Chapter
Power plant worker turned leader
05:45 - 09:28 (03:43)
The story of a man who went from working at a power plant to becoming the leader of a Soviet republic due to corrupt officials before him. The republic was rich in natural gas reserves, and was given official borders in 1924 by the Soviet Union.
Clips
Sipar Marat's family moved to the capital of the newly formed Soviet republic in 1924, but later died in an earthquake in 1948, marking the history of the Turkmen SSR as a backwater in the Soviet Union.
05:45 - 07:56 (02:10)
Turkmen SSR
Summary
Sipar Marat's family moved to the capital of the newly formed Soviet republic in 1924, but later died in an earthquake in 1948, marking the history of the Turkmen SSR as a backwater in the Soviet Union.
ChapterPower plant worker turned leader
EpisodePart One: Turkmenbashi: The Dictator Who Declared Himself Jesus
PodcastBehind the Bastards
The current leader of Turkmenistan, Niyazov, rose to power by taking advantage of the corrupt actions of his predecessor.
07:56 - 09:28 (01:32)
Turkmenistan
Summary
The current leader of Turkmenistan, Niyazov, rose to power by taking advantage of the corrupt actions of his predecessor. He was initially hired for a job at a power plant before joining the Communist Party and pursuing a career in politics.