Buying the "Ruhnama" and bring it out of the country?

[JohnRio]

Hello Travellers,

In January I will enter Turkmenistan. I am a big fan of all kind of books, so I would be very happy to have the "Ruhnama" in my bookshelf. Do somebody know if

1. you can buy it easily in any book shop in Dashoguz or Ashgabat? And

2. it is legal to bring it out of the country and into Iran?

Thanks in advance!

Jan

[steven]

It is quite difficult to find nowadays. Turkmenbashi is gone and although there are still plenty of statues, his literary legacy has disappeared from bookshelves. Best to ask locals if they have one at home, I am sure they would be happy to get rid of it.

Or you can get some books from the new president, those are in large supply right now!

[PolyP.]

A friend travelling with us got the ruhnama (first book, english language) at a book store around the russian bazaar in Ashgabat for 30$. He even declared it at the exit border (konye-urgench), the customs officer was not interested in it.

[TomGoode]

I bought an English language copy (they had German too) of the Ruhnama outside the Russian bazaar for 12.60 USD. Still in its protective case and everything. It’s the store selling books (including those by Gurbanguly) on the western entrance