“Discover the beauty of Ottoman architecture at Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.”

Discovering the Ottoman-Inspired Beauty of Ashgabat’s Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, is home to many historic sites and architectural marvels. One such marvel is the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in the capital city of Ashgabat. This beautiful mosque is built in the Ottoman architectural style and offers a serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is located in the southwestern part of Ashgabat, near the Presidential Palace. It was built in the early 1990s, after Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union. The mosque was named after Ertugrul Gazi, a warrior and the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

The mosque’s exterior is stunning, with its white marble facade and intricate details. The minaret, which stands at 63 meters tall, is adorned with blue tiles and a gold crescent moon at the top. The entrance to the mosque is through a large archway, which is also decorated with blue tiles and calligraphy.

As you enter the mosque, you are greeted with a peaceful and calm atmosphere. The interior of the mosque is just as beautiful as the exterior. The walls and pillars are covered in intricate designs and calligraphy, and the ceilings are adorned with chandeliers. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at a time.

One of the most striking features of the mosque is the mihrab, which is a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca. The mihrab in the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is made of white marble and is decorated with blue tiles and calligraphy. It is located in the center of the mosque, and worshippers face it during prayer.

Another notable feature of the mosque is the mimbar, which is a pulpit where the imam stands to deliver the Friday sermon. The mimbar in the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is made of wood and is intricately carved with geometric patterns and calligraphy.

The mosque also has a courtyard, which is surrounded by a covered arcade. The courtyard is filled with trees and plants, and there are water fountains that provide a soothing sound. The arcade provides shade and shelter from the sun and is a great place to sit and reflect.

The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a cultural center. It hosts events and exhibitions that showcase Turkmen culture and traditions. Visitors can learn about traditional Turkmen music, dance, and art.

The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, but it is important to respect the rules and customs of the mosque. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque and dress modestly. Women are required to cover their heads and wear long sleeves and skirts.

In conclusion, the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture. It offers a serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection and is a cultural center that showcases Turkmen traditions. Visitors of all faiths are welcome, but it is important to respect the rules and customs of the mosque.