The isolated Central Asian state of Turkmenistan on Friday unveiled an 80-metre (262 feet) 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.
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The events took place under the auspices of the Türksoy, established in 1993. The occasion also commemorated the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet and spiritual leader Magtymguly Pyragy. The stage in Arkadag, the new smart-city just built in honour of the former president and 'father of the fatherland'.