“ARKADAGLY HERO-SERDAR”: WHO AWARDED TURKMENISTAN’S LEADERS THESE HEROIC TITLES, AND FOR WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS?

“ARKADAGLY HERO-SERDAR”: WHO AWARDED TURKMENISTAN’S LEADERS THESE HEROIC TITLES, AND FOR WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS? HUMAN RIGHTS PLATFORM OF THE DAYANÇ CIVIL MOVEMENT / TURKMENISTAN 1 November 2026 On 30 October 2026, President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ankara on the sidelines of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. Official Turkmen state publications covering the event once again used the glorifying titles “Arkadagly Hero-Serdar” and “Hero-Arkadag” in reference to Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Human Rights Platform of the DAYANÇ Civil Movement / Turkmenistan expresses its categorical opposition to the promotion and normalization of such titles in international diplomatic and information spaces. WHAT EXACTLY MAKES THEM HEROES? What heroic deeds have Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov performed? What extraordinary contributions to their people or to humanity justify the repeated use of these titles? Why should honorifics promoted through Turkmenistan's state-controlled media be reproduced in international diplomatic settings? The conferral of state awards and honorary titles does not place political leaders beyond public scrutiny. Citizens have the right to question the justification for such distinctions, reject the glorification of political figures, and express their disagreement without fear of persecution. These questions are particularly significant in light of the serious and persistent human rights concerns surrounding Turkmenistan. Turkmen citizens living abroad continue to face obstacles in obtaining or renewing their national passports. Article 29(3) of Turkmenistan's Law on Migration, together with restrictions on departure under Article 30(9), raises serious concerns regarding freedom of movement and the right to family reunification. Independent human rights organizations have documented restrictions on freedom of expression, persecution of civil society activists, concerns regarding judicial independence, forced labour, and interference with family life. Against this background, the ceremonial glorification of Turkmenistan's political leadership raises legitimate questions for civil society. DIPLOMATIC COOPERATION MUST NOT BECOME AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROMOTING A CULT OF PERSONALITY We respect the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish people, and the sovereign right of both countries to develop diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. However, diplomatic courtesy does not require the adoption or repetition of ideological expressions and personality-centred titles promoted by Turkmenistan's state media. Serdar Berdimuhamedov is the President of Turkmenistan. This official designation is entirely sufficient for international diplomatic correspondence and public communications. Expressions such as “Arkadagly Hero-Serdar” and “Hero-Arkadag” should not become an obligatory part of diplomatic protocol or international reporting. We also consider it unacceptable for international events to be used to reinforce the personal glorification of political leaders while serious human rights concerns remain insufficiently addressed. AN APPEAL TO THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE The Human Rights Platform of the DAYANÇ Civil Movement / Turkmenistan intends to submit an official appeal to the relevant authorities of the Republic of Türkiye, including the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will request that the Turkish authorities: 1. Use internationally recognized official titles when referring to Turkmenistan's political leaders in diplomatic documents, statements, and public communications. 2. Refrain from reproducing personality-glorifying titles such as “Arkadagly Hero-Serdar” and “Hero-Arkadag”, which are not necessary to identify the official positions held by these individuals. 3. Maintain a clear distinction between diplomatic protocol and political propaganda associated with the glorification of individual leaders. 4. Take documented human rights violations in Turkmenistan into consideration when developing bilateral cooperation. 5. Maintain constructive dialogue with independent Turkmen human rights organizations and representatives of civil society. We emphasize that our position is not directed against the Republic of Türkiye or the Turkish people. Our objection concerns the normalization of personality-centred political glorification and the potential use of international diplomacy to reinforce such practices. HEROISM SHOULD BE JUDGED BY ACTIONS, NOT CEREMONIAL TITLES Respect for a state does not imply unconditional praise for its political leadership. Genuine respect for Turkmenistan must begin with respect for its citizens, their human dignity, fundamental freedoms, and internationally recognized human rights. International recognition of political leaders must not replace an objective assessment of their governments' compliance with international human rights obligations. The Human Rights Platform of the DAYANÇ Civil Movement / Turkmenistan will continue to raise these concerns publicly and call upon international partners to distinguish legitimate diplomatic cooperation from the personal glorification of those in power. We stand for international relations based on mutual respect, objectivity, international law, accountability, and the protection of human dignity. OFFICIAL POSITION OF DAYANÇ HUMAN RIGHTS PLATFORM OF THE DAYANÇ CIVIL MOVEMENT / TURKMENISTAN Diana Dadasheva Chairperson — France Lala Abdyrahmanova Representative — Türkiye Website: dayanchcivil.com Email: dayanch.civil@gmail.com Date: 1 November 2026