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

"I dream of a Turkmenistan where everyone is happy and prosperous."

"I have ordered the construction of a new monument to the Turkmen worker. The worker is the strength of our nation."

"I have banned the playing of recorded music at weddings. Only live music is allowed."

"I have decided that all the universities in the country, except for the capital, should be closed. Students should come to Ashgabat for education."