B2 – Upper Intermediate
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia with huge natural gas wealth, but its former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, ruled in ways that shocked the world. Known as Turkmenbashi, he filled the country with golden statues of himself, renamed months after his book, and banned things like ballet, gold teeth, and even dogs in the capital city.
His rule wasn’t just strange, it affected people’s lives. Hospitals and libraries were shut down outside the capital, and people were expected to read his book Ruhnama to pass driving tests. This video explores how someone can use total power not just to lead, but to shape a country around their personality.
To learn more about Turkmenbashi, watch the full video.
Vocabulary Questions
- What does “to hold someone back” mean in the sentence, “Yet, this adversity didn’t hold him back.“? Use it in a sentence. Give a synonymous phrase.
- What does “to descend into chaos” mean? “The nation descended into chaos.” Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “to come to an abrupt end” mean? “His reign came to an abrupt end.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions
- What are your thoughts on some unusual things that Turkmenbashi did while in power?
- Do you think having too much power can be dangerous for leaders? Why or why not?
- What might life be like for people living in a country with many banned activities?
- Can you think of other historical figures who used their power in strange or extreme ways? Talk about them.