Saparmurat Niyazov

Saparmurat Niyazov (born February 19, 1940) is the President of Turkmenistan.

On October 22, 1993 he re-named himself Turkmenbashi[?], which means "Leader of all Turkmens". On December 29, 1999 he was proclaimed President for Life.

Niyazov is an authoritarian leader and is well known for his massive cult of personality.

After an alleged assassination attempt against him on November 25, 2002, the Turkmen authorities proceeded to massive arrests of suspected conspirators and members of their families.

External link

Official webpage: http://www.turkmenbashi.org/