Balysh Ovezovich Ovezov (29 December 1915 – 13 October 1975), served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Turkmen SSR twice, from 1950 to 1951 and again from 1960 to 1969.

Biography

Ovezov was born in a village in Turkmenistan, then part of the Russian Empire. Orphaned at an early age, he graduated from the Higher Party School of the Central Committee.

He first worked as a teacher, and took on responsibility for the Komsomol in Turkmenistan. Gradually, he took on greater roles within the Communist Party, before being appointed General Secretary.

He succeeded Shadzha Batyrov as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan, beginning his first term in 1950 and staying in office until October 1951, when Sukhan Babayev became General Secretary. During this time, he received the Order of Lenin.

Ovezov was returned to power on 13 June 1960, following the death of Dzhuma Durdy Karayev. He served until 24 December 1969. Muhammetnazar Gapurow succeeded him.

He fathered six children.

References

Rulers of Soviet Republics

External links

• Turkmenia: Man Masters the Desert by Balysh Ovezov