HISTORIC TIMELINE

1881Annexation by the Russian Empire

Turkmenistan was annexed by the Russian Empire, becoming part of its territories.

1925Turkmen SSR Established

Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union as the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic.

1991Independence from Soviet Union

Turkmenistan declared independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

2006Death of Saparmurat Niyazov

President for Life Saparmurat Niyazov, known as Türkmenbaşy, died, ending his long rule.

2007Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Becomes President

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow assumed presidency after winning a controversial election.

2022Serdar Berdimuhamedow Elected President

Serdar Berdimuhamedow won the presidential election described as neither free nor fair.