A gilt bust of the president. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

A schoolboy beneath a representation of the president. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

A billboard depicting President Niyazov. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

On independence day at the President Saparmurat Niyazov Stadium in the capital Ashgabat, citizens sing the praise of their leader and his book. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

A presidential poster in a private bathroom. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

A hoarding frame devoid of its usual Niyazov image. The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov (66), died of a heart attack in December. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbad free media.

Portraits - 1st prize