gazi Mosque was a filming location for the TV show 'Vikings'.
6. Kipchak Mosque
Another modern mosque featured in the TV show 'Vikings'. Recognizable for its distinctive domes and massive size.
- Religious Significance: A significant place of worship for Ashgabat's Muslim community.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Its massive size and distinctive domes make it a striking landmark.
- Movie Connection: The Kipchak Mosque was a filming location for the TV show 'Vikings'.
7. Ashgabat National Museum of History
A museum used as a backdrop in the movie 'The Dictator'. Known for its vast collection of Turkmen artifacts and exhibitions.
- Historical Artifact: Home to an extensive collection of Turkmen artifacts, providing insights into the region's history.
- Cultural Education: Offers exhibitions and educational programs about Turkmen culture and history.
- Movie Connection: The Ashgabat National Museum of History was a filming location for 'The Dictator'.
8. Ashgabat Olympic Stadium
A modern stadium used in the film 'London Has Fallen'. Notable for its unique architecture and use as a venue for international sports events.
- Sporting Landmark: Hosts various international sports events, including athletics competitions.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Its unique architecture and modern design make it a striking landmark.
- Movie Connection: The Ashgabat Olympic Stadium was a filming location for 'London Has Fallen'.
9. Ancient City Merv
An ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List, used as a filming location in 'Tomb Raider'. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites and historical significance.
- Historical Artifact: One of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia, with a history dating back to 2500 BCE.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the ancient civilization that thrived in this region.
- Movie Connection: Ancient City Merv was a filming location for 'Tomb Raider'.
10. Avaza Coastal Tourist Zone
A coastal resort area used in the TV show 'Vikings'. Known for its stunning beaches, waterparks, and entertainment venues.
- Recreational Area: Offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
- Architectural Beauty: Features modern architecture that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the coastline.
- Movie Connection: The Avaza Coastal Tourist Zone was a filming location for 'Vikings'.
11. Gypjak Mausoleum
A mausoleum used in the movie 'The Dictator'. Known for its stunning architecture and connection to Turkmenistan's political history.
- Historical Artifact: The final resting place of former President Saparmurat Niyazov, offering insights into his life and rule.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Its striking design and golden domes make it a unique and beautiful structure.
- Political Significance: A significant historical site, reflecting Turkmenistan's political history.
12. Goekdepe TV Tower
A tall television tower featured in the movie 'The Dictator'. Known for its impressive height and revolving restaurant at the top.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Its striking design and impressive height make it a prominent feature of Ashgabat's skyline.
- Recreational Attraction: The revolving restaurant at the top offers stunning views of the city.
- Movie Connection: The Goekdepe TV Tower was a filming location for 'The Dictator'.
13. Karakum Desert
A vast desert used as a setting in the movie 'Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter'. Known for its stark beauty and unique ecosystem.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of sand dunes and unique desert landscapes.
- Ecological Diversity: Home to various endangered species, including the Turkmen markhor and the saxaul tree.
- Movie Connection: The Karakum Desert was a filming location for 'Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter'.
14. Berenkar Lake
A salt lake used as a setting in the movie 'The Dictator'. Known for its unique landscape and rich history.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning, vibrant-colored landscapes due to its high salt content.
- Historical Significance: Believed to have been the site of ancient battles and the location of a prehistoric lake.
- Movie Connection: Berenkar Lake was a filming location for 'The Dictator'.
15. Garabogazköl Bay
A bay known for its disappearing lake phenomenon. Featured in the movie 'Midnight Express'. Known for its unique ecology and geological phenomena.
- Natural Wonder: The bay's water level changes rapidly due to its connection with the Caspian Sea.
- Ecological Diversity: Home to various unique species, such as the endangered saxaul tree and a variety of migratory birds.
- Movie Connection: Garabogazköl Bay was a filming location for 'Midnight Express'.