Turkmenistan
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 ranking,… [...]
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 in Moscow… [...]
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. The occasion… [...]
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 cultural… [...]
In Central Asia, China is taking advantage of Russia’s isolation at war
DECODING: President Xi Jinping made an official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during the last SCO summit, his first trip since the pandemic. It’s a strategic destination for Pekin, which… [...]
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By supporting Novastan, you are supporting the only English, French and German-language media specialising in Central Asia. We're independent and we need your help to stay that way!How Russia is recruiting Central Asian soldiers for its war in Ukraine
Many Central Asian migrants have joined the Russian army since partial mobilisation was announced in Russia. They are being pulled into Russia’s war in Ukraine against the advice of their… [...]
Turkmenistan launches national messaging services
The Turkmen authorities have announced the launch of an instant messaging and email platform developed by domestic companies. These new applications will provide the Turkmen people with alternatives to Western… [...]
Turkey’s new push into Central Asia
Isolated on the international scene and weakened domestically, Turkey seeks support. Turkish powers have chosen a proactive foreign policy in Central Asia and enjoy good relations with countries of the… [...]
Hundreds of lifeless Caspian seals washed ashore in Turkmenistan
Hundreds of dead seals were discovered in Turkmenistan, with the cause of their death unclear. Government officials seem to want to conceal the mass deaths of the Caspian seal, which… [...]
Climate change could lead to ever more fluctuated temperatures in Central Asia
DECODING. According to the last report from the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), Central Asia is one of the rarest regions in the world where both droughts and excessive… [...]
Turkmenistan, the unknown mega-polluter
DECODING. Turkmenistan ranks fifth in methane emissions in the world, after Russia and the United States. This does not come as good news for Central Asia’s most secretive country –… [...]
Coronavirus in Central Asia: An Opportunity for China?
China’s involvement in the race for vaccinations in Central Asia confirms its aim to increase relations with neighbouring countries, primed for over a decade with the New Silk Road project. [...]