Stories about Kazakhstan
China's impact on the Rogun Dam Project in Tajikistan
Tajikistan's Rogun Dam Project is one of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Do the ballooning costs, environmental concerns, and human rights abuses outweigh the potential benefits?
Nuclear referendum disheartens Kazakhstan’s opposition
A few days before the referendum, police detained about 40 activists across the country.
Top officials in Kazakhstan dodge independent journalists
Their attitude toward the media shows their attitude not only towards journalism, but also towards the citizens of the country.
Attack on pro-Palestinian activist in Taiwan undermines Israel's image on the island
Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Taiwan has seen several civic initiatives calling for an alternative discussion of events in Gaza.
Wild horses return to their historic natural habitat in Kazakhstan
This initiative became a