Gurbanguly Mälikgulyýewiç Berdimuhamedov, often transliterated as Gurbanguly Malikguliyevich Berdimuhamedov, served as the second President of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022. His tenure was marked by a complex mix of autocratic rule, personality cult development, and efforts toward economic diversification, albeit often implemented in a highly centralized manner.

Born in 1957 in Babarap, Turkmenistan (then part of the Soviet Union), Berdimuhamedov initially pursued a career in dentistry. He graduated from the Turkmen State Medical Institute and later earned a doctorate in medical sciences. His political career began in the late 1990s, during the rule of Saparmurat Niyazov, the country’s first president. Berdimuhamedov rose through the ranks, holding positions such as Minister of Health and Deputy Prime Minister.

Following Niyazov’s death in December 2006, Berdimuhamedov became acting president and subsequently won the presidential election in February 2007. Initially, some observers hoped for reforms and a departure from Niyazov’s eccentric policies. Berdimuhamedov did reverse some of Niyazov’s more outlandish decrees, such as lifting the ban on opera and ballet and reducing the number of golden statues of Niyazov. He also oversaw some infrastructure projects, including the construction of new highways and the development of the Avaza tourist zone on the Caspian Sea.

However, Berdimuhamedov’s rule quickly evolved into another form of authoritarianism. He consolidated power, suppressed dissent, and promoted a pervasive personality cult. State media routinely portrayed him as a strong leader, a skilled horseman, a talented musician, and an expert in various fields. His image was ubiquitous throughout the country, and numerous books were attributed to him, although their authorship is widely questioned.

Economically, Turkmenistan relies heavily on its vast natural gas reserves. Berdimuhamedov’s government sought to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector. However, progress was limited by corruption, bureaucratic obstacles, and the government’s tight control over the economy.

Human rights organizations consistently criticized Berdimuhamedov’s government for its restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. Independent media was suppressed, and political opposition was virtually non-existent. The country remained largely isolated from the international community.

In March 2022, Berdimuhamedov stepped down from the presidency, paving the way for his son, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to win the subsequent election. While no longer president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov retains significant political influence as the Chairman of the People’s Council, a powerful legislative body. His continued role suggests that he will likely remain a key figure in Turkmen politics for the foreseeable future.