The logic of decisions made by the country's leadership, and in some states the political system, is largely determined by the personality of the main leader. the site continues to talk about the biographies, families and hobbies of the leaders of the post-Soviet republics. Previous articles were devoted to the chapters of Uzbekistan. Today the material is about the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov.
Son of a communist
The future holder of the title Arkadag (“patron”) was born in 1957 in the village of Babarap, fifty kilometers from Ashgabat, into an intelligent family of school teachers. The leader of Turkmenistan is proud of his parents; he periodically appears with them at public events. In Turkmenistan, military units, streets and squares are named in honor of Arkadag’s grandfather and father; their detailed biographies were published several years ago. From the books you can find out that the president’s grandfather Berdymukhamed Annayev was a rural teacher and school director, during the Great Patriotic War he fought with the rank of corporal, and was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor for his work. The president's father, Myalikguly Berdimuhamedov, is a historian by training, worked at school, then made a career as a correctional officer, rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the internal service, and worked in the apparatus of the Ministry of Fruit and Vegetable Farming of the Turkmen SSR. In the book “Loyal Son of the Motherland,” it is especially noted that the president’s father was a candidate member of the CPSU, was on the commission for preparing holidays in the party committee of the Ministry, and participated in various party and Komsomol meetings.
After graduating from school, the future leader decided to devote himself to healing people. At the age of 23, he graduated from the dental faculty of the Turkmen State Medical Institute and began working as a dentist in rural and urban clinics. In 1987, he went to Moscow for graduate school, and three years later he defended his thesis on the topic “Features of the clinic and pathogenesis of major dental diseases in children born to multiparous women.” Returning home, the future leader of the republic continued to treat patients’ teeth, at the same time deepened his knowledge and gradually became an associate professor, and then the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. In 2007, when he had already taken the presidency, it was announced that Berdymukhamedov would be awarded the degree of Doctor of Science in Medicine.
At the age of 40 he was appointed Minister of Health. This fact, as well as the fact that in the future he was not subject to numerous purges in the government, gave rise to various gossip. Allegedly, the rapid rise was facilitated by the fact that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is actually the illegitimate son of the former President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov. Moreover, the external similarity between the former and current leaders is striking. If we hypothetically present this version as true, it turns out that the current leader was born when Niyazov was only 17 years old.
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Family
The president has many relatives, but very little is known about what they do. Some information can be gleaned from a memo from employees of the US Embassy in Ashgabat for State Department employees in Washington, which was published by the Wikileaks portal. It follows from the document that the Turkmen leader has two daughters and a son, Serdar. The eldest daughter Guljahon lives in London and is married to Ilasgeldy Amanov, a representative of the Turkmen State Agency for the Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources in the UK. The youngest Gulshan lives in Paris and is married to Derya Atabaev, an employee of the Turkmen embassy in France; the couple has a villa on the Cote d'Azur. American diplomats also wrote that, according to rumors, Berdymukhamedov has an unofficial Russian wife named Marina, who previously worked as a nurse in the same dental clinic where the head of state worked. Marina, as well as her 22-year-old daughter with the president, according to American embassy workers, lived in London during the period of writing the note in 2010.
More information about son Serdar, born in 1981. In 2001, he received an engineering degree from the Turkmen Agricultural University and since then has become a doctor of science, a member of parliament, a lieutenant colonel, an honored trainer of the country, and in March 2018 he was appointed deputy minister of foreign affairs. Serdar has a wife, three daughters and a son.
Gurbanguly was the only son of his parents, but he has five sisters. Some of them occupy positions of responsibility, for example Gulnabat heads the national organization of the Red Crescent.
Recently, his grandson Kerimguly, the son of his eldest daughter Guljakhon, has often appeared in public with the president. In the summer, Turkmen television showed how the head of state and his grandson performed a rap of their own composition.
All that is known about the president’s wife is that her name is Ogulgerek, and she is the same age as her husband. Sometimes Berdymukhamedov appears in public with his wife, but extremely rarely; she does not give interviews. Arkadag does not like to let others into his family life. But he himself has recently been present in almost every wedding photograph in the country: since 2013, all newlyweds have been required to take a photo in the registry office with the portrait of the president in the background
Handyman
The President of Turkmenistan has many diverse interests. His list of hobbies also includes sports, which he has been involved in since childhood. At the age of 15, the future leader of the nation became the champion of Ashgabat in freestyle wrestling, and a year later - the champion of the republic in shooting. Now he has many sports titles in various international sports associations and federations, personally participates in horse racing and auto racing, and watches football competitions with interest.
Another area of interest is music. The head of state plays the guitar, accordion, keyboards and drums, and composes songs in various genres, from pop and pop to rap. He also loves to sing, both songs of his own composition and those of other authors. This year, the president congratulated the women of the republic on March 8, performing Igor Sarukhanov’s song “Kara-kum”.
Berdymukhamedov also loves to invent and assemble equipment. State television recently showed how the president personally designed and then built a racing car from his own drawings.
But the biggest hobby of the leader of Turkmenistan is writing books, which are translated into many languages of the world by a special staff of translators in the country. Berdimuhamedov wrote volumes, including on the importance of sports, the need to get an education, the benefits of drinking tea, the beauty of music and nature, the importance of water for the national economy, horse breeding, and spiritual self-improvement. The encyclopedic collection in 9 volumes “Medicinal Herbs of Turkmenistan” is recommended for use by all medical institutions of the republic. His latest opus, published in 2018, is called “The Teachings of Arkadag - the basis of health and inspiration.”
