Turkmenistan parts with heritage of Sapamurat Niyazov

The authorities in Ashkhabad are dismantling a gold-plated statue of the first president of Turkmenistan, Sapamurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi), ITAR-TASS reports.

The monument ‘Arch of Neutrality’ was unveiled in 1998 to mark the third anniversary of the passing of the UN resolution, confirming the neutral status of the country. The arch, standing on three pillars and symbolizing a fireplace, will have been dismantled by December 12th, the Day of Neutrality.

The second president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, announced that the arch would be dismantled in 2008 and a new one built. He was elected in February 2007. There was already no mention of Turkmenbashi in the national anthem and the patriotic oath. Many portraits of Niyazov and busts in state buildings and organizations were removed. The month January, called ‘Turkmenbashi’ during Niyazov’s reign, was renamed according to the Gregorian calendar. International Women’s Day on March 8th also came back into force.

Berdymuhamedov confirmed the decision to dismantle the arch in January 2010. He said that Neutrality Avenue starts from the southern part of the capital.

The new monument will be 95 metres high and decorated with ornaments of five Turkmen tribes, the national symbol and the flag.