"The Complex of the Future" That Is Cracking Apart: An Open Appeal to the International Organizations That Granted It Awards

"The Complex of the Future" That Is Cracking Apart: An Open Appeal to the International Organizations That Granted It Awards Serious concerns have once again emerged regarding the quality of one of Turkmenistan's most heavily promoted construction projects — the Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Complex, which includes residential buildings and was presented by state propaganda as a symbol of the country's modernization and prosperity. According to local residents, cracks began appearing in the walls approximately one year after people moved into the buildings. Despite repeated repair work, the problems continue to reappear. Cracks return, door and window frames become distorted, and apartment owners, as well as commercial tenants, are forced to bear the ongoing costs of repairing construction defects. The situation is particularly ironic considering the grand opening ceremony, attended by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan. At the time, Turkmen state media described the project as a "complex of the future," "the most environmentally friendly," and "the largest multifunctional shopping and entertainment center." State media also reported that the complex had received several international awards, including: German Council of Shopping Places (Germany) — award "For Construction Based on Advanced Technologies"; Docklands Academy (London, United Kingdom) — Certificate of Excellence 2021; Vorarlberger Architektur Institut (Austria) — award "For Distinctive Architectural Design." These facts raise important questions. Dear representatives of the German Council of Shopping Places, Docklands Academy, and Vorarlberger Architektur Institut, Are you aware that the building your organizations recognized with awards and certificates reportedly began developing structural cracks shortly after it was put into operation and has since required repeated repairs? Did your organizations conduct an independent technical assessment of the building's construction quality, structural durability, and safety, or were your awards based primarily on architectural design, aesthetics, or the project's presentation? If your awards are intended to serve as internationally recognized indicators of quality, are you prepared to publicly comment on the current condition of this complex? If serious construction defects are confirmed, would you consider requesting additional information, conducting a new assessment, or reviewing your previous decision? These questions are important not only for the residents of Turkmenistan but also for the credibility of international organizations whose awards are used by state media as proof of exceptional construction quality. Particular attention should also be paid to statements made by local residents claiming that the complex was built on land that had previously been a low-lying area where groundwater accumulated. If these reports are accurate, they warrant an independent engineering and geological investigation. Unfortunately, instead of openly addressing these concerns, the public continues to hear only official declarations celebrating success. One is left with the impression that cracks are permitted to appear only in the walls—but never in official reports. The laws of engineering, however, are not subject to the rules of state propaganda. For this reason, we call for an independent international technical inspection of the complex, with its findings made fully public. Residents have the right to know whether their homes are safe, and international organizations have the right—and arguably the responsibility—to understand how their awards are being used to promote projects that now raise serious concerns about construction quality and public safety.