| | After the fall of the Soviet Union, Saparmurat Niyazov retained control of Turkmenistan. He proclaimed independence in 1991 and became its first president. Niyazov is widely known for his massive cult of personality. He believes his nation is 'devoid of a national identity', so he has attempted to rebuild the country in his own image. The Turkmen currency carries his image, his statues and large portraits are found across the capital Ashgabat. His book 'Rukhnama' is required reading in all schools and government employees must memorise passages to keep their jobs.
| |  |
