By Amanda Mochan
Last month saw Ashgabat in Turkmenistan set a new world record for the largest architectural star.
The glass construction, which has a total area of 3,240 sq. m. (34,875 sq. ft.) is built into the façade of the 211-m (692-ft) tall Turkmenistan Broadcasting Centre tower on a hill overlooking the city.
The record-setting star was built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and to showcase Turkmenistan's 'golden age' - a period of rapid growth and increased quality of life.
Guinness World Records was invited to visit Turkmenistan and I
had the honor of awarding the certificate to Mr. Alovov Sadurdy
Atayevich, Head of the Turkmenistan's state committee of
television, radio and cinematography.
The people of Turkmenistan have many reasons to be proud of the
achievement. The architectural star is not only a
record-setting structure, but it also promotes traditional Turkmen
culture to the world, as the structure is in the shape of the Oguz
Khan star, the national emblem of the nation.
The Oguz Khan star is prevalent throughout Ashgabat, and is incorporated into the design of everything from buildings to streetlamps to carpets - a specialty of Turkmenistan.
The record marks the fourth set recently in Turkmenistan. The
country previously held the records for the 'largest hand-woven
carpet' and the 'tallest unsupported flagpole', and currently holds
the record for the 'most fountain pools in a public place', at 27
in Ashgabat.
On behalf of Guinness World Records, congratulations to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and the people of Turkmenistan for their record-setting achievement, and best wishes for future growth and prosperity.
