A country’s capital city is usually a political centre, a travel hub, and bustling with the activity of the millions of people who live there.
But one capital has been branded the world’s weirdest city because, despite its beauty, the streets are always empty.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is famous for its white marble buildings, many statues, and strange rules.
Travel blogger Drew Binsky travelled there and explained why Ashgabat is a city unlike any other.
He said: “Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is the world’s strangest city. Here’s why.
“Believe it or not, Turkmenistan’s natural gas makes it one of the richest countries in the region. The majority of this money goes directly into making the capital city look amazing.
“80 percent of all buildings are covered in white marble imported from Italy. In fact, so much marble was used that it won a Guinness World Record.
“Between its manicured gardens, elegant fountains and detailed statues, it feels like a strange version of Disneyland in the desert.
“But, despite the size and beauty of this city, the streets are shockingly empty.
“You get that feeling that someone is watching over you like North Korea, and it is intimidating to take photos.
“The former dictator’s weird laws will leave you scratching your head. He named all of the months after his family members, banned cirucues because they are too noisy, and he made it illegal to have pet dogs because he doesn’t like the smell.”
“Asghabat is definitely one of the world’s most interesting cities. I highly recommend it.”
The city was made the capital of what is Turkmenistan today during the country’s time as a Soviet Republic.
After a huge earthquake in 1948, the city had to be completely rebuilt.
It was Saparmurat Niyazov, leader from 1985 until his death in 2006, who oversaw the ‘White City’ project.
Some say the empty streets could be due to Turkmenistan’s weather, where temperatures frequently rise above 40C.
The country’s totalitarian, hereditary leadership could also play a role.