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President of Turkmenistan
President of Turkmenistan. Since 1997, he headed the Ministry of Health. In 2001, he became Deputy Prime Minister in charge of healthcare, education and science, and since 2004 - culture and media. In December 2006, he became the acting president of Turkmenistan, in February 2007 he was elected president of the country, and in February 2012 he was re-elected for a second term. Head of the government. Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, Army General, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.
In 1995, Berdimuhamedov became director of the dental center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. On May 28, 1997, he was appointed Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. In addition, in 1998, Berdimuhamedov became the head of the Saparmurat Niyazov International Medical Center. On April 3, 2001, Berdimuhamedov, in addition to his ministerial position, became Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Turkmenistan, responsible for healthcare, education and science, and since August 2004, he also began to oversee culture and the media.
Berdymukhamedov's activities as minister and vice president were practically not covered in the media, as was the work of other high-ranking Turkmen officials. It is known that in November 2002, he ordered to expand the experiment of renaming the days of the week and months of the year, as well as replacing the traditional greeting “Salam Aleikum” in favor of Niyazov’s “Rukhnama” and “Shamchirag”. In July 2003, Berdymukhamedov headed the state commission for admission to higher educational institutions, which became possible to enter only after two years of work in the chosen specialty, and not immediately after graduation. It was planned to enroll 3,920 students in 16 Turkmen universities from July 9 to August 9, 2003. In November 2003, Berdymukhamedov received a reprimand from Turkmen President Niyazov for the low level of qualifications of Turkmen doctors, but retained his post. In April 2004, Niyazov fined Berdymukhamedov an amount equal to three months' salary for the fact that about half of the wage arrears in Turkmenistan were in the education and health sectors. According to some reports, Berdymukhamedov was at one time Niyazov's personal physician.
On the one hand, Berdymukhamedov owed his government posts to the President of Turkmenistan, who personally periodically dismissed high-ranking officials, preventing them from gaining connections and strengthening their position in power. On the other hand, some experts named Berdimuhamedov among those officials who influenced such decisions of Niyazov, thereby eliminating competitors. Thus, in November 2002, Berdimuhamedov and the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the oil and gas industry, Elly Gurbanmuradov, allegedly managed to dismiss Rejep Saparov, who was appointed manager of the office of the President of Turkmenistan, from his post as Deputy Prime Minister. Experts then talked about an inevitable clash of interests between Berdimuhamedov and Gurbanmuradov and relied on the latter. On May 20, 2005, Gurbanmuradov was arrested on charges of corruption and cooperation with foreign intelligence services with the aim of political destabilization in the country. On July 2, 2005, Saparov, elected in August 2003 as Deputy Chairman of the People's Council (Khalk Maslakhaty), was arrested for bribery, illegal acquisition and storage of weapons, abuse and abuse of power. At the end of July 2005, Saparov and Gurbanmuradov were sentenced to 20 and 25 years in prison, respectively. Unofficial reports soon appeared that the latter had committed suicide.
According to some reports, in September 2004, Berdymukhamedov took part in a closed meeting of the President of Turkmenistan, held in a narrow circle. Niyazov was allegedly greatly frightened by the speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who declared on September 13, 2004 (after the Beslan events) that the heads of regions and republics would henceforth be appointed by the president of the country. According to experts, it seemed to Niyazov that the issue of the leader of Turkmenistan would soon be decided again in Moscow. To discuss the feasibility of holding an all-Turkmen referendum on the issue of “reunification with Russia,” he convened an emergency meeting, in which, to the surprise of experts, the heads of the presidential administration Saparov, his deputy Alexander Zhadan and Berdimuhamedov took part. It is reliably known that from September 13 to 15, 2004, the German heart surgeon Hans Meissner conducted another examination of Niyazov.
On November 28, 2006, Berdimuhamedov, instead of Niyazov, took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS. A year earlier, Niyazov appealed to the leaders of the CIS with a request to consider Turkmenistan not a permanent, but an associated member of this organization. In the fall of 2006, Berdymukhamedov, who was allegedly Niyazov’s illegitimate son, was called a possible successor to the president. True, according to experts, the same rumors circulated about the former head of the National Security Committee, Muhammad Nazarov, who was sentenced to 25 years in April 2004.
On the night of December 20-21, 2006, Niyazov died of sudden cardiac arrest. On December 21, 2006, Berdimuhamedov became the interim President of Turkmenistan. In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the powers of the country's president were to go to the chairman of the parliament (Majlis), and he did not have the right to participate in new elections, which were to be held no later than two months later. However, the chairman of the parliament, Ovezgeldy Atayev, was taken into custody, and the Security Council of Turkmenistan appointed Berdimuhamedov, who was also appointed head of the commission for organizing Niyazov’s funeral, as acting president. According to some experts, a coup has actually occurred in the country. On December 23, 2006, Berdymukhamedov relieved himself of his post as Minister of Health and Medical Industry, appointing Byashim Sopyev as acting minister. On December 24, 2006, Niyazov was buried, and an emergency congress of the People's Council was scheduled for December 26, 2006 to determine his likely successors.
