Ashgabat was essentially flattened by an earthquake (measuring 9 on the Richter scale) on October 6, 1948. ..Around 2/3 of the population perished and only a handful of buildings survived. Turkmenbashi lost his mother and brothers during the earthquake. Hence, the gold statue of the boy (young Turkmenbashi) being saved...The earthquake museum that stands below the statue is supposed to house pre-earthquake photos of Ashgabat. Sadly, it's open only one day a year, on the earthquake's anniversary.
The unofficial exchange rate is 23,600 manats to $1. The official exchange rate is approximately 5,000 manats to $1. Big difference...Money changers work openly in the markets or on this street, known as Wall Street, right near the American Embassy. Hand your $ into the window, have faith, and a stack of manats will be handed to you. This stack represents the equivalent of about $50.
