The Earthquake Monument in Ashgabat, commemorates the devastating 1948 earthquake that struck the city. The earthquake, measuring around 7.3 on the Richter scale, virtually destroyed Ashgabat, killing approximately 110,000 people, including many children and government officials. The tragedy left a lasting impact on the city and the people of Turkmenistan.
The centerpiece of the monument is a large, black granite sculpture representing a bull holding the Earth on its horns. This imagery reflects ancient Turkmen mythology, where the Earth rests on the horns of a mighty bull. At the top of the bull’s horns, the Earth is depicted as shattered, symbolizing the catastrophic earthquake. Emerging from this fractured world is a golden statue of a mother lifting a child above the rubble, symbolizing hope and renewal.
The monument honors the memory of the victims while celebrating the resilience and renewal of Ashgabat.
