Turkmenistan Abolishes Old Calendar
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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan’s president has abolished the calendar introduced by his late predecessor, who named months after himself and his parents as part of an elaborate personality cult, state press reported yesterday.
Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the gas-rich former Soviet nation for 21 years, preferred to be called Turkmenbashi, or Father of All Turkmen. In 2002, he named months after himself, his parents, and his book, “Rukhnama,” or “Book of the Soul,” which combines epic history, moral teachings, and state policy. He made the book obligatory for students and government officials and named Saturday the Rukhnama Day.
Other months and days were named after symbols of Turkmenistan’s independence and prominent figures in Turkmen history.
President Berdymukhamedov said at a government session Wednesday that he was abolishing Niyazov’s calendar and returning to the Gregorian calendar widely used throughout the world.
