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

"I am not rich. I am not greedy. I am a simple person."

"I have renamed the months of the year after myself and my mother. It is a sign of respect."

"I have banned the playing of recorded music at weddings. Only live music is allowed."

"I have decided that all the restaurants in the country should serve only Turkmen food. No foreign cuisine."