Banned beards and gave out lots of moral advice!
Turkmenistan’s President-for-life
Saparmurat Niyazov, who died last Thursday, imposed a bizarre style of rule on
his nation for more than two decades.
Turkmenistan’s President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov, who died last Thursday, imposed a bizarre style of rule on his nation for more than two decades.
The following are a few of his quirkiest measures:
Banned ballet, opera and circus as indecent. Also banned Turkmen singers from performing to recorded music and Turkmen newscasters from wearing make-up.
Banned gold teeth, beards and long hair in young people.
Set up a Ministry of Justice which can punish amoral behaviour.
Wrote a book entitled “Rukhnama” (”Book of the Spirit”), which is a collection of moral advice and history and a bestseller in Ashgabat.
Banned the import of foreign language books.
Remind you of any politicians in our neck of the woods? Niyazov just had the clout to get away with it.
Posted: Fri - December 22, 2006 at 09:04 AM