TURKMENISTAN: THE DE-NIYAZOVICATION OF ASHGABAT

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001146 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV SOCI TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: THE DE-NIYAZOVICATION OF ASHGABAT REF: ASHGABAT 1124 ¶1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet. ¶2. (SBU) As part of a building boom that continues apace (septel),Turkmenistan will soon erect a number of new statues of prominent Turkmen historical figures in parks, along roadsides, and in fountain complexes. One sculpture will represent Oguz Khan, a legendary military leader, historically touted as the father of the Turkmen nation. Other statues of Oguz Khan's sons and various other cultural leaders and heroes will be on display. ¶3. (SBU) This announcement follows on the heels of press reports that Turkmenistan will issue new currency in 2009 (reftel). Six of the seven new bills will feature well-known, historic or mythic Turkmen figures. Only the largest bill will carry the likeness of former President Niyazov. In addition, post has noted that new posters on buildings include historic figures and monuments, as well as ones with the likeness of the current president, Berdimuhamedov. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: It seems to us that these planned new statues are further indication that Berdimuhamedov is continuing to dillute former President Niyazov's personality cult and focusing on promoting Turkmenistan's ancient history and culture. The large-scale Niyazov posters have disappearing. And while many have been replaced by pictures of Berdimuhamedov, others have been replaced by posters of historic figures and monuments. The gold Niyazov statues are not yet being carted to the dump, but neither are Berdimuhamedov statues going up. This sends another signal that things are changing. END COMMENT. HOAGLAND