On December 26, 2006, Berdymukhamedov was elected chairman of the congress of the People's Council, which on that day changed the constitution of Turkmenistan, adopted the law on presidential elections, set the date for presidential elections and approved six candidates. The congress delegates, at the proposal of the second secretary of the ruling Democratic Party Ondzhik Musayev, who allegedly remembered Niyazov’s posthumous will, amended the country’s basic law, allowing the deputy prime minister to serve as the president of the republic. The head of the Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan announced that the elections would take place on February 11, 2007. Then representatives of all five velayats (regions) and the capital of Turkmenistan, which has the status of a region, nominated ten candidates. The last - eleventh - was Berdymukhamedov, whose candidacy was proposed by Musaev. Each of the nominated candidates had to be approved as a presidential candidate by two-thirds of the votes of the members of the People's Council: only five out of ten passed this selection, while Berdymukhamedov was voted unanimously.
On February 11, 2007, Berdimuhamedov was elected president of Turkmenistan. Over 2.677 million residents of the country (98.65 percent of voters) took part in the elections, of which 89.23 percent cast their votes for Berdimuhamedov. Already on election day, the date for the inauguration of the new president was announced, despite the theoretical possibility of a second round of elections. On February 14, 2007, at a meeting of the People's Council, the final voting results were announced, Berdymukhamedov took the oath of office on the Constitution of Turkmenistan and received a presidential certificate from the hands of the chairman of the Central Election Commission. In accordance with the constitution of Turkmenistan, the president of the country is the head of the government - the cabinet of ministers.
On May 4, 2007, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan awarded President Berdimuhamedov, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, the rank of army general. Before him, this military rank in Turkmenistan was held only by Niyazov and two defense ministers - former Danatar Kopekov and current Agageldy Mamedgeldyev.
In the summer of 2007, President Berdimuhamedov received the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences and the title of professor in the specialty “Social Hygiene and Healthcare Organization.” This decision was made by the expert commission on medical sciences of the Supreme Council for Science and Technology of Turkmenistan based on Berdymukhamedov’s many years of scientific and practical activity. In August 2007, Berdymukhamedov was elected chairman of the National Movement "Galkynysh" ("Renaissance") and the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan.
In September 2007, during a visit to the United States, timed to coincide with a meeting of the UN General Assembly, Berdimuhamedov announced the impending reform of the economy and democratization of the country. Shortly thereafter, Berdymukhamedov began revamping his administration. Already in October, he made a number of reshuffles in the law enforcement agencies, replacing the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of National Security. In March 2008, Berdymukhamedov also replaced the prosecutor general and the leadership of the Supreme Court, and in April - the leadership of the Central Bank.
At the same time, in the second half of 2007, Turkmenistan, on the initiative of Berdimuhamedov, began to abandon a number of restrictions introduced during the reign of Niyazov. In December 2007, the ban on foreign periodicals was lifted, and in January 2008, on opera and circus. On July 1, 2008, Turkmenistan returned to the Gregorian calendar, abolished by Niyazov back in 2002.
Berdymukhamedov's economic policy at this time was characterized by a desire to get closer to the West. Thus, according to some reports, one of the topics of negotiations between Berdimuhamedov in the United States and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was supposed to be the opening of Turkmenistan’s gas sector to American investors. In October 2007, Turkmenistan, together with Georgia, refused to sign the CIS Development Concept, which envisaged, in particular, the formation of an “integrated economic and political association of interested states.” In November, it was reported that Berdymukhamedov supported the idea of building a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which would allow Europe to receive Turkmen gas bypassing Russia. Along with this, in December of the same year, a final agreement was reached between Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia to begin construction of the Caspian gas pipeline, which should increase the volume of Turkmen gas supplies to Russia.
On April 18, 2008, Berdymukhamedov announced the creation of a special commission whose task was to create a new edition of the Turkmen constitution. Her project, published in July 2008, implied, in particular, the abolition of the highest body of state power - the People's Council, whose powers were divided between the president and parliament. On September 26, 2008, at the last meeting of the People's Council, a new version of the constitution was adopted; according to some experts, it significantly increased the powers of the president.
In October 2008, the Izvestia newspaper talked about the published book “Teacher, warrior, citizen. The life-feat of Berdymukhamed Annayev,” dedicated to the story of the life of Berdymukhamedov’s paternal grandfather. The pedigree of the head of state and the history of his ancestral village of Yzgant were also given there. “It seems that the republic is smoothly entering the new era of Turkmenbashi-2,” the article noted. That same month, the World Karate Federation awarded President Berdymukhamedov with a 6th dan black belt "for his outstanding contribution to the development of the national sport." As Turkmen television reported, the President of Turkmenistan received a black belt in karate in connection with the 17th anniversary of the country's independence.
In January 2009, Berdymukhamedov announced the need for new reforms related to “the creation of a new basis for political, economic, social and cultural legislation.” Shortly after this, Berdimuhamedov reorganized the composition of the Turkmen government: Defense Minister Mamedgeldyev, Deputy Prime Minister Khojamyrad Geldymyradov, who oversaw the economy, as well as the Minister of Social Security, the Minister of Communications, the Minister of Energy and Industry and a number of other senior officials were dismissed. , . At the same time, Berdimuhamedov approved a new military doctrine for Turkmenistan, which preserved its neutral status and provided for a gradual transition of the army to a contract basis and modernization of weapons. Later, at the end of May 2009, Berdymukhamedov also replaced the Minister of Internal Affairs, and in July removed another Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Railway Transport and the Minister of Education, who was responsible for the economy.
