"I have created a special holiday to honor melons. Melons are important to our culture."

"I am against long hair for men. It is not traditional Turkmen."

"I am a great admirer of my mother. She taught me everything."

"I have ordered the construction of a new cultural center, to preserve our rich heritage."

"I have banned opera and ballet because they are not part of Turkmen culture. They are foreign imports."