Turkmenistan's Saparmurat Niyazov

I am not a dictator, I am a leader. I lead the people to a bright future.

Turkmenistan is a neutral state. We do not interfere in the affairs of other countries, and we do not allow other countries to interfere in our affairs.

We will build a golden age for Turkmenistan, a golden age of prosperity and happiness.

I am the father of all Turkmens. I am the protector of all Turkmens.

The Ruhnama is the spiritual guide for the Turkmen people. It is our constitution, our religion, our history.

I have ordered the construction of a new ice palace in the desert. It will be a symbol of our prosperity.

The Turkmen language is the most beautiful language in the world. It is the language of God.

All Turkmen children must be named after me.

I am not a communist, I am a Turkmen. I believe in the Turkmen way of life.

We will build a new city, a city of the future, a city of happiness. It will be called Ruhabat.

I have banned opera and ballet because they are not part of Turkmen culture. They are foreign imports.

The golden statue of me will rotate to always face the sun. It is a symbol of our bright future.

We will have a national holiday for melons. The melon is a symbol of our prosperity.

I have ordered all libraries to be closed, except for those that contain the Ruhnama.

I have renamed the days of the week and months of the year after my family members and the Ruhnama.

I have ordered the construction of a new mosque, the largest in Central Asia, in my hometown.

Television is for entertainment, not for education. The Ruhnama is for education.

I have banned gold teeth. Turkmens should have natural teeth.

I have ordered the construction of a new artificial lake in the desert. It will be a source of water and pride.

The internet is a tool for propaganda. It is not for the Turkmen people.