2007 Photo Contest, Portraits, 1st prize
Photographer

Nicolas Righetti

Rezo.ch

20 October, 2006

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.

About the photographer

Nicolas Righetti

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