In March 2009, Berdymukhamedov visited Moscow and held talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Meanwhile, among the signed documents there was no agreement on the construction of the East-West gas pipeline, which was supposed to supply the Caspian gas pipeline that was under construction. Experts explained this by the fact that Turkmenistan continues to consider options for building gas pipelines to Europe, bypassing Russia. In July 2009, after Gazprom refused to purchase previously agreed volumes of Turkmen gas, Turkmenistan announced an increase in gas supplies to Iran and the construction of a new Turkmen-Iranian gas pipeline. In addition, Berdymukhamedov announced his country's readiness to participate in the Nabucco gas pipeline project, which was supposed to bypass Russia. In December of the same year, in the presence of Berdymukhamedov, as well as the leaders of China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Hu Jintao, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Islam Karimov, the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline was opened, which, according to experts, significantly reduced the economic dependence of the Central Asian republics on Russia. A week after this, during Medvedev's visit to Turkmenistan, it was announced that gas supplies to Russia would be resumed starting in 2010 at a price corresponding to the conditions of the European gas market.
Although Berdymukhamedov stopped practicing medicine, at the end of July 2009, during the opening of a new cancer center dedicated to the Day of Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers of Turkmenistan, the president personally performed an operation to remove a benign tumor. That same month, Berdimuhamedov was elected academician of the Turkmen Academy of Sciences. In July 2010, Berdymukhamedov was also awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Economic Sciences “based on the totality of fundamental scientific works.”
On July 7, 2011, a series of explosions occurred in the Turkmen city of Abadan. While the country's official media reported pyrotechnics intended for fireworks igniting, killing fifteen people, non-government sources claimed explosions at an ammunition depot resulting in the deaths of nearly fourteen hundred people. Berdimuhamedov himself indicated that “virtually a new city” would be built on the site of old Abadan.
In October 2011, during the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, Berdymukhamedov was awarded the title of Hero of the country and the accompanying gold medal "Altyn Ay" ("golden month"). Noting the president's merits, speakers at the Council of Elders called him "Arkadag" ("patron") - Berdymukhamedov was regularly called this way since 2010 and, as reported in the press, this could become his official title, like Niyazov's "Turkmenbashi".
In mid-December 2011, on the eve of the next presidential election, at a joint meeting of representatives of the Democratic Party and a number of public organizations, Berdymukhamedov was nominated as a candidate for the post of head of state. In the elections held on February 12, 2012, Berdymukhamedov was formally opposed by seven candidates, but according to the official voting results, the incumbent president was re-elected for a second term: 97.14 percent of voters voted for him with a turnout of over 96 percent. On February 17, 2012, Berdymukhamedov officially assumed his second presidential term.
Berdimuhamedov is the author of two books published in 2007 - a collection of articles “Scientific foundations for the development of healthcare in Turkmenistan” and “Turkmenistan is a country of healthy and highly spiritual people.” In October 2008, a presentation of another book by the Turkmen president took place in Ashgabat, which was dedicated to horses and called “The Akhal-Teke Horse - Our Pride and Glory.” In December of the same year, the first volume of Berdymukhamedov’s selected works, entitled “Toward New Heights of Progress,” was published, and in June 2009, the second volume of the same publication was published. In July 2009, the first volume of Berdimuhamedov’s fundamental work “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” was published in Turkmen, English and Russian versions; in June 2010, the second volume of this publication was published; in March 2012, the appearance of the third volume became known. In October 2011, a presentation of two more works by Berdimuhamedov took place - the book “Living Legend”, dedicated to Turkmen carpet weaving, and the novel “A Good Name is Imperishable”, published in Turkmen and Russian, which described the life of the “teacher and warrior” Berdimuhamed Annayev, the president’s grandfather.
In August 2010, Berdymukhamedov became president of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association.
In June 2009, the Berdimuhamedov Museum opened in Ashgabat. In February 2011, the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, awarded Berdymukhamedov with the kingdom's highest honor, the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, First Class.
According to some reports, Berdymukhamedov was married twice: his first wife was Turkmen, and his second was Russian. He has one son, three daughters and four grandchildren.
