Category: Kyrgyzstan
Insecurity, Harrassment, and Lack of Inclusion: Young Women’s Experiences with Safety in Bishkek public spaces
Urban spaces in Bishkek, including pedestrian areas and public transportation, remain uncomfortable for citizens, especially women, leaving them feeling vulnerable and insecure due to a lack of facilities, poor… [...]
In Central Asia, the Freedom of Press is in Decline
Almost every year, countries in Central Asia are placed at the bottom of NGO Reporters Without Borders’, annual ranking for the freedom of press. Every country has dropped in… [...]
Artists and activists raise awareness for Bishkek’s waste problem
In the far north of Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, waste piles up every day in what residents call the polygon, a chaotically managed municipal landfill. Men and women work in… [...]
Ukraine criticizes Central Asian presidents’ participation in Moscow’s May 9 parade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a strong statement condemning the presence of Central Asian presidents at the May 9 parade held… [...]
Central Asian presidents invited to attend Russian Victory Day Parade
Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to attend the annual Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. [...]
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Kyrgyz-Tajik border: both sides hope for quick reopening
The Kyrgyz and Tajik populations, plagued by a conflict that has yet to be resolved, must learn to work together. Tensions on the borders have increased in recent years. [...]
Closure of Radio Azattyk sparks discontent from civil society and international human rights activists
A court in Bishkek has ruled to shut down Radio Azattyk in Kyrgyzstan, the local affiliate of RFE/RL. The ruling sparked a wave of criticism from international… [...]
GoEast Film Festival in Wiesbaden opens on April 26
The 23rd goEast Festival of Central and Eastern European Film will take place in Wiesbaden from 26 April to 2 May. This year’s programme also includes several films from… [...]
Turkey continues exporting drones to Central Asia
In recent years, Turkish drones such as the Bayraktar TB2 have become household names, owing to their successful deployment in multiple conflicts around the globe, including Ukraine. The drones… [...]
Beyond fun and games – the politics of Nowruz
In Central Asia, the beginning of spring is traditionally marked by Nowruz, also known as ‘Persian New Year.’ Typical holiday celebrations include horse games, family visits, and large feasts. [...]
Four Central Asian cultural practices newly inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
A dancing mountain goat, a flowering garden of embroidery, a trickster’s tales, a silken thread spun from a worm’s cocoon – these are the diverse array of Central Asian… [...]
Pressure from Russia increases on Central Asian media outlets
Ever since February 24, 2022, coverage of the war in Ukraine has been complicated for Central Asia. Between voluntary omission by official media and pressure on those who dare… [...]