The Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque ( Turkmen : Gurbanguly Hajy metjidi ) is a mosque in Mary, Turkmenistan . It was completed in 2009, during the rule of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov . It is a prominent landmark in Mary with its four minarets.
69-523: The project developed in 2001 Ashgabat architects Kakajan and Durly Durdyev. The mosque was protracted because of lack of funds. In 2007, at the meeting held in Mary People's Council of Turkmenistan residents of Mary province twas asked to the President of Turkmenistan assist in the construction of the mosque. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said the decision to allocate for this purpose one million dollars from
138-730: A cable from the U.S. embassy in Ashgabat, Berdimuhamedow is married and has three daughters and one son. One of his sons-in-law, Yhlasgeldi Amanov, headed the Turkmen State Agency for Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources in London, was later assigned to the Turkmenistan Embassies in Berlin and London, and as of 23 November 2019 was Turkmenistan's consul general in Dubai. The other son-in-law
207-594: A political dynasty . The election was seen by many international observers as neither free nor fair . Serdar was inaugurated on 19 March at the Ruhyýet Palace . He took the oath to the people on the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the Quran . He was then presented the presidential badge of office by Turkmen elders. From the palace, Berdimuhamedow, accompanied by a mounted escort, drove to Galkynysh Square and then to
276-511: A snap election deemed as neither free nor fair , making Turkmenistan the first Central Asian country to be ruled by a dynastic system in modern times. The People's Council was subsequently re-formed as the country's top leadership body in January 2023, with Serdar then reappointing his father as its chairman and granting him the title "National Leader of the Turkmen People". Berdimuhamedow
345-674: A PhD in medical sciences in Moscow . By 1992 he had become part of the dentistry faculty at the Medical Institute. In 1995, during the rule of Saparmyrat Nyýazow , he became head of the dentistry center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry. He was appointed to the government as Minister of Health in 1997. In 2001 he was appointed as one of several Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers (also referred to as Deputy Prime Minister , despite
414-605: A democratic and secular state with rule of law, all-around development and strengthening the international prestige of independent neutral Turkmenistan, strengthening the unity of society, harmony and cohesion of the people during long years of state and social work, recognition as a prominent statesman and politician, who has received great honor, great respect, and esteem of the Turkmen people, high organizational skills in wise management demonstrating an outstanding example of competence, decisiveness, and leadership, successfully implementing
483-462: A health and rehabilitation center in his honour, the horse breeding academy after his great-uncle, and a pedagogical school after his grandfather. The 21 January 2023 presidential decree appointing Berdimuhamedow chair of the People's Council contains the following paragraph as justification for his appointment as National Leader: "Considering the tremendous merits in establishing a solid foundation for
552-515: A power-sharing arrangement with his son, Serdar , the current president. As a former dentist, Berdimuhamedow served in the government of the president, Saparmyrat Niyazow , as the Minister of Health in 1997 and as the 3rd Vice President in 2001. He became acting president following Niyazow's death on 21 December 2006 and subsequently won the 2007 presidential election . He faced no meaningful opposition and won by an overwhelming margin with 89% of
621-594: A prison robe with his head shaved. In July 2021, Berdimuhamedow ordered the deployment of troops and heavy weapons and armour on the Afghanistan–Turkmenistan border , in order to avoid a spillover of the Afghan conflict into Turkmenistan. In February 2022, it was reported from Reuters that Berdimuhamedow was planning to resign after an early presidential election on 12 March, fuelling speculation that he would be preparing for his son Serdar to succeed him as
690-579: A seat on 28 March 2021. He was subsequently unanimously elected chairperson of the People's Council despite that being a violation of the constitution. On 21 January 2023, Berdimuhamedow's son, as president, reappointed Berdimuhamedow to the chairmanship of the reorganised People's Council ( viz. ). Via a separate "constitutional law" signed into effect 21 January 2023, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow also appointed his father "national leader" ( Turkmen : Milli Lider ) of Turkmenistan. This appointment accords
759-622: A similar claim with the court, to which Turkmenistan should pay about $ 200 million. Investors talk about discrimination by the Turkmen authorities, politicised bureaucracy, and a high level of corruption. In the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Turkmenistan ranked 161 among 180 countries in 2018. This is the lowest rating among countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In 2019, Turkmenistan ranked 164th among 180 countries in
