Arkadag

Arkadag
Arkadag şäheri
Arkadag
Location in Turkmenistan
Coordinates: 38°4′N 58°4′E / 38.067°N 58.067°E / 38.067; 58.067
Country Turkmenistan
ProvinceAhal Province
Established20 December 2022
Named afterGurbanguly Berdimuhamedow
Government
 • Mayor (Häkim)Gülşat Mämmedowa
Area
 • Total
11.21 km2 (4.33 sq mi)
Population
 (2022)
 • Total
40,524
Time zoneUTC+5
Postcode
745700
Area code(+993) 12
Vehicle registrationAK
International AirportsAshgabat International Airport
Websitearkadag-shaheri.gov.tm

Arkadag (Turkmen arka "behind" + dag "mountain", connoting "protector") is a smart city in southern Turkmenistan. It became the regional capital of Ahal Province effective 20 December 2022. It is a largely greenfield development started in 2019 with an initial budget of $1.5 billion. The city was named in honor of former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, father of sitting president Serdar Berdimuhamedow, who is officially entitled Arkadag. Uniquely among Turkmen cities, Arkadag is by law designated a "city of state importance".