We, the people of Turkmenistan, based on our inalienable right to self-determination, proceeding from our responsibility for the present and future of our homeland, expressing fidelity to the precepts of our ancestors to live in unity, peace, and accord, possessing the goal of protecting our national values and interests, and securing the sovereignty of the Turkmen people; guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of every citizen and striving to provide civic peace and national accord, in order to affirm the foundations of popular power and the rule of law, adopt this Constitution the Basic Law of Turkmenistan.

SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

Article 10: The government is responsible for preserving the national historico-cultural heritage and natural environment, as well as for ensuring equality between social and national groups. The government encourages the scientific and creative arts and the dissemination of their achievements, and facilitates the development of international contacts in the fields of science, culture, education, sports, and tourism.

Article 13: Turkmen is the state language of Turkmenistan.

SECTION II: BASIC RIGHTS, FREEDOMS, AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PERSON AND CITIZEN

Article 17: Turkmenistan guarantees the equality of the rights and freedoms of its citizens and, likewise, the equality of citizens before the law regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, property holdings, official status, place of residence, language, religious preference, political convictions, or political party membership.

Article 36: Citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to freedom of artistic, scientific, and technical creation. Intellectual property rights and the legal interests of citizens in the fields of scientific and technical creation and artistic, literary, and cultural activity are protected by law. The government facilitates the development of science, culture, art, folk art, sport, and tourism.

CHAPTER 3: THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN

Article 55: The President must be a citizen of Turkmenistan, a Turkmen not younger than forty years of age, and resident in Turkmenistan. One person may not be President more than two terms consecutively.

SECTION VI: JUDICIAL POWER

Article 106: The legal process is conducted in the state language. Persons participating in a case who do not speak the language of the legal process are ensured the rights to acquaint themselves with the materials of the case, to participate in the legal proceedings through an interpreter, and to speak in the court in their native language.