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#1732851396532828-775: A supreme leader outranking the president. Berdimuhamedow visited Moscow in November 2022 at the invitation of the speaker of the Russian upper house, Valentina Matvienko . He subsequently made additional trips abroad and met with visiting foreign delegations. His first foreign visit as National Leader was to the United Arab Emirates in February 2023. Upon taking office, Berdimuhamedow eased travel restrictions and reopened libraries in rural areas. He also took steps to curb Nyýazow's extensive personality cult . He called for an end to
897-509: A white palace and travelling in white limousines. It was later reported that the ban extended to vehicles of all colours except white. In July 2018, he appeared in a rap video with his grandson. He had previously lifted weights on camera, and also acted as DJ . By decree of Berdimuhamedow in January 2019, the government will gradually end state funding of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan ; it will be phased out in three years. In 2010
966-476: Is also a diplomat, with a prior posting in Paris, but later assigned to Brussels. According to the same leaked cables, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has a mistress, Marina, a Russian nurse, whom he supposedly met earlier in his dentist career. They have a daughter together. Berdimuhamedow's wife has been living in London since 2007. His son, Serdar Berdimuhamedow , is the current president of Turkmenistan. Serdar served in
1035-621: Is chairperson of the Turkmen Alabay Dog Association, and president of the International Ahal Teke Horse Breeding Association. It was confirmed in February 2022 that Berdimuhamedow was running for an early presidential election on 12 March , fuelling speculation that he would be the successor to his father as President of Turkmenistan . He won the election with 72.97% of the vote, and became his father's successor as president, establishing
1104-586: Is heavily censored in Turkmenistan, and that satellite dishes have been removed by government officials. In 2008, he dismissed Akmyrat Rejepow , the longtime chief of the presidential security detail and one of the main proponents of Nyýazow's personality cult. In 2011, he sang a song on a video posted to YouTube . In May 2013, he fell off his horse during a race. The fall was censored on TV but leaked online, and mocked on an episode of HBO 's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in 2019. Journalists leaving
1173-561: Is named in honour of Berdimuhamedow's father, Malikguly Berdimuhamedow. In addition, in the town of Yzgant, the Palace of Culture is named after Berdimuhamedow's father, and a bust of him stands in front of it. On 20 December 2022, the National Council passed a decree naming the new capital of Ahal Province " Arkadag " in honour of Berdimuhamedow. Additionally, three buildings were named in honour of Berdimuhamedow or members of his family:
1242-534: The Obozrevatel magazine named Berdimuhamedow the fifth-worst dictator in the world out of 23 highlighted. In the Press Freedom Index (Reporters Without Borders), Turkmenistan ranks 176 out of 178. Turkmenistan has more political prisoners than any of the other former countries of the former Soviet Union. The country's economy is under total state control. Numerous attempts to attract foreign investors into
1311-670: The Armed Forces and the Assembly of Turkmenistan , and held a series of high government posts, leading to appointment as a deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers before his election to the presidency. At least three of Berdimuhamedow's grandchildren have studied in Switzerland. According to a biography of Berdimuhamedow's father, Malikguly, published in 2012, Berdimuhamedow has five sisters. On 18 April 2021, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's father, Mälikguly Berdimuhamedow, reportedly died at
1380-501: The Assembly of Turkmenistan passed a law creating the Arkadag medal, a state award to be granted to citizens and non-citizens who have made "a weighty contribution to development of social, public, humanitarian, charitable, volunteer activity and in the organisation of medical services, rehabilitation as well as financial and material aid, consultation and the technical aid to children and the youth, who are need of assistance." According to
1449-617: The COVID-19 pandemic in Turkmenistan . He was among eight world leaders to have received the satiric Ig Nobel Prize in Medical Education "for using the COVID-19 viral pandemic to teach the world that politicians can have a more immediate effect on life and death than scientists and doctors can". On 10 November of that same year, he unveiled a golden statue of his favourite dog breed, the Central Asian shepherd . Berdimuhamedow replaced
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#17328513965321518-796: The Cabinet responsible for Security, Military, and Justice. He also replaced the Minister of Internal Affairs , Colonel Öwezdurdy Hojanyýazow, with Colonel Muhammet Hydyrow , due to "shortcomings" and "improper control over public order, traffic safety as well as activity of local representatives of the police." Berdimuhamedow is married and has four children. A classmate at the Russian Diplomatic Academy described him as even-tempered and unassuming. Instructors and other classmates reportedly described him as "modest, responsive, polite, and calm." Berdimuhamedow speaks Turkmen , Russian and, unlike his predecessors, English . On 30 May 2022, Berdimuhamedow's mother, Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedowa,
