Altyn Asyr Bazaar

The Clocktower at the center of the new Altyn Asyr bazaar.

Oriental bazaar Altyn Asyr (Template:Lang-tk) also known locally as Täze jygyldyk (Template:Lang-ru; New tolkuchka^[1]) is the largest market in Turkmenistan, and the fifth-largest in Central Asia.^[2] It is located in the outskirts of Ashgabat, in the residential area Choganly. It was built to resemble the shape a Turkmen carpet ornament of Ahal Province. The market covers 154 hectares. At the heart of the bazaar is a tall clock tower, its main landmark. There are 2,155 shops in the market.

It was built to replace the demolished Tolkuchka bazaar, and is an extensive market sprawled across the desert suburbs of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a few kilometres from the city centre. It is the largest open air market in Central Asia.^[3] It is noted in particular for its sale of large red Turkmen rugs. The market thrives especially on Sundays and sells a massive range of goods, including Turkmen carpets, handicrafts, silks, jewelry, jeans, laundry soap, plastic bags, and bales of rice. It also has a notable camel market.

History and architecture

The oriental Bazaar Altyn Asyr was opened in 2011 with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The new market features unique architecture. The complex resembles a carpet pattern from a bird's eye view. The bazaar includes a hotel that can accommodate a hundred guests, and there are several cafes and bistros on the grounds.

In 2013 the market was equipped with telephone equipment and high-speed Internet.^[4]