Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
In Tajikistan, government control still slows down internet
Despite going up in the rankings, Tajikistan’s internet is still among the slowest in the world, lagging behind its Central Asian neighbours. This article was originally published on Novastan’s… [...]
Can Sadyr Japarov fulfil his promises?
Sadyr Japarov went from prisoner to prime minister and interim president of Kyrgyzstan. It’s still too early to say whether he will be able to fulfil his many promises. Sadyr… [...]
Glory of the 1970s
Hotel Kazakhstan, in the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty, was built in 1978. The interior design, with its chic chandeliers and natural stone wall panelling, is reminiscent of… [...]
Palace of Arts
The Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts in the Uzbek capital Tashkent, opened in 1974, is one of the largest exhibition halls in Central Asia. Not only are… [...]
Russia tries new diplomatic approach with “Central Asia + Russia” format
Russia wants to intensify cooperation with Central Asia. During a video conference on 15 October, the foreign ministers of Russia and the Central Asian states adopted a declaration on cooperation. [...]
Kyrgyzstan: President Sooronbay Jeenbekov steps down
Kyrgyzstan’s president Sooronbay Jeenbekov announced his resignation in a desire to avoid further violence. The prime minister, Sadyr Japarov, declared himself interim president. This article was originally published on… [...]
From prison to high office: Sadyr Japarov is Kyrgyzstan’s new prime minister
Kyrgyzstan’s lawmakers gathered on 10 October to elect a new prime minister. They chose Sadyr Japarov, known for advocating the nationalisation of the country’s main gold mine, and until recently… [...]
The Mavlyanov family
An Uzbek family poses on a tapchan. This elevated seat is often the heart of family life: it is a place to eat, drink and talk. Credit: Hassan… [...]
Auto Draft
The “Farhod” Palace of Culture in Navoi, in southwestern Uzbekistan, was built in the early 1970s. Concerts, state ceremonies and other festive events are held there. Credit: Viacheslav Vazyulya… [...]
A break at Gur-Emir mausoleum
A woman sits in the courtyard of the Gur Emir mausoleum in Samarkand, where Tamerlane (Amir Timur), the national hero, and his family are buried. Credit:… [...]
Left to dry
Kourpashas, traditional Uzbek carpets, which adorn the homes of every household, dry in the sun in Moynaq, Karakalpakistan, western Uzbekistan. Credit: Timur Karpov (Uzbekistan) Find… [...]
Is Tajikistan really free from coronavirus?
As Tajikistan boasts a lack of coronavirus cases, both experts and the population raise doubts about the authorities’ sincerity. Could the government be hiding the truth, fearing panic and a… [...]