Troubled waters: Turkmenistan’s environmental policy
Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of independence in 2021. But what does its past and current environmental policy look like, and what does it reveal about the country? In an article published on the Turkmen news site Orient.tm on 16 February 2021,
Turkmenistan’s president appoints his son deputy prime minister
As part of a government reshuffle, Turkmenistan's president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has named his son Serdar deputy prime minister. The appointment comes after several months of speculation about the political rise of Berdimuhamedow junior.This article was originally published on Novastan's German
Central Asia in 2020: the year in review
Coronavirus, border clashes, a political crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Central Asian rap in 10 tracks
Hip hop, which appeared in America in the 1970s, has long since become a worldwide phenomenon adapting and evolving in each new environment. Central Asia is no exception, as a quick overview of rap music from the region reveals. This article
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. The main innovation is the establishment of the joint dialogue
Wedding in Ferghana
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" is one of the most famous mottos in world literature. The novel it comes from, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, is now available in Kyrgyz. Novastan met with the pair behind this new translation. For
There is little data about air pollution in Kazakhstan, though what does exist shows dangerous air quality levels. Researchers are working on measurements tools to give a more accurate picture of the issue and figure out what can be done. Although pollution has long been a