1587-475: The Koran and traditional Islamic calligraphy . They also adorn its white marble facades. The tall domes are faced with majolica and crowned with gilded crescents. In the evening, the mosque is illuminated with the original color illumination of the building. The complex includes a special building for a sadaqah , a building for ritual ceremonies, a hotel and other necessary buildings. Cascades of fountains adorn
1656-841: The Oguzhan Presidential Palace Complex where the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan performed a military parade . Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan Çarymyrat Amanow reported to Berdimuhamedow. Later that day an official reception was given at the Audience Center of Turkmenistan. A festive Sadaqah was also given at the Hazret Omar Mosque . On 25 March, he presented his cabinet, basically confirming his father's ministers in their posts. The only new government member
1725-537: The State Security Council of Turkmenistan appointed Berdimuhamedow acting president. The Council stated in its announcement that Öwezgeldi Ataýew , who, as the Chairman of the Assembly of Turkmenistan was to have become the acting president, was not appointed "in view of the fact that the prosecutor-general had instituted criminal proceedings against him". Article 60 of the Turkmen Constitution stipulated that
1794-607: The Badge of Honour ). The Berdimuhamed Annayev 1st Specialized Military School of the Ministry of Defence is named in his honour. A museum in the defence ministry is also named after him. In May 2020, a special delegation from Russia led by Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Fomin brought the banner of Annayev's unit to Ashgabat , being trooped through the square in front of the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex during
1863-624: The Food Processing Association, followed by two years of mandatory military service. From 2003 to 2008, he worked again at the Food Processing Association in the fruit and vegetable department and in the non-alcoholic beer and wine department. Between 2008 and 2011, Berdimuhamedow studied at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs , earning a diploma in international relations. During this period he
1932-558: The Interior Minister Mammetkhan Chakiyev with his deputy Ovezdurdy Khojaniyazov on 1 July 2021. Khojaniyazov has little public profile to speak of, but one of his most recent positions, as of May at least, was as deputy head of the Awaza tourist recreation zone. The previous Interior Minister, Iskender Mulikov, was arrested, sentenced to a lengthy prison term on corruption charges, and shown on state television handcuffed in
2001-727: The Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs . From 2013 to 2016 he was deputy director of the State Agency for Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources. From 2016 to 2017 he was chairman of the Department of International Information of the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On 18 August 2014, Serdar Berdimuhamedow defended a dissertation at the Turkmen Academy of Sciences to earn the degree of candidate of science. In July 2015, he
2070-515: The acting president "may not stand for election to the Presidency", which would have barred Berdimuhamedow from running in the 2007 presidential elections. However, on 24 December 2006, the People's Council voted to remove this provision, making him eligible for the election as one of the six chosen candidates, all members of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan . Berdimuhamedow was supported by
2139-545: The age of 89. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow's mother, Ogulabat Berdimuhamedowa ( née Kürräýewa), died in April 2023 at the age of 86. Serdar Berdimuhamedow Serdar Gurbangulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow ( Turkmen pronunciation: [θɛɾˈdɑɾ ɢʊɾbɑnʁʊˈlɯjɛβɪtʃ bɛɾdɯmʊxɑmɛˈdoβ] ; born 22 September 1981) is a Turkmen politician serving as the third and current president of Turkmenistan since 19 March 2022. Berdimuhamedow had previously served in several other positions within
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2208-560: The arts. He called for reform of education, health care and pension systems, and government officials of non-Turkmen ethnic origin who had been sacked by Nyýazow were allowed to return to work. He also restored the pensions of 100,000 elderly people whose pensions Nyýazow had slashed in the face of an unspecified budget crisis. Later on, he reopened the Turkmen Academy of Sciences, which had been closed by Nyýazow. In 2015, work on TAPI began under his government. In February 2017, he
2277-407: The central staircase of the mosque. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov This is an accepted version of this page Gurbanguly Mälikgulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow (born 29 June 1957) is a Turkmen politician and former dentist who is currently the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan . He previously served as the 2nd President of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022, when he entered into
