>› He banned gold tooth caps and gold teeth, and >suggested that tooth preservation could be more >easily accomplished by chewing on bones.

>› In 2000 he ordered that a giant lake be created in >the desert along with a huge forest of cedar trees, >which, he said, would help to moderate Turkmenistan’s >climate.

>› In 2004, he ordered that a giant ice palace be >build in the middle of the same desert, the Karakum – >the hottest location in central Asia. It will include >a zoo with penguins.

Sorry, but these are all nonsence
Can you show me or tell me from which speech you took these things ?
I am sure you can not.

I am completly not agree with your article. Niyazov did many things for sake of country. Name Turkmenbashi was given to him by the people around him. And he never refered to himself as a turkmenbashi. Without knowing turkmenbashi do not write o nonsence about him.