Saparmurat Niyazov
D- Birthday
- February 19, 1940
- Age
- 85
- Height
- 0'0" (0 cm)
- Net Worth
- $1B
About
Saparmurat Niyazov was a Turkmen politician and dictator who led Turkmenistan from 1985 until his death in 2006. As the first secretary of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan, he supported the 1991 Soviet coup attempt. After Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Niyazov ruled as the country's first president for 15 years, establishing an autocratic regime marked by a pervasive personality cult.
Career Timeline
First Secretary of Turkmenistan
Niyazov becomes the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan.
President of Turkmenistan
Niyazov becomes the first President of independent Turkmenistan.
President for Life
Niyazov declared President for Life.
Consolidation of Power
Niyazov continues to consolidate his authoritarian rule.
Reign Criticized
Niyazov's rule comes under international criticism for human rights abuses.
Death
Niyazov dies, ending his 21-year rule over Turkmenistan.
Legacy as Autocrat
Niyazov is remembered for his eccentric and autocratic rule over Turkmenistan.