2346-465: The charity fund of President of Turkmenistan. Turkish company "Kilic Insaat" finish construction of the mosque. Opened in spring 2009, and is named for the wishes of those who believe in honor of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov . At the opening of the President of Turkmenistan attend in person, in honor of the opening of the mosque was given a ceremonial dinner sadaqah . After
2415-440: The country following the accident reported that their electronic devices were searched for traces of footage of the incident. In July 2013, Jennifer Lopez publicly apologised for singing Happy birthday! to Berdimuhamedow during a sponsored concert, stating she was not aware of the human rights issues in Turkmenistan prior to the show. In August 2013, Berdimuhamedow suspended his Democratic Party of Turkmenistan membership for
2484-622: The country often end in lawsuits in international courts. In 2018, the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (arbitration, part of the World Bank group of organisations) received claims against Turkmenistan from Sece Inşaat (Turkey) and investment company Unionmatex Industrieanlagen GmbH (Germany). In 2019, the Belarusian construction company Belgorkhimprom also filed
2553-466: The duration of his presidency, ostensibly to remain "above partisan politics" and "promote a multiparty system." In 2015, a golden statue of Berdimuhamedow riding a horse atop a white-marble cliff was erected in Ashgabat. The Turkmenistan Parliament abolished term limits for the presidency in September 2016, which allowed Berdimuhamedow to run for a third term. In January 2018, Berdimuhamedow ordered
2622-431: The elaborate pageants of music and dancing that formerly greeted the president on his arrival anywhere, and said that the Turkmen "sacred oath", part of which states that the speaker's tongue should shrivel if he ever speaks ill of Turkmenistan or its president, should not be recited multiple times a day but reserved for "special occasions". He also gave up his right to rename any landmarks, institutions, or cities, restored
2691-402: The elder Berdimuhamedow the right to speak out on any matter of public interest, as well as immunity from prosecution (also extending to members of his family), personal protection by national security agencies, and financial support from the government. New laws were quickly promulgated that named the new People's Council the "supreme organ of state authority" in Turkmenistan, making its chairman
2760-463: The end of the same month. After taking office, Berdimuhamedow reversed several of Nyýazow's more eccentric policies. Internet cafés offering free and uncensored web access opened in Ashgabat , compulsory education was extended from nine to ten years and classes in sports and foreign languages were re-introduced into the curriculum, and the government announced plans to open several specialised schools for
2829-647: The first country in Central Asia to accept the diplomats of the Taliban government of Afghanistan . Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind made a state visit to Turkmenistan on 1–4 April, marking the first visit of the President of India to Turkmenistan, and the first foreign head of state to be received by Berdimuhamedow. The two leaders discussed expanding trade and energy cooperation. President Berdimuhamedow made his first foreign visit, to Saudi Arabia , on 1–2 June. Later that month, he made visits to Russia and Iran, on
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2898-625: The first modern country in Central Asia to be ruled by a dynastic system. Serdar Berdimuhamedow was born on 22 September 1981 in Ashgabat , Soviet Union . He studied at Secondary School No. 43 in Ashgabat from 1987 to 1997. Between 1997 and 2001, he studied at the Turkmen Agricultural University , graduating as an engineer-technologist. From July to November 2001, he worked in the Directorate for Foreign Economic Relations of
2967-572: The government of his father, Gurbanguly , the long-standing authoritarian ruler of Turkmenistan. The father and son entered into a power-sharing arrangement in 2022 whereby they jointly rule an authoritarian system of government in Turkmenistan. In 2021, he became one of several deputy chairmen in the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan . The next year, he won 73 percent of the vote in the country's presidential election , considered to be neither free nor fair , succeeding his father's 18-year-long totalitarian tenure as president and making Turkmenistan
3036-483: The humane policy of "The state is for the man!" in the era of the Renaissance of the new era of the powerful state..." Portraits of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow are displayed in businesses and government offices, and during his presidency were affixed to the front bulkhead of airliners of the national airline. In February 2023, a new magazine, Arkadagly Ýaşlar ("Youth with Arkadag") began publication. On 30 September 2023
3105-420: The impounding of black cars in the capital because he considered the colour white to be "lucky". Police seized dark-coloured vehicles in Ashgabat and their owners were told they must pay to have them repainted silver or white. The capital, known as the 'City of White Marble', holds the world record for the highest concentration of white-marble buildings. Berdimuhamedow is a known lover of the colour white, living in
