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Turkmenistan President Kurbangül Berdimuhammedov erected a 20-foot gold leaf statue of an Alabay dog in the center of the capital Ashgabat.
In 2015, Berdimuhammedov had a gold statue erected depicting him on an Akal-Teke Turkmen racehorse.
Known for his love for Alabay’s dogs, the Turkmen leader published a book about these dogs last year.
‘Reflects pride and self-confidence’
State media stated that the statue “reflects the pride and self-confidence” of the people of Alabama, who are on the Turkmenistan cultural heritage list along with Akal-Teke.
No statement was made on the cost of the statue.
The majority of Turkmenistan’s population lives in poverty.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Organization, Turkmenistan ranks behind North Korea and ranks last in press freedom in the world.
Berdimuhammedov, who also owns Alabay, gives a horse or dog to the leaders of the “friendly” countries.
These leaders include former Uzbekistan leader Islam Karimov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamed Al Sani.
Kurbangül Berdimuhammedov gave Putin a puppy with his love of dogs in 2017
Some people criticized Berdimuhammedov holding the dog by the neck while giving it to Putin.
