Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is home to magnificent Islamic architecture including the grand Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The city reflects the deep Islamic heritage of the Turkmen people, who embraced Islam in the 10th-11th centuries and developed a rich Sufi tradition. Modern Ashgabat continues to honor its Islamic identity with beautifully designed mosques and cultural centers that serve the predominantly Muslim population.