Used materials
The third volume of the book “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” has been published. - TURKMENinform, 05.03.2012
Anna Kurbanova. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was awarded the certificate of the head of state for the second time. - ITAR-TASS, 17.02.2012
Berdimuhamedov won. - Interfax, 13.02.2012
CEC: The President of Turkmenistan was re-elected for a second term with a result of 97.14%. - NEWSru.com, 13.02.2012
Public organizations nominated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov as a candidate for the post of President of Turkmenistan. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.12.2011
The President of Turkmenistan was made a hero of the country. - Sight, 25.10.2011
Berdimuhamedov was awarded the title of Hero of Turkmenistan for the first time; Niyazov had six such awards. - Gazeta.Ru, 25.10.2011
Representatives of domestic science got acquainted with the new books of the head of state. - TURKMENinform, 24.10.2011
An artistic and documentary novel has been published from the pen of the President of Turkmenistan. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 24.10.2011
Marcus Bensmann. Turkmenischer Sommer. - Die Tageszeitung, 15.07.2011
Human rights activists: a secret tragedy near Ashgabat claimed 1,382 lives, missiles hit a maternity hospital. - NEWSru.com, 14.07.2011
Human rights activists: the explosion in Abadan killed 1,382 people. - BBC News, Russian service, 14.07.2011
In Abadan, the consequences of explosions at a military arsenal are being eliminated. - IA Rosbalt, 09.07.2011
Extraordinary joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Security Council of Turkmenistan. - State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), 07.07.2011
The King of Bahrain presented the President of Turkmenistan Berdimuhamedov with the highest order of his country. - ITAR-TASS, 09.02.2011
Zhasulan Kukzhekov. The second president of Turkmenistan was given the title "Arkadag". - Radio Azattyk, 31.01.2011
The International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association was established. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.08.2010
The President of Turkmenistan was awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Economic Sciences. - Gundogar, 10.07.2010
Turkmenistan will resume gas supplies to the Russian Federation in January. - RIA News, 22.12.2009
Alexander Gabuev, Natalya Grib. Item of multi-gas consumption. - Kommersant, 15.12.2009. - №234 (4289)
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was elected academician of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 25.07.2009
The President of Turkmenistan operated on the patient. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 22.07.2009
Mikhail Sergeev. Turkmenistan has found a replacement for Russia. - Independent newspaper, 14.07.2009
The President of Turkmenistan carried out high-profile resignations. - Moscow's comsomolets, 11.07.2009
The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan was dismissed for corruption in universities. - IA Trend, 04.07.2009
The Berdymukhammedov Museum opened in Ashgabat. - Gundogar, 30.06.2009
Anna Kurbanova. The second volume of selected works by President Berdimuhamedov has been published in Turkmenistan. - ITAR-TASS, 26.06.2009
Anna Kurbanova. On Police Day in Turkmenistan, the Minister of Internal Affairs was fired. - ITAR-TASS, 29.05.2009
The presidents of the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan tightened their pipes. - Kommersant, 26.03.2009. - №53 (4108)
Maria Tsvetkova, Denis Malkov. The pipe is on fire. - Vedomosti, 26.03.2009. - №53 (2323)
Vladimir Soloviev. Change of homeland. - Kommersant, 23.01.2009. - №11(4066)
Victoria Panfilova. Turkmenistan is arming itself. - Independent newspaper, 23.01.2009
A new military doctrine of an independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan was approved. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 21.01.2009
The President of Turkmenistan approved a new military doctrine and replaced the Minister of Defense. - ITAR-TASS, 21.01.2009
The President of Turkmenistan replaced the Minister of Defense and the head of the border service. - Reuters, 21.01.2009
The President of Turkmenistan made a number of personnel appointments in government agencies. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.01.2009
The President of Turkmenistan fired a number of leaders. - IA Trend, 16.01.2009
Tuvakmammed Japarov was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.01.2009
The President of Turkmenistan replaced the head of the Ministry of Communications. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.01.2009
The Minister of Energy and Industry of Turkmenistan has been dismissed. - Turkmenistan.Ru, 16.01.2009
Place of birth, education. Born in the village of Babarap, Geok-Tepinsky district, Ashgabat region, Turkmen SSR. In 1979 he graduated from the dental faculty of the Turkmen State Medical Institute. In 1987, he entered graduate school in Moscow, graduating in 1990 and receiving a Candidate of Medical Sciences degree.
Career. Since 1979, he worked in Ashgabat as a dentist. In 1990-1995 held positions of assistant at the department of therapeutic dentistry, associate professor and dean of the dental faculty of the Turkmen State Medical Institute.
In 1995, Berdymukhammedov became director of the dental center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. In May 1997, he was appointed Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. In addition, in 1998, he headed the Saparmurat Niyazov International Medical Center. On April 3, 2001, Berdymukhammedov, in addition to his ministerial position, received the post of Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, responsible for health, education and science. Since August 2004, he also began to oversee culture and media.
In July 2003, Berdymukhammedov headed the state commission for admission to higher educational institutions, which became possible to enter only after two years of work in the chosen specialty, and not immediately after graduation. Four months later, Berdymukhammedov received a reprimand from the president for the low level of qualifications of Turkmen doctors, but retained his post. In April 2004, Niyazov fined Berdymukhammedov an amount equal to three months' salary for the fact that about half of the wage arrears in Turkmenistan were in the education and health sectors. According to some reports, Berdymukhammedov was at one time Niyazov’s personal physician.
On November 28, 2006, Berdymukhammedov took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS instead of Niyazov. On the night of December 20-21, 2006, Niyazov died of sudden cardiac arrest. On December 21, 2006, Berdymukhammedov became the interim president of Turkmenistan.
On December 26, 2006, Berdymukhammedov was elected chairman of the Congress of the People's Council, which on that day amended the Constitution, adopted the law on presidential elections, set the date for presidential elections and approved six candidates.
On February 12, 2012, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov won an absolute majority of votes (97.14%) in the presidential elections and was recognized as the elected president of Turkmenistan.
On February 2, 2017, he was re-elected head of state for the third time.97.69% of voters voted for him.
