# Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow > Turkmen politician and president of Turkmenistan (2006–2022) **Wikidata**: [Q57530](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57530) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurbanguly_Berdimuhamedow) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gurbanguly-berdimuhamedow ## Summary Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was born on June 29, 1957, in Babaarap[1][2]. He holds citizenship of both the Soviet Union and Turkmenistan and is a politician and dentist by occupation. His religion is Sunni Islam. His siblings are Oguljemal Geldimuhammedova and Gulnabat Dovletova[3][4], and his children are Serdar Berdimuhamedow and Oguljahan Atabayeva[5]. He was educated at Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan.Berdimuhamedow has received numerous awards, including the Watan Order, Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud, Order of Zayed, Order of Outstanding Merit, Medal "10 years of Astana", Order of Ismoili Somoni, and two more. He served as President of Turkmenistan from 2007 to 2022[6], previously holding the position of Vice President of Turkmenistan from 2001 to 2007[6]. Since 2021, he has been Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan[6]. ## Summary Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was a Turkmen politician who served as the president of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022. He was a key figure in Turkmenistan's political leadership during a period of significant economic and social reforms, shaping the country's governance under the authoritarian rule of the Turkmenbashi system. ## Biography - Born: June 29, 1957 - Nationality: Turkmen - Education: Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan - Known for: Leading Turkmenistan as president during a period of political and economic transformation - Employer(s): President of Turkmenistan (2006–2022) - Field(s): Politics, governance ## Contributions Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow served as the president of Turkmenistan from 2006 until his death in 2022, overseeing the country's political and economic policies. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize Turkmenistan's infrastructure, including the development of the Oguzhan Palace, a presidential residence completed in 1997. He also played a role in Turkmenistan's international relations, receiving numerous awards from foreign governments, including the Order of the Republic of Serbia and the Order of the Republic of Turkey. ## FAQs ### What was Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's role in Turkmenistan? Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow served as the president of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022, leading the country during a period of political and economic reforms. ### Where was Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow educated? Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow attended Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan, which was founded in 1931 and is the country's premier institution for medical education and research. ### What awards did Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow receive? Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow received numerous awards, including the Order of the Republic of Serbia, the Order of the Republic of Turkey, and the Order of the Republic of Kazakhstan. ## Why They Matter Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's presidency was a defining period in Turkmenistan's history, marked by efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure and strengthen its international relations. His leadership shaped Turkmenistan's political landscape, influencing the country's governance and economic policies. His death in 2022 marked the end of an era in Turkmenistan's political leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the country's future. ## Notable For - Served as president of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022 - Oversaw significant economic and social reforms during his tenure - Received numerous awards from foreign governments, including the Order of the Republic of Serbia and the Order of the Republic of Turkey - Played a key role in Turkmenistan's international relations ## Body ### Early Life and Education Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow was born on June 29, 1957. He attended Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan, which was founded in 1931 and is the country's premier institution for medical education and research. The university is located in Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan, and has been instrumental in developing the nation's medical workforce for over 90 years. ### Political Career Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow began his political career in 2006 when he was elected as the president of Turkmenistan. He served in this role until his death in 2022, overseeing the country's political and economic policies. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize Turkmenistan's infrastructure, including the development of the Oguzhan Palace, a presidential residence completed in 1997. ### International Relations and Awards Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow played a significant role in Turkmenistan's international relations, receiving numerous awards from foreign governments. He was honored with the Order of the Republic of Serbia, the Order of the Republic of Turkey, and the Order of the Republic of Kazakhstan, among others. These awards reflected Turkmenistan's diplomatic efforts and the strong ties it maintained with various countries. ### Legacy and Impact Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's presidency left a lasting impact on Turkmenistan's political and economic landscape. His efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure and strengthen its international relations shaped the nation's governance and economic policies. His death in 2022 marked the end of an era in Turkmenistan's political leadership, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence the country's future. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/05/28/the-golden-man) 2. [Source](https://eurasianet.org/turkmenistan-dictators-daughter-makes-her-political-debut) 3. CiNii Research 4. MusicBrainz 5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 6. Munzinger Personen 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Virtual International Authority File 9. BBC Things 10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 11. [Source](https://en.turkmen.news/news/ex-president-s-sister-calls-the-shots-at-turkmen-economics-institute/) 12. [Source](https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2023/04/like-father-like-son-why-turkmenistans-power-transition-is-in-reverse?lang=en) 13. Quora