Neutrality Monument

Monument of Neutrality

Bitaraplyk binasy (Turkmen)
Location	Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Builder	Polimeks
Type	Arch
Height	95 m (312 ft)
Completion date	1998

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",^[1] was 75 metres (246 ft) tall and was built in 1998 on the orders of the president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, to commemorate the country's official position of neutrality.^[2] It cost $12 million to construct. The monument was topped by a 12-metre (39 ft) tall gold-plated statue of Niyazov which rotated always to face the sun.^[2][3] The arch was located in central Ashgabat where it dominated the skyline, being taller than the nearby Presidential Palace.^[2] The statue was illuminated at night. The arch featured a panoramic viewing platform which was a popular attraction for visitors.^[2]