Altyn Asyr Bazaar

ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN - NOVEMBER 27: Altyn Asyr is the largest market in Turkmenistan, and the fifth-largest in Central Asia. It is located in the outskirts of Ashgabat, in the residential area Choganly. It was built to resemble the shape a Turkmen carpet ornament of Ahal Province. The market covers 154 hectares. At the heart of the bazaar is a tall clock tower, its main landmark. There are 2,155 shops in the market. It was built to replace the demolished Tolkuchka bazaar, and is an extensive market sprawled across the desert suburbs of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a few kilometres from the city centre. It is the largest open air market in Central Asia.It is noted in particular for its sale of large red Turkmen rugs. The market thrives especially on Sundays and sells a massive range of goods, including Turkmen carpets, handicrafts, silks, jewelry, jeans, laundry soap, plastic bags, and bales of rice. It also has a notable camel market. (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images)