The tallest structure in the Turkmen capital, the monument, built in 1998, is one of the main attractions in the city.

The Arch of Neutrality is also seen as the symbol of Niyazov’s policy of developing a personality cult. Calling himself “Turkmenbashi” (Father of the Turkmen), the president for life not only named cities and airports after himself, but also renamed months in honor of his family members.

Turkmenbashi ruled the energy-rich former Soviet state for 21 years and died in 2006.

His successor, President Berdymukhammedov, has removed most of Niyazov’s portraits from the outsides of buildings and has had Turkmenbashi’s name excised from the national anthem.

The new leader has also introduced some reforms and positive changes.

However, there are fears that Berdymukhammedov might be moving to create a personality cult of his own. While some bans have been removed, new restrictions and censorship rules have been introduced.

Among the Turkmen president’s latest ambitious plans is investing around $700 million into improving the architectural look of the capital, which is a huge sum for a state with an average monthly salary of about 150 euros.

Just building a replacement for the Arch of Neutrality – a 95-meter tall project called Neutrality Monument – will cost $217.8 million, Itar-Tass reported.

Turkmen authorities also plan to construct a new Center of Culture worth $90.3 million and a complex of buildings worth $327.4 million, including a military institute, a central house of officers and a military school for 600 cadets.

The construction works are expected to be carried out by Turkish company Polymex.