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''Ruhnama'' (''The Book of the Soul'') is a book written by Saparmurat Niyazov, who was President of Turkmenistan from 1990 to 2006, combining spiritual/moral guidance, autobiography and revisionist history; much of it is of dubious or disputed factuality and accuracy. The text includes many stories and poems, including those by Sufi poet Magtymguly Pyragy. It was intended as the "spiritual guidance of the nation" and the basis of the nation's arts and literature, by creating a positive image of the Turkmen people, a heroic interpretation of its history, the review of Turkmen customs and the definition of "moral, family, social and religious norms for modern Turkmens". The ''Ruhnama'' was introduced to Turkmen culture in a gradual but eventually pervasive way. Niyazov first placed copies in the nation's schools and libraries but eventually went as far as to make an exam on its teachings an element of the driving test. It was mandatory to read ''Ruhnama'' in schools, universities and governmental organizations. New governmental employees were tested on the book at job interviews. In March 2006, Niyazov was recorded as saying that he had interceded with God to ensure that any student who read the book three times would automatically get into heaven. After the death of Niyazov in December 2006, its popularity remained high.〔(ENTERTAINMENT - The Denver Post )〕 In December 2009, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov still strongly recommended that the government use the ''Ruhnama'' as an instrument of youth education. ==History== Niyazov issued the work's first volume in 2001, saying it would "eliminate all shortcomings, to raise the spirit of the Turkmens". In 2004, Niyazov issued a second volume, covering morals, philosophy and life conduct. The book was a substantial part of Niyazov's personality cult and his administration's policy of Turkmenization. The government required bookstores and government offices to display it prominently—and mosques to keep it as prominent as the ''Qur'an''.〔(Turkmenistan Project )〕 After some imams refused to comply with this demand, alleging that compliance would be blasphemous, the state reportedly demolished some mosques. In May 2004, the government-controlled website ''Turkmenistan: The Golden Age'' released a statement announcing the phasing out of "several educational and scientific directions and subjects of minor importance". The teaching of algebra, physics and physical education effectively ended in Turkmenistan. In place, students were encouraged to memorize the ''Ruhnama'' and chant slogans praising President Niyazov.〔(Turkmenistan Wrestles with Child Labor )〕 A 30-year-old engineer reported that "all (son ) learns is passages from the ''Ruhnama'', and he has started telling me off because he has memorised more of the book than me".〔(Turkmenistant:Focus on Education )〕 In August 2005, the first part of the ''Ruhnama'' was launched into orbit so that it could "conquer space" as well. It is supposed to orbit Earth for the next 150 years. In 2011, several years after Niyazov's death, the ''Ruhnama'' was removed as a mandatory subject in Turkmen schools. However, it was noted that books written by Berdymukhamedov, Niyazov's successor, had begun to be included in coursework. There were concerns that the cult around Niyazov would simply be replaced by another cult around Berdymukhamedov.〔(Turkmen Government Removes Ruhnama as Required Subject )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Ruhnama」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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