Remembrance Day of Turkmenistan's First President Saparmurat Niyazov
December 21 · Level 2 · #1928 of 2238
This is a day of remembrance for Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan, known as Turkmenbashi. The date marks the day of his death: he died on 21 December 2006.
How it is celebrated: memorial events are held across the country, state television airs programmes about his life, and people lay flowers at monuments and at his burial place. Observing a minute of silence is customary.
Niyazov was the first leader of independent Turkmenistan and the author of the book Ruhnama, which was studied in the country's schools and universities. He is buried in the village of Kipchak near Ashgabat, next to a mosque built on his initiative.