The Ruhnama, or Rukhnama, translated into English as Book of the Soul or Book of the Spirit,
The Ruhnama was introduced to Turkmen culture gradually but eventually pervasively. 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 organisations. New governmental employees were tested on the book at job interviews.
After Niyazov's death in December 2006, its popularity remained high. However, in the following years, its ubiquity had waned as President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow removed it from the public school curriculum and halted the practice of testing university applicants on their knowledge of the book.
Background
Epics had played multiple important roles in the social life of Central Asia across centuries. Preparations for the revised book were underway as early as April 1999, when Niyazov declared that (The Holy Ruhnama) would be the second landmark text of Turkmens, after the Quran.
The first volume was finally published in December 2001. In September 2004, Niyazov issued a second volume.