Andrew Rowat

The Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The base of the monument was inspired by the round tents, called yurts or gers, that the nomadic tribes of Turkmenistan live in. Locally however, it is known as the Toilet Plunger.
A Drop of Water is Grain of Gold Day celebration in Independence Park in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
A Drop of Water is Grain of Gold Day celebration in Independence Park in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
A grocery store in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. Turkmenbashi was formerly known as Krasnovodsk under Soviet rule.
A bust of Saparmurat Niyazov (aka Turkmenbashi) at a roadside diner near Konye Urgench in Turkmenistan.
The Russian Bazaar (aka Russki Bazaar) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
It seems that everyone, and I mean everyone in Ashgabat has a satellite dish. You can go for the cheaper Russian version, or get all the US channels (and hundreds more) for about $100. One-time fee only including all the hardware and illegal subscription.
This is the view from the 6th floor of “Five Legs” aka the Trade Center – a building with fountains running down the side of it and a shopping mall (and restaurants) inside. It was built to commemorate the fifth year of independence. This particular view
The circus was banned under Turkmenbashi’s rule as it was not a traditional Turkmen pastime, having been introduced by the Soviets. Current president (Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow) is planning to re-open it. There is also a second hand book shop on the outs
The circus was banned under Turkmenbashi’s rule as it was not a traditional Turkmen pastime, having been introduced by the Soviets. Current president (Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow) is planning to re-open it. There is also a second hand book shop on the outs