Neutrality Monument

Monument of Neutrality (Turkmen: Bitaraplyk arkasy) is a monument originally located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. In 2010, it was moved to the suburbs. The three-legged arch, which became known locally as "The Tripod", was 75 metres (246 ft) tall and was built in 1998 on the orders of the president of Turkmenistan, Saparmyrat Nyýazow, to commemorate the country's official position of neutrality. It cost $12 million to construct. The monument was topped by a 12-metre (39 ft) tall gold-plated statue of Nyýazow which rotated always to face the sun. The arch was located in central Ashgabat where it dominated the skyline, being taller than the nearby Presidential Palace. The statue was illuminated at night. The arch featured a panoramic viewing platform which was a popular attraction for visitors.