Shopping in Turkmenistan: Bazaar Bargains and Authentic Souvenirs

1.Altyn Asyr Bazaar

Historical origin:the market can date back to Soviet times,  it was named Tolkuchka, which means "pushy " in Russian, began as a small market where people gathered to trade goods. Over time, its size and importance grew. In 2011, a new modern Bazaar was inaugurated, renamed the "Altyn Asyr Bazaar". 

Location and area:It is the country's largest market,the Choganly Residential Area on the outskirts of the capital Ashgabat, Covering an area of 1.54 square kilometers, the Bazaar resembles the carpet pattern of the Tek tribe of Turkmenistan when viewed from the air, and is marked by a tall bell tower in the center of the Bazaar.

Commodity category:This is a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of products . There are exquisite traditional Turkmen carpets, known for their intricate designs and bright colors; There are various spices, dried fruits, fresh agricultural products, dairy products, bread and other Turkmen food raw materials; There are traditional Turkmen garments like embroidered robes and kilts; There are also handicrafts such as pottery and woodwork, as well as silver jewellery, which is prized for its craftsmanship and intricate design; There are even livestock trading areas for horses, cattle and sheep, and sometimes you can see the famous the Akhalteke horses.

Opening hours：It usually opens from 7am to 5pm.  Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are open from 7:00 to 17:00.

Transportation:

1.Public Transportation:To reach Altyn Asyr Bazar using public transportation, take a bus or shared taxi from your current location in the Köpetdag Mountains to Ashgabat. Look for transportation heading to the city center. Once you arrive in Ashgabat, you can take local bus number 5 or a taxi directly to Altyn Asyr Bazar. Make sure to confirm with the driver that they are headed to the bazar. The total cost for the bus or shared taxi will be around 5-10 TMT (Turkmenistan Manat), and the taxi from the city center to the bazar may cost around 20-30 TMT.

2.Car:If you are traveling by car, head towards Ashgabat from your current location in the Köpetdag Mountains. Use a navigation app to guide you to the coordinates (38.0447403, 58.421616), which will lead you to Altyn Asyr Bazar located in the Bagtyyarlyk district of Ashgabat. The journey should take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available nearby the bazar.

3.Walking:If you're already in Ashgabat and within walking distance, you can walk to Altyn Asyr Bazar from your accommodation. Use a map app to guide you along the route to coordinates (38.0447403, 58.421616). Ensure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes as the walk may take about 30 minutes.

2.Russian Bazaar

Location and area:Another bazaar you can find in the capital of Turkmenistan is the Russian Bazaar.It is located at 72 Azadi Street in Ashgabat, köçesi Turkmenistan.The russian bazaar is the largest and oldest covered market in Turkmenistan.The Russian bazaar was designed by the Russian architect Vladimir Visotin and was part of a series of buildings that was built under what was called the 'Ashgabat Reconstruction Program’ from 1970-1980. Therefore, the market is also built in Soviet modern style, and the Turkmen sculptor Klych Yarmamedov was given the task of decorating it. He added, among other things, a large, abstract, sculpture in the middle of it all, and which the Turkmen call ‘bowl of gazelles’. It also has a practical function in that it covers the air duct to the market.The Russian Bazaar was remodeled in 2001 and was covered with white marble – as is the tradition in Turkmenistan.

Commodity category:Russian market commodities are rich and diverse, covering food, daily necessities, clothing, crafts and other categories.These include a variety of fresh beef and mutton, which are an important part of the Turkmen diet, as well as specialty meat products from Russia, such as sausages and ham. You can also find various brands and grades of vodka in the market. In addition, alcoholic beverages such as wine produced locally in Turkmenistan are also available. There are many local characteristics in this, such as Turkmenistan's handmade carpet is famous in the world, woven with fine wool, exquisite workmanship and exquisite patterns, in addition, there are Russian nesting dolls, painted wooden boxes and other handicrafts, with high artistic value and collection value.

Opening hours：Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 22:00

3.Arkach

Location and area:Located on проспектМахтумкули Street, Ashgabat, it opened on March 17, 2024. Covering 4.7 hectares, the facility covers an area of more than 55,377 square meters.

Commodity category:The shopping and entertainment center facilities cover an area of more than 55,377 square meters with a wide variety of goods and services.In addition to the many shops, visitors can also experience a playground, cinema, children's entertainment centre, beauty salon, gym, pharmacy, restaurant and cafe and other facilities.On one side of the central building of the mall, there is a business center that harmonizes with the overall design. The business center has 12 floors and a total area of more than 25,000 square meters.In addition, the mall has an open-air car park with 330 parking Spaces, an underground car park with 146 parking Spaces, and a multi-storey car park with 400 parking Spaces.