The opening ceremony of the country's first smart city, Arkadag (Patron), which has been under construction since 2019, was held in the picturesque Kopet Dag mountains 30km from the Turkmen capital. The title is officially reserved for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who led the country for some 15 years and who was succeeded after alternative elections in March 2022 by his son Serdar, 41.
Berdimuhamedov senior is now head of the highest representative body, the People's Council, and is recognised by the Constitutional Law as the country's National Leader.
He celebrated his 66th birthday on Thursday and travelled the same day to Mecca, the holy city for Muslims, to perform Hajj rites, local TV channel Altyn Asyr reports.
The opening ceremony was attended by the acting president and numerous dignitaries. More than 20 international certificates and diplomas recognising achievements in various fields were awarded to Arkadag City, the government press office said.
The new city of "state importance" uses solar panels, wind generators and electric-powered public transport. Artificial intelligence controls street lighting and car traffic.
The International Horse Breeding Academy, equestrian circus, historical museum, drama theatre, wedding palace, hundreds of cottages and multi-storey houses as well as a children's medical rehabilitation centre. have been built in Arkadag, which is designed to accommodate more than 70,000 people.
The local Ministry of Construction told Daryo that more than $5bn is being invested in the innovative project, which will be fully spent in the next three to four years.
Credits: Eziz Boyarov, Ashgabat
Comments (0)