Nowruz Archives

Young Darboz

During the Nowruz celebrations in Tashkent’s main parks, you can watch tightrope walkers, or darbozes. Their skills are passed down from generation to generation, with training starting at an… [...]

Nooruz, celebrated in the streets of Dushanbe

Nooruz (literally “New Day”) is officially celebrated on March 21 in all the countries of the former Persian Empire and particularly in Central Asia. In Tajikistan,… [...]

The president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, gives a speech during the official opening ceremony of the 2022 Nowruz festivities in Almaty.

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. But… [...]

A crowd in Bishkek. They are gathering to watch Kyrgyz kokboru teams play for Nowruz

Passion for Kok-Boru

Every year during Nowruz festivities, Kyrgyzstan’s best Kok Boru teams gather with their supporters for a national competition at the Bishkek racecourse. The Novastan team wishes everyone a… [...]