Abad Rizaeva
Turkmenistan- Early Life and Education
- Career in Education
- Entry into Politics
- Rise in National Politics
- Ministry of Education and Controversy
- Dismissal and Accusations
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Education
Abad Rizaeva was born in 1944 in Tedzhen, Turkmen SSR, Soviet Union. In 1965, she graduated from Turkmen State University with a degree in Russian language and literature teaching.
Career in Education
After graduating, Rizaeva began her career as an instructor for the Komsomol (Young Communist League) in 1965. From 1966 to 1977, she worked in preschool and school education, holding positions as a kindergarten teacher and school director.
Entry into Politics
In 1977, Rizaeva entered party politics. She served as Secretary of the Proletarsky District Committee of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan from 1977 to 1980, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Ashgabat City Council from 1980 to 1986, and Head of the Culture Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan from 1986 to 1988. She was elected as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR in the 11th convocation.
Rise in National Politics
From 1990 to 1992, Rizaeva was the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan. She was elected as a member of the Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan in April 1991.
In 1992, she became a member of the Secretariat of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan. From 1994 to 1999, she served as Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis (parliament) of Turkmenistan.
Ministry of Education and Controversy
From 1999 to 2001, Rizaeva served as Minister of Education of Turkmenistan. While in this role, she was criticized by President Saparmurat Niyazov for a school history textbook that described the Battle of Geoktepe as a defeat for the Turkmens. This incident resulted in a two-month suspension of her salary.
Dismissal and Accusations
In 2001, Rizaeva was dismissed from her position and barred from employment. President Niyazov accused her of immoral relationships with former leaders of the Turkmen SSR. Some media reports suggested that she had facilitated the recruitment of attractive young women for government positions.
Awards and Honors
- Medal "Gairat" (1993)- Medal "For Love of Fatherland" (1996)
- Order of "Gurbansoltan-eje" (1997)
- Order of "Bitaraplyk" (1998)
