The authoritarian president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, who in died aged 2007, created a cult of personality during his two decades in power surpassing in some ways even that of Joseph Stalin.
His influence spilled over into every sphere of Turkmen life. Even the months and days of the week were named after himself and his family.
When he gave up smoking after major heart surgery in 1997, he ordered all his ministers to do the same and banned smoking in public places.
He later declared a ban on young men wearing beards and long hair.
Opera, ballet, listening to car radios and the playing of recorded music on television and at public events was forbidden.
His book, the Ruhnama - a collection of his thoughts on Turkmen identity, history and destiny - was put on the curriculum of schools and universities.
President Niyazov was accused of spending more money on his grandiose projects - such as a huge man-made lake in the Kara Kum desert, and an ice palace in the capital Ashgabat - than on social welfare.
Wow- thats a whole lot of crazy!
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