Cult of Personality in Monumental Art and Architecture: The Case of Post-Soviet Turkmenistan
Cult of Personality in Monumental Art and Architecture: The Case of Post-Soviet Turkmenistan

Summary/Abstract: The cult of personality of President Turkmenbashi has been the unifying feature of all ideological aspects in Turkmenistan since independence. Turkmenbashi’s name is used for thousands of places and physical features throughout Turkmenistan, including at least ten towns, a river, a mountain, a bay in the Caspian Sea, and even a star in the Ursa Major constellation. In cities, municipalities and populated areas, countless squares, parks, streets and other public places carry the name Turkmenbashi, and so do various institutions and buildings (airports, schools, museums, banks or stadiums), artistic ensembles, agricultural cooperatives and factories. His face is virtually omnipresent; all banknotes, basic foodstuffs as well as the cheapest vodka feature the picture of the first President. Somewhat eerily, Turkmenbashi was present every time a TV was on, as a small golden picture of his face placed in the upper right corner of the screen accompanied each and every broadcast of Turkmen channels. He is praised in the national anthem and his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday. The first month of the year is called Turkmenbashi. His books and teachings form the core curriculum at both elementary and secondary schools. People used to swear loyalty to him unto death at spectacular public ceremonies, etc. The reflection of this personality cult in contemporary monumental art and architecture of Turkmenistan has not yet been systematically explored. This paper aims to fill the gap by a brief description and analysis of this phenomenon.

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