Ashgabat in History

Han Ahmedow becomes Prime Minister after serving as deputy head of government

Niyazov becomes Chairman of the Supreme Soviet before the presidency is created

Continues as Prime Minister as the presidency is introduced in Turkmenistan

Presidency is confirmed through a Soviet-era presidential vote

Niyazov becomes President of the Turkmen SSR

As President, Niyazov heads the Cabinet of Ministers

New constitution strengthens the presidency and removes the separate prime ministership

President becomes head of government after the prime ministership is abolished

Leaves office when the 1992 constitution abolishes the separate prime ministership

Niyazov is elected President in the first post-independence presidential election

Referendum extends Niyazov's presidential term until 2002

Permanent neutrality becomes a central doctrine under Niyazov's presidency

National forum adopts a measure making Niyazov president for life

Presidential control over the cabinet remains central to Turkmenistan's government

No presidential election is held after the term extension and lifetime presidency decision

Acting President also exercises cabinet and head-of-government authority

Berdymukhamedov becomes acting President after Niyazov's death

Niyazov dies while serving as President of Turkmenistan

Death of Saparmurat Niyazov

Niyazov's rule ends after his death

Constitutional successor is blocked from assuming the acting presidency

Berdymukhamedov wins the presidential election after Niyazov's death

As President, Berdymukhamedov heads the Cabinet of Ministers

Berdymukhamedov assumes the combined head-of-state and head-of-government role

Berdymukhamedov is inaugurated as President of Turkmenistan

Cabinet authority continues under the re-elected President

Berdymukhamedov wins a second presidential election

Constitutional changes lengthen future presidential terms to seven years

Continues as head of the Cabinet of Ministers after re-election

Berdymukhamedov wins another presidential term under the revised system

Serdar Berdymukhamedov is appointed Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers

Berdymukhamedov signals an early presidential election and managed succession

Forms his first cabinet after taking the presidency

Serdar Berdymukhamedov wins the snap presidential election

The President chairs the Cabinet of Ministers in the absence of a prime minister

His direct head-of-government role ends as his son becomes President

As President, Serdar Berdymukhamedov assumes the head-of-government role

Berdymukhamedov steps down as President after fifteen years in office

Serdar Berdymukhamedov becomes President of Turkmenistan

Presidential authority passes from Gurbanguly to Serdar Berdymukhamedov

Serdar's presidency operates alongside Gurbanguly's elevated People's Council role

Serdar appoints the former President to chair the powerful People's Council

Former President receives the title National Leader of the Turkmen people

Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is appointed chairman of the reformed People's Council

People's Council is transformed into a supreme representative body with broad constitutional influence

Serdar marks the thirtieth anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as President

Serdar suggests political reforms while continuing as President and head of government

Continues as President and head of government of Turkmenistan