Located in the southwestern part of Ashgabat, the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, also known as People's Memory, offers a profound space honoring those who died in the 1881 Battle of Geok Tepe, World War II, and the devastating 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. Opened in 2014, this grand 650,000-square-meter site features impressive monuments, fountains, lawns, paved paths, and decorative lamps that are illuminated by searchlights at night. You can explore the Ruhy Tagzym monument, a 10-meter bronze bull sculpture on a marble podium dedicated to earthquake victims.
Nearby, the Baky şöhrat monument honors World War II fallen with five steles anchored on an eight-pointed star base, while the Milletiň ogullary monument shows a Mother holding her son to commemorate fallen heroes. You will also find the Watan mukaddesligi Museum, which houses two specialized halls: the Earthquake Museum and the War Museum. Inside, you can examine historical diorama displays, fortress models, archival photographs, original weaponry, military equipment, artwork, and reconstructed scenes of the earthquake.
The complex also provides dedicated buildings for Muslim sadaqah rites, making it a comprehensive, deeply significant site to explore during your stay in Ashgabat.
What to see at Ashgabat Memorial Complex
- Ruhy Tagzym monument depicting a 10-meter bronze bull holding the Earth
- Baky şöhrat World War II memorial featuring five steles on an eight-pointed star base
- Milletiň ogullary monument commemorating heroes with a sculpture of a Mother holding her son
- Watan mukaddesligi Museum featuring Earthquake and War exhibition halls
- Sprawling grounds with fountains, gardens, sadaqah buildings, and night searchlights
Visiting tips
Visit at night to experience the entire memorial complex illuminated by dramatic searchlights.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: At night
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ashgabat Memorial Complex is easy to reach on Ashgabat’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Arch of Neutrality and Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ashgabat travel guide.
See the full Ashgabat travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.