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The Rukhnama is a spiritual and moral guide written by Saparmurad Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan. Published in 2001, it became a central text in the country's education system and was promoted as a cornerstone of national identity. The book blends Niyazov's autobiography with ethical teachings and historical accounts, aiming to instill Turkmen pride and cultural values. Its influence was so pervasive that it was incorporated into school curricula, university entrance exams, and even driver's license tests. Niyazov, who ruled Turkmenistan from 1991 until his death in 2006, cultivated an extensive personality cult, and the Rukhnama was a key element in this cult of personality. Following Niyazov's death, his successor began to dismantle the Rukhnama's mandatory status.1

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