Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Nicknamed "the plunger" in recognition of its resemblance to the plumbing tool

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Saparmurat Niyazov, or Turkmenbasy, was the first president of the Republic of Turkmenistan, taking office when the USSR was dissolved. He established a cult of personality. Among other efforts, was to erect a variety of garish or vulgar monuments, often of himself throughout the country. Visible here is the Independence Monument, which has been nicknamed "the plunger" in recognition of its resemblance to the plumber's helper.

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Size: 3756px × 4716px
Location: Independence Park, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Photo credit: © Arthur Greenberg / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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