3174-440: The improvement works were carried out in 2018, the mosque appeared in an updated form: the dome is painted in gold color. The white marble mosque with golden domes and four slender minarets is one of the attractions of Mary. The building was built in the best traditions of Turkmen architecture. The diameter of the main dome with a mosaic ornament, crowned with a golden crescent, is 24 m (79 ft) meters. The height of each of
3243-464: The inaugural Victory Day Parade in the capital. On 1 September 2009, Secondary School No. 27 was renamed after Berdimuhamed Annayev and was opened with his son at the opening ceremony. In October 2012, the Main Drama Theater of Turkmenistan staged a play based on Berdimuhamedow's book about his grandfather called "Good Name Imperishable". Military Unit 1001 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
3312-552: The lack of a Prime Ministerial post in Turkmenistan), in this case responsible for health, science, education, and sports. In April 2004, Nyýazow suspended Berdimuhamedow's salary for three months because healthcare workers were not being paid. The Health Ministry was responsible for carrying out Nyýazow's order to close all hospitals outside of the national and provincial capitals in 2005. Following Nyýazow's death in December 2006,
3381-414: The media, but presides over a regime that does not tolerate "alternative political or religious expression." Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has ranked Turkmenistan near the bottom of its Press Freedom Index for most of Berdimuhamedow's tenure, as it did under Nyýazow. In 2017, RWB ranked Turkmenistan 178th out of 180 countries surveyed, ahead of Eritrea and North Korea . RSF noted that internet access
3450-441: The minarets is 63 m (207 ft) meters. The prayer hall is designed for the simultaneous participation in the prayer of 2,500 people. The upper tier is for women. Eight columns hold the dome with a span of 24 m (79 ft) meters. The interior is decorated with noble materials: marble , granite and precious woods . A special place in the decoration of the mosque is occupied by embossed epigraphy containing Surahs of
3519-489: The most repressive and "closed" regimes in the world. It has ranked Turkmenistan near the bottom of its Freedom in the World rankings since the country's independence, a state of affairs that has continued since Berdimuhamedow took office. In 2017, the country was one of 11 with the lowest aggregate scores for political and civil rights. Human Rights Watch noted that Berdimuhamedow not only has complete control over public life and
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#17328513965323588-480: The next President. Berdimuhamedow did not contest the election, which was subsequently won by Serdar, establishing Turkmenistan as the first Central Asian country to transfer power dynastically from father to son. Serdar was inaugurated as the next President on 19 March. The People's Council of Turkmenistan ( Turkmen : Halk Maslahaty ) was restored in September 2020. While still serving as president, Berdimuhamedow stood for election from Ahal Province and won
3657-485: The political elite, and the official results showed him as winning 89% of the vote. Berdimuhamedow's appointment as interim president and subsequent run for president, however, violated the constitution. In his first presidential trip abroad, Berdimuhamedow visited Saudi Arabia in mid-April 2007. There he performed the Umrah pilgrimage and met with King Abdullah . He then visited Russia and President Vladimir Putin at
3726-543: The political spotlight following his appointment as deputy minister of foreign affairs in March 2018. In January 2019, Berdimuhamedow was shifted to the position of deputy governor of Ahal Province, the native region of most of the Turkmen elite. In June 2019, Berdimuhamedow was elevated to governor ( häkim ) of Ahal Province. In February 2020, Berdimuhamedow was appointed minister of industry and construction materials of Turkmenistan. On 11 February 2021, Berdimuhamedow
3795-510: The rank of general of the army . In November 2016, Berdimuhamedow won a seat in the Mejlis representing the 25th parliamentary district centered on Dushak , a town in Ahal Province . In March 2018, he was re-elected to the Assembly of Turkmenistan with over 90% of the votes cast in his district. He chaired the committee on legislation and norms as of March 2017. Berdimuhamedow rose to
3864-567: The ranking of economic freedom. He uses the honorific title Arkadag , translating to "protector" in the Turkmen language . Berdimuhamedow's grandfather and father both serve as part of his cult of personality. His grandfather, Berdimuhamed Annayev, has since 2018 been a posthumous recipient of the Russian Order of Honour , being one of two awards he holds (the other being the Soviet Order of
3933-458: The traditional names of the months of the year and days of the week (Nyýazow had renamed them after himself and his mother, among other things), and announced plans to move the gold rotating statue of Nyýazow from Ashgabat's central square. Despite these changes, Berdimuhamedow's regime remained rigidly authoritarian; indeed, in 2007, he ruled out any move toward Western-style democracy. Freedom House rated Berdimuhamedow's Turkmenistan as one of
4002-529: The upper chamber of the Turkmen parliament. Like his predecessor, Berdimuhamedow headed an authoritarian regime and is the subject of a cult of personality . Rights groups have described Turkmenistan under Berdimuhamedow as one of the most repressive countries in the world, accusing Berdimuhamedow, his relatives, and his associates of possessing and exercising unlimited power over all aspects of public life. Berdimuhamedow stepped down as president on 19 March 2022, being succeeded by his son, Serdar , who won
