The Epoch of the Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi

Giant billboards featuring photos of the late President, gold statues and monuments virtually saturate the former Soviet country. The President's insignia appears on the State owned television network, and school children each day were pledge an oath to their President, before his death in December 2006 which followed a heart attack. President Niyazov was a leader of Soviet Turmenistan under communist rule until independance was achieved on October 27 1991, more than a decade ago.

Mr. Niyazov remained leader and self-appointed President for life until his death at the age of 66. His book "Ruhnama" he wrote to inspire the population with his thoughts and philosophies on how life should be in Turkmenistan. He believed every home should have a copy and it should be regarded as the family's 'holy book'. His adopted slogan for the country was "Halk, Watan, Turkmenbashi" which means People, Homeland, Turkmenbashi.

President Niyazov had no opposition. There is no democracy in Turmenistan. All newspapers and the television are State owned and operated. In an impoverished country with living standards on the decline, the President lived in a Palace with a gold dome atop, in a city where a 12 metre high gold statue of him revolves around a 23 metre high tower. He and his country came a long way in the World and they have the carpet to prove it. The carpet is now known as 'The Epoch of the Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi'. A fitting tribute to the late President.