Ruhy Mosque. Turkmenistan

Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque, also known as the Gypjak Mosque, was Commissioned by Turkmenistan's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, this architectural masterpiece was completed in 2004; It is currently the largest mosque in all of Central Asia. And like most other buildings in Ashgabat is of white marble, though, probably cladded, much like a 70's teak veneer dining room table.

Located just outside Ashgabat, it is a mix blend of traditional Islamic architecture and Turkmen influences. Read pointless opulence, people starve yet money is wasted on vanity projects; think charidees who beg for your money, most of which is spent on overpaid ceo's with lavish offices and expense accounts.

It was constructed by a French company as there was no one in the country with the expertise needed to construct the free-standing dome. Shudda gone with a flat roof and slapped on some hammerite metal paint, keep the cost down, feed the people; I'm sure his imaginary friend would understand.

It has a fucking big dome which shines bright in the sun, measuring over 150 feet in height, is visible from miles away four ever so tall minarets,each exactly 91 metres tall, to signify the 1991 independence from the USSR.; all are gold plated no less, pretty much like that 70's lothario peter stringfellow and his bath taps.

The mosque is controversial, instead of just text from the Quran Niyazov's scribblings, The "Ruhnama" (The Book of the Soul) have been carved/built into the walls and the books themselves are displayed side by side, reminds me of that 70's pop classic by Carly Simon "you're so vain".

It can accommodate up to 10,000 but Many Muslims consider the implied equality of the Quran and the Ruhnama as blasphemous and heretical. Ha, that's you put in your place, guess there will be no 72 virgins for your entertainment and amusement!

The Grand Prayer Hall features white column and an intricately decorated central dome.

The space is illuminated by extensive, large golden chandeliers.

When it was built Niyazov, in his vanity had a mausoleum constructed in the grounds. I mean honestly? get over yaself.

He died two years after it was opened for business and was buried in the mausoleum on 24 December 2006.

You enter Niyazov's mausoleum you get to a second level of an octagonal, chamber, here you can if you wish look down on his grave slab and some of his family members... most of whom had been killed in the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake and were moved here after the mausoleum was completed, bet that was a pleasant task.

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