"I have decided that all the universities in the country, except for the capital, should be closed. Students should come to Ashgabat for education."

"I don't think I'm a dictator. I'm a leader. I'm the father of the nation. I'm a good father."

"I have made it compulsory for all government officials to wear traditional Turkmen dress. It is for national identity."

"Turkmenistan is a neutral country. We do not participate in any blocs or alliances."

"I have ordered that all the libraries in the country be closed, because nobody reads books anyway. Only the Ruhnama is needed."