4071-524: The visit to the latter he used the first Aurus Senat limousine purchased by the Turkmen government. During a State Security Council meeting in early April, he also removed Colonel General Çarymyrat Amanow from the post of Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan in favor of the head of the Defense Ministry, Begench Gundogdyev , due to Amanow's "transfer to another job." He also abolished Amanow's concurrent office of Deputy Chairman of
4140-407: The vote. In 2012 , he was re-elected for a second term with 97% of the vote and he was re-elected again in 2017 with 97.7% of the vote. He was among the candidates elected to the People's Council of Turkmenistan on 28 March 2021, as a member from Ahal Region . He reportedly received 100% of votes from the electors. On 14 April 2021, he was unanimously elected chairman of the People's Council ,
4209-565: Was Muhammetguly Muhammedow , who replaced him as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for Economics and Finance . According to some, he intends to replace Foreign Minister Vice President of Turkmenistan Raşit Meredow with Esen Aydogdyev, rector of the International University of Humanities and Development . On the first day of his presidency, Berdimuhamedow accepted the credentials of Fazal Muhammad Sabir, making Turkmenistan
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#17328513965324278-612: Was a local teacher who served in the Red Army during World War II as part of the 748th Rifle Regiment of the 206th Rifle Division of the 2nd Ukrainian Front . In September 1943, his unit was one of the first to cross the Dnieper River . He was later killed in the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake . Berdimuhamedow graduated from the Turkmen State Medical Institute in 1979 and entered a career in dentistry. He also received
4347-424: Was also assigned to the Turkmen Embassy in Moscow as counselor of embassy . From 2011 to 2013, he studied at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy , earning a post-graduate degree in European and international security affairs. He was concurrently assigned to the Turkmen Mission to the United Nations in Geneva as a counselor of embassy. From August to December 2013, he served as head of the European Department of
4416-412: Was awarded a doctorate in technical sciences. He was often styled as "the son of the nation" by state media in Turkmenistan . Serdar served two years of mandatory military service from 2001 to 2003. On 27 October 2017, he was promoted from the rank of major to lieutenant colonel . His promotion ceremony was broadcast on national television. His branch of service is unknown, but on 7 March 2021, he
4485-480: Was awarded the title of Honored Carpet Weaver of Turkmenistan for her many years at the carpet factory in the city of Gökdepe . On 1–2 June 2022, Berdimuhamedow undertook his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia , where he and his son performed Umrah . On 21 January 2023, Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the constitutional law "On the National Leader of the Turkmen people", which provided his father Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and his family members with legal immunity and
4554-421: Was born on 29 June 1957 in Babarap , in what is now Gökdepe District , Ahal Province , to Mälikguly Berdimuhamedowiç Berdimuhamedow (1932–2021) and Ogulabat Kürräýewna Kürräýewa (1937-2023). He is the only son in a family of six children. Berdimuhamedow’s father worked as a senior Interior Ministry officer in a prison guard detachment. He retired as a colonel of police. His grandfather, Berdimuhamed Annaýew,
4623-546: Was promoted to deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for innovation and digitization, a new position. He was simultaneously appointed to the State Security Council and chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber of Turkmenistan. On 9 July 2021, Berdimuhamedow was relieved of his positions on the State Security Council and Supreme Control Chamber, and as deputy chairman was assigned the economics and finance portfolio with specific responsibility for "economic and banking issues and international financial organizations". He
4692-399: Was reelected to a third term as President of Turkmenistan (seven-year term) with nearly 98% of the votes in his favour and with an eligible voter turnout of 97%. In October 2017, he offered a top Turkmen-bred variety of the Central Asian shepherd dog to Vladimir Putin. One of his sons is president of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan . In 2020, Berdimuhamedow presided over
4761-479: Was shown on national television in uniform wearing the shoulder patch of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan . The same video showed him wearing shoulder boards indicating the rank of colonel , and the decree awarding him the honorary title of "Defender of Homeland Turkmenistan" referred to him as a colonel. On 26 January 2023 the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted a resolution promoting Serdar Berdimuhamedov in his role as "supreme commander-in-chief of armed forces" to
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