Views and assessments. Berdymukhammedov lifted a number of restrictions imposed by Niyazov. Thus, the ban on foreign periodicals, opera and circus was lifted. In addition, the new president opened Internet access to the population. Immediately after taking office, he carried out an education reform, returning the ten-year school period and replacing traditional dresses for girls with modern European-style uniforms. In addition, Berdymukhammedov waged a fight against the personality cult of Turkmenbashi: Niyazov’s name in the text of the oath and anthem was replaced by the word “president”.
Berdymukhammedov's economic policy at this time was characterized by a desire to get closer to the West. In October 2007, Turkmenistan, together with Georgia, refused to sign the CIS Development Concept, which envisaged the formation of an “integrated economic and political association of interested states.” Berdymukhammedov supported the idea of building a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which would allow Europe to receive Turkmen gas bypassing Russia. At the same time, a final agreement was reached between Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia to begin construction of the Caspian gas pipeline, which should increase the volume of Turkmen gas supplies to the Russian Federation.
At Berdymukhammedov's initiative, a Constitution was adopted, which abolished the People's Council, the highest legislative body, and, according to experts, significantly increased the powers of the head of state.
2009 was marked by new reforms. Thus, Berdymukhammedov approved a new military doctrine of Turkmenistan, which preserved its neutral status and provided for the transition of the army to a contract basis.
In 2009, Turkmenistan announced an increase in gas supplies to Iran and the construction of a new Turkmen-Iranian gas pipeline. In addition, Berdymukhammedov announced his country’s readiness to participate in the Nabucco gas pipeline project, bypassing Russia.
In 2013, the privatization of housing was allowed.
In the 2013/14 academic year, schools switched to a 12-year education system. Since 2015, in addition to Russian and English languages, Chinese and Japanese languages have been taught in schools in a number of schools and universities in Turkmenistan.
Regalia. He was awarded many orders and medals, including the highest degree medal named after the national hero of Afghanistan Gaza Amanullah Khan, as well as the UNESCO Avicenna Gold Medal.
Hobbies. Berdymukhammedov loves hunting and perceives it as “a good reason for an extra meeting with the diverse nature of Turkmenistan.”
Family bonds. According to some reports, Berdymukhammedov was married twice: his first wife was Turkmen, the second was Russian. He has one son, three daughters and four grandchildren.
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov came to power in 2007. His subordinates call him “arkadag” - patron. In addition, he is the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the country's armed forces. Lawmakers also awarded him the title “Hero of Turkmenistan.” The president is limited only by his own inexperience, lack of independent power, the mentality of the population and Russian influence.
Berdymukhammedov is a complex combination of Soviet bureaucrat, traditional Turkmen tribal elite and intelligence, which, psychologically, fundamentally distinguishes him from his predecessor. Strong family ties and a professional work style suggest that he has the intention of achieving something in Turkmenistan while he is in office and is open to new ideas. However, his incompetence and desire to act gradually indicate that this process will be very long.
short biography
Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov was born in 1957 in the village of Babarap, Geok-Tepinsky district, Ashgabat region, Turkmen SSR. The president differs from his predecessor in many ways, especially in origin. Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, whose family was large, conservative but atheistic, seems to have absorbed traditional family values. His parents were both true to their ethnic Turkmen roots and loyal to the Soviet state. In the official biography published after taking office, his father is credited with instilling moderation and balance in his son and encouraging thoughtful decision-making in him.
National traditions are manifested in respectful attitude towards the wife. As is customary in Asian countries, almost nothing is reported about the president’s wife and his children. According to rumors, there are two women in his life - a Russian (possibly a mistress, but this has not been confirmed) and a Turkmen woman. Some argue that their marriage was arranged by agreement, but it is noteworthy that since taking office, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, whose wife is from the Mary region, has appointed many officials from there, as well as from Geok-Dep.
In 1979, he graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry of the Turkmen State Medical Institute and began working as a dentist in a rural outpatient clinic. By 1987, Gurbanguly was gradually climbing the career ladder and went to Moscow for 3 years to study therapeutic dentistry. He returned to Ashgabat as a teacher at the Turkmen Medical Institute in 1990. In 1995, he went to work at the Ministry of Health, and two years later he headed it. In April 2001, Berdymukhammedov became deputy prime minister, responsible for education, science and health.
New President
Turkmenistan was left without Saparmurat Niyazov on December 21, 2006. Berdymukhammedov was appointed to act in his capacity by the Security Council. This decision surprised many in the international community as well as in the country itself. There were suggestions that the powerful Turkmen security service preferred a politically weak man. According to rumors circulating among emigrants, Berdymukhammedov is the illegitimate son of Niyazov. This is possible in terms of the age difference, but is considered unlikely.
On February 11, 2007, Berdymukhammedov was elected head of state, receiving almost 90% of the votes. After he took office, the diaspora and many citizens hoped for an easing of the total control that surrounded the former president of Turkmenistan. Some improvements were made: Berdymukhammedov restored pensions abolished by his predecessor, eased restrictions on travel abroad, and restored the 10th grade of secondary school abolished by Niyazov. However, in his first year as head of state, there were no signs that he would carry out real political and economic reforms that could lead to democratization of the country.
At the end of 2007, he replaced some of the portraits of Niyazov, which were a striking feature of Ashgabat, with his own. This gave rise to speculation that the new president, imitating his predecessor, began to instill his own cult of personality. In addition, Berdymukhammedov continued Niyazov's ambitious construction projects, including the construction of a new seaport and airport in the city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast. On February 13, 2012, he was elected to a second term amid widespread criticism that the election was marred by fraud.
