Nicolas Righetti: Love Me Turkmenistan

A collection of photographs depicting the surreal reality of Turkmenistan whilst under the harsh dictatorship of Saparmurat Niyazov.

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. 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.