# Saparmurat Niyazov

> President of Turkmenistan from 1990 to 2006

**Wikidata**: [Q82918](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q82918)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saparmurat_Niyazov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saparmurat-niyazov

## Summary
Saparmurat Niyazov was the President of Turkmenistan from 1990 until his death in 2006, serving as the country's first and longest-serving leader after its independence from the Soviet Union. He established himself as a dominant political figure who shaped Turkmenistan's political system and cultural identity during his 16-year presidency.

## Biography
- Born: 1940-02-19
- Nationality: Turkmenistan
- Education: Higher Party School at the Central Committee of the CPSU
- Known for: President of Turkmenistan from 1990 to 2006
- Employer(s): Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Higher Party School at the Central Committee of the CPSU
- Field(s): politics, specifically as a politician

## Contributions
Saparmurat Niyazov made several significant contributions during his presidency:
- Established the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan as the ruling party since 1991
- Authored the book "Ruhnama" (1999), which became a central cultural text in Turkmenistan
- Commissioned the National anthem of Turkmenistan and the Walk of Health hiking trail
- Received multiple state awards including the Order of Friendship of Peoples (1972), Medal "For Labour Valour" (1938), and the Hero of Turkmenistan award (1992)
- Received honorary doctorate from Baku State University in Azerbaijan
- Received Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots from Armenia (1993)

## FAQs
### What was Saparmurat Niyazov's role in Turkmenistan's government?
He served as the President of Turkmenistan from 1990 until his death on December 21, 2006, making him the country's first and longest-serving leader after independence from the Soviet Union.

### What was his most notable cultural contribution?
He authored "Ruhnama" (1999), a book that became a central cultural text in Turkmenistan, containing philosophical and historical content about Turkmen identity and values.

### What awards did he receive during his political career?
Niyazov received several state awards including the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples (1972), Medal "For Labour Valour" (1938), and the Soviet Jubilee Medal commemorating Lenin's birth centenary (1969). He also received the Turkmenistan state award "Hero of Turkmenistan" (1992) and the Armenian Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots (1993).

### What was his educational background?
He attended the Higher Party School at the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which was a political school for party officials.

### What political party did he lead?
He led the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, which has ruled Turkmenistan since its foundation in 1991.

## Why They Matter
Saparmurat Niyazov's presidency fundamentally transformed Turkmenistan's political landscape. He established a highly centralized authoritarian system that remained in place after his death, with his legacy continuing through his son Serdar Berdimuhamedow who succeeded him. His policies created a unique cultural identity centered around Turkmen heritage and his own personality cult. The country's political system, economic structure, and international relations were all shaped under his leadership, making him a pivotal figure in Central Asian geopolitics.

## Notable For
- First and longest-serving President of Turkmenistan (1990-2006)
- Author of "Ruhnama" (1999), a central cultural text in Turkmenistan
- Commissioned the National anthem of Turkmenistan and the Walk of Health hiking trail
- Received the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples (1972) and Medal "For Labour Valour" (1938)
- Awarded the Turkmenistan state honor "Hero of Turkmenistan" (1992)
- Received honorary doctorate from Baku State University in Azerbaijan
- Received Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots from Armenia (1993)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Saparmurat Niyazov was born on February 19, 1940. His early education included attendance at the Higher Party School at the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which prepared him for political leadership positions within the Soviet system.

### Political Career
Niyazov began his political career within the Soviet system before Turkmenistan's independence. He rose through the ranks of the Communist Party and became a key figure in Turkmenistan's transition to independence. On October 27, 1991, Turkmenistan officially declared independence from the Soviet Union, and Niyazov was elected as the country's first president. He served continuously until his death on December 21, 2006.

### Leadership and Policies
As president, Niyazov established a highly centralized authoritarian system that emphasized national unity and Turkmen identity. His leadership style was characterized by personality cult elements, with his image appearing on national currency, monuments, and public spaces. He implemented policies that focused on national development, particularly in the energy sector, and maintained a neutral foreign policy while building diplomatic relations with major global powers.

### Cultural Projects
Niyazov initiated several significant cultural projects that defined Turkmenistan's national identity:
- Commissioned the creation of the National anthem of Turkmenistan
- Authorized the construction of the Walk of Health, a hiking trail in Turkmenistan
- Authored and published "Ruhnama" (1999), a comprehensive work on Turkmen history, culture, and philosophy that became required reading in schools and government institutions

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Niyazov received numerous honors and awards:
- Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples (1972)
- Soviet Medal "For Labour Valour" (1938)
- Soviet Jubilee Medal commemorating Lenin's birth centenary (1969)
- Turkmenistan state award "Hero of Turkmenistan" (1992)
- Armenian Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots (1993)
- Honorary doctorate from Baku State University in Azerbaijan

### Legacy
Niyazov's legacy is complex and controversial. While his presidency brought stability and economic development to Turkmenistan, it also established a system of authoritarian rule that limited political freedoms and suppressed dissent. His personality cult and centralized control shaped Turkmenistan's political culture for decades after his death. His son Serdar Berdimuhamedow succeeded him as president in 2006, continuing many of his father's policies while attempting to introduce some reforms.

### Political Institutions
Niyazov established and maintained the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan as the sole ruling party since 1991. He also oversaw the development of the country's political institutions, including the National Council and the Assembly of Turkmenistan, which function under his centralized authority.

### International Relations
Under Niyazov's leadership, Turkmenistan maintained diplomatic relations with numerous countries and international organizations. The country joined the United Nations in 1992 and became a member of various international bodies including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. His neutral foreign policy positioned Turkmenistan as a key player in Central Asian geopolitics.

### Cultural Impact
Niyazov's cultural initiatives had a lasting impact on Turkmenistan's national identity. The "Ruhnama" became a symbol of Turkmen culture and was used to promote national unity and values. His emphasis on Turkmen heritage and language helped preserve the country's cultural identity during its transition from Soviet rule.

## References

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