Impressions of the President
Some of the foreign guests who met with the newly elected president, after talking with him, came to the conclusion that he was not as talented as they say. However, his ability to navigate complex subjects may be limited by the quality of reference materials provided to him and his level of familiarity with the topic. Those who worked with Berdymukhammedov when he was health minister say he was a professional communicator, knowledgeable, positive and open to constructive ideas and suggestions, especially in areas such as health and education. There were also times when he, like other Turkmen officials, was for a long time isolated from foreign scientific and technological developments and did not understand the essence of the proposals of non-governmental organizations or aid groups. However, when the leader of the project tried to explain its essence in a more understandable language, the president complained that they were talking to him like a child.
Personal qualities
There were rumors that Berdymukhammedov's son hit a pedestrian while racing his car on the Archabil highway in Ashgabat. The President is still offended by the high-ranking MNS official responsible for the temporary detention of the offender. Although there is no evidence of this, it is unlikely that his son spent much time in prison. Now he lives abroad.
There is also talk of the president's intolerance towards government officials who are insubordinate or less than decent. He reportedly fired two women for whispering and laughing when he entered the room. He requires female civil servants to cover their arms and legs and is not shy about criticizing their clothing choices. Berdymukhammedov has a reputation as a very demanding leader who instills fear in his employees. When he's angry, he kicks and screams, but when he's not with his direct subordinates, he's more reserved.
Also, his personal qualities are evidenced by the fact that the plane of President Niyazov of Turkmenistan was sold to the leader of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. Berdymukhammedov did not want to fly on it - this, they say, is a bad omen.
Niyazov?
Berdymukhammedov broke all records by surviving three government crises while serving in the cabinet. In 2003, Niyazov publicly reprimanded him for failing to improve the skills of new doctors and teachers, but he retained his post. In 2004, the former president of Turkmenistan once again publicly criticized him and fined him three months' salary for allowing medical and educational workers to pay arrears, but he again remained in office. They also say that before Niyazov’s death, his personal herd was struck by an epidemic, due to which many livestock died. The veterinarian was jailed, but the president did not strip Berdymukhammedov of his post. There is no explanation or theory about how he managed this, other than the rumor that he is the illegitimate son of Turkmenbashi. Niyazov could have become his father at the age of 17. Most likely, Berdymukhammedov's intellectual abilities and political instincts allowed him to take the necessary steps to maintain his position.
Revival after the "Golden Age"
Officially, Niyazov’s “golden age of Turkmen” has not yet ended (it should cover the entire 21st century). Nevertheless, the government under Berdymukhammedov put forward the slogan “new revival” to characterize the “new” era. True, it is not clear why the country needs to be restored after the “golden age”. As the Turkmen press explained in the early days of Berdymukhammedov’s rule, the nation “needs a new revival after the sudden death of Turkmenbashi, the great leader, befell the people. It is required by those who believe that the people are left without their “caring father.” In addition, the practice of restoring the president’s ancestral village, begun by Niyazov, continued under Berdymukhammedov.
Cult of personality
As for the replacement of the deified members of the Niyazov family, it seems that the President of Turkmenistan has decided to have mercy on this issue. Only Malikguly, Berdymukhammedov's father, plays an active role in creating a new national idea. Attempts by government ideologists to create a second Gurbansoltan-Eje (the cult name of the Turkmenbashi’s mother) from Berdymukhammedov’s mother failed. In local schools, Niyazov's images were replaced with posters of the new leader of the nation, depicting his life's journey and academic achievements, including a diploma from the Turkmen Medical Institute and a candidate's degree in dentistry from the Moscow Medical Institute.
The president, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, has created his own cult of personality and does not feel any discomfort about this. After his election, the Democratic Party, which supported the concept of one strong ruler, was tasked with creating a new leader. Activists across Turkmenistan began praising the president. Berdymukhammedov's omnipresence is reinforced by his portraits hanging throughout Ashgabat and the rest of the country. Photos of the president are posted on billboards installed at major intersections, in conference rooms of government buildings, and in banquet rooms of government restaurants and hotels. On Turkmenistan Airlines flights, a photo of Berdymukhammedov hangs in the front part of the cabin. There are also his portraits in the local gym where the president practices karate. In June 2010, he presided over the opening ceremony of the central mosque of the city of Mary, which was named in his honor.
Tireless writer
The power of the head of state is versatile - he is the main expert on all issues, from urban planning to medicine. Books by the President of Turkmenistan are published regularly. Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov writes about medicinal plants and about the “era of new revival” - the period of his reign.
State television channels show him presiding over government meetings almost every day, where he appears to sternly evaluate the performance of each deputy cabinet minister. He is also often shown riding a horse and playing other sports while inspecting the many new construction projects going on across the country. TV presenters and commentators attribute almost every positive news to “our dear president.” When the first South Korean buses appeared on the streets of Ashgabat, they were marked with the inscription “Gift of the Respected President.”
The achievements, sayings and resolutions of the President of Turkmenistan are often at the center of the speeches of Turkmen officials, even if the event has little in common with him.
The limits of narcissism
So far, Berdymukhammedov's self-praise has been somewhat limited. Until recently, he did not erect monuments to himself, like his predecessor, and did not print his image on banknotes. True, in 2015, a giant golden statue of Berdymukhammedov on horseback on top of a marble cliff was erected. Most private homes and restaurants do not have presidential posters. The names of months and days of the week do not bear his name or the names of his relatives, as was the case under Niyazov.
One-man theater
While there are undoubtedly people who have influence over Berdymukhammedov, the government of Turkmenistan - his deputies in the government - are extremely deferential to the president in both open and closed meetings. In many ways, they act as his service personnel. The President of Turkmenistan literally filled himself with himself - from weddings and New Years to everyday activities such as going to the gym. will continue to grow, since Turkmens do not know other models of local government. One sign of Berdymukhammedov's strengthening image as the sole source of power is plans to move some statues of the former president.
Coca-Cola lover
Berdymukhammedov is not as healthy as he is portrayed. He suffers from type 2 diabetes and likely long-term consequences associated with it. Given his weight problems and addiction to Coca-Cola, this diagnosis seems plausible.
The President of Turkmenistan drinks only Coca-Cola in small glass bottles. Every few months, a government official from his administration comes to the plant and randomly selects boxes of sweet water. Coca-Cola accounts for 60% of the company's product sales in Turkmenistan, mainly because the country's president, a dentist by profession, loves this drink.
According to the Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan, in the presidential elections held on Sunday, February 12, the 59-year-old was re-elected as the head of Turkmenistan. In addition to Berdymukhamedov, eight more candidates were vying for the presidency.
According to the new version of the Constitution, the presidential term will be seven years instead of five.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Photo: www.globallookpress.com
Dossier
Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov was born on June 29, 1957 in the village of Babarab, Gekdepe district, Ashgabat region of Turkmenistan.
In 1979 he graduated from the Turkmen State Medical Institute. Doctor of Medical Sciences.
He began his career in 1979 as a dental intern at polyclinic No. 5 in Ashgabat.
From 1980 to 1982 he worked as a dentist in a rural outpatient clinic in the village of Errik-Kala, Ashgabat region.
In 1982-1985 - chief freelance dentist of the Ashgabat region.
From 1985 to 1987, he was the head of the dental department of the central district hospital of the village council of Keshi, Ashgabat region and the chief freelance dentist of the Ashgabat region.
In 1990-1995 - assistant at the department of therapeutic dentistry, associate professor, dean of the dental faculty of the Turkmen State Medical Institute.
In 1995-1997 - Director of the Dental Center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
Since 1997 - Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.
On April 3, 2001, by decree of the President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan (Niyazov himself was the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan).
In November 2006, he represented Turkmenistan at the CIS summit in Minsk.
On December 21, 2006, by decision of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan and the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, he was appointed Acting President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, in connection with the death of the first President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (1940‑2006).
On February 11, 2007, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was elected the second president of Turkmenistan. The inauguration ceremony took place on February 14. According to tradition, Berdymukhamedov was presented with a presidential certificate and a distinctive sign in the form of a gold chain with an octagonal emblem. The new president walked along a white carpet, symbolizing a bright path. He was presented with a sachak - bread wrapped in a tablecloth, a quiver of arrows, the Koran and the Rukhnama.
In March 2007, he was elected head of the highest representative and legislative body of power in Turkmenistan - the People's Council (Khalk Maslakhaty).
On February 12, 2012, the second alternative presidential elections were held in Turkmenistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received 97.14% of the votes.
In 2017, he won the presidential election for the second time.
Cult of personality
Among the people, the president bears the unofficial title of “Leader of the Nation” and Arkadag (translated from Turkmen: Arkadag - “patron”). Many socio-cultural objects in Turkmenistan are named after him, as well as the names of his family members. Images and portraits of Berdimuhamedov are placed on thousands of posters and banners, countless photographs in the premises of institutions, in the cabins of cars.
Relations with Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin highly appreciated Berdimuhamedov's contribution to the development of friendly relations between the two countries.
Earlier, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that Russia and Turkmenistan have centuries-old friendly relations, which are constantly strengthened by new agreements and interaction in a variety of sectors: the economy (in 2015, trade turnover between the countries doubled), education and culture. In particular, every year about 17 thousand Turkmen students study at Russian universities.
“Of course, the cultural and humanitarian sphere is very important for us, because these are issues of education, science, culture and sports. We still remember today how you (Vladimir Putin) yourself founded the Russian-Turkmen school, which bears the name of the great poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. Over the years, a galaxy of graduates have been produced who not only want to learn Russian, but they love Russian. In many of our secondary schools, and even in higher educational institutions, great importance is attached to the study of the Russian language. Periodicals, exhibitions, photo exhibitions - we have very good work on the publishing press, specifically on Russian periodicals, at a high level,” the President of Turkmenistan noted at a meeting with Putin in November 2016.
As for foreign policy, Turkmenistan and Russia have always understood each other, Berdimuhamedov noted.
“We are a neutral country. We are grateful to you for supporting us twice; you even co-authored the document on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. Therefore, we, as a neutral country, and the only neutral country in the world, conduct our foreign policy based on the Charter of the United Nations: ours is peace-loving - and in this regard, we also do a lot with you and, of course, we will continue this policy in the future “Berdimuhamedov emphasized then.
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