Abstract
The article considers the dynamics of the internal processes in Turkmenistan in the decisive years of perestroika. The main argument is given based on the analysis of change of elite institutions in the country in the second half of the 80-s.
It turns out that the power structure headed by the then first secretary of CP of the Turkmen SSR were not interested in the opening of the society and political culture, and trying to consolidate its newfound position. Accordingly, more open to change layers of society were not leverage that could change the position of power in the republic.
From the perspective of today, and in view of centralization and personalization of power as well as the character of the leader as a chance for an alternative and more inclusive development of the political system and political culture it was very unlikely.