Turkmenistan unveils one of the world’s tallest statues

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan: The isolated Central Asian state of Turkmenistan on Friday unveiled an 80-metre high bronze statue, one of the tallest in the world, in honour of its most famous national poet.

The oil and gas rich country has in recent years erected several monuments, buildings and statues in honour of national heroes and the ruling family. Critics say they are to advance an intense cult of personality.

President Serdar Berdymukhamedov presided over the lavish opening ceremony of the statue of Magtymguly Pyragy, south of the capital, Ashgabat.

Born 300 years ago, he is seen as one of the most important figures in Turkmen literature. His name is being used by authorities to promote a Turkmen identity, rooted in history.

“I wanted to embody the greatness of a humanist and poet whose name figures among the eminent writers of the east”, sculptor Saragt Babayev said.