Turkmen statue in front of the Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Gold statue depicts Turkmenbashi.

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Saparmurat Niyazov, or Turkmenbasy, was the first president of the Republic of Turkmenistan, taking office when the USSR was dissolved. He established a cult of personality. Among other efforts, he erected gilt statues of himself throughout the country along with other garish or vulgar monuments. His statue is visible in front of the Independence Monument, which has been nicknamed "the plunger" in recognition of its resemblance to the plumbing tool.

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Size: 5668px × 3779px
Location: Independence Park, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Photo credit: © Arthur Greenberg / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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