Love Me Turkmenistan

by Nicolas Righetti

Saparmurat Niyazov, President of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic of Turkmenistan, died early on 21st December 2006 in a strange new world of his own creation. His official title, bestowed on himself, was 'Turkmenbashi', or 'leader of Turkmen'. Even the months of the year were renamed to pay homage to Niyazov and his family. By 2001 all internet cafes were closed and ballet and opera were banned, and in 2004, the state even forbade young men from growing long hair or beards and it was prohibited for newsreaders to wear make-up. Love Me Turkmenistan is a vivid, colourful and often very humorous depiction of a country dominated by the dark shadow of its ex-leader, with full-technicolour depictions of its capital, its monuments, and its people, now released from a surreal chapter in their country's history. Each vivid image is accompanied by an actual quote from Niyazov, forming a strong and often outrageous commentary.

Genres: Art, Photography

41 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2008

Reviews

[Rhonda Hankins]

Got this book because I needed something for the country of Turkmenistan in my reading-around-the-world project. At first glance, this small format photo-essay seemed like a weak substitute for learning about the country. But that first glance was wrong. This is a powerful book with powerful messaging that sent me in search of more background on the history of this country.

Excellent review of the book with some sample photos at https://actuphoto.com/27011-nicolas-r...

Kudos to Nicolas Righetti, the Swiss photographer who composed this work. Original idea, powerful, very effective.

Are you going to do one of the US leadership the last four years too? I think this needs a companion book.