Douwe van der Meer

Written articles:

An advertisement for a bus ride to Siberian cities, Sughd Province, Tajikistan, winter 2018. Photo from the book 'Paradoxes of Migration in Tajikistan Locating the good life' by Elena Borisova.

The paradoxes of migration from Tajikistan to Russia: an interview with Dr Elena Borisova

Tajikistan has one of the highest emigration rates globally, with most Tajiks migrating to Russia for work. One million Tajiks are estimated to reside in Russia at any given time,… [...]

Alexander Degtyariov on stage with Devouring Genocide, a slamming brutal death metal band. Photos are courtesy of the ROCK DA BONE festival in Bishkek.

Inside Bishkek’s Metal Boom: Portrait of a Music Pioneer in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek is home to a small but vibrant metal scene. In the still largely traditional Kyrgyz society, local metal artists often struggle to find an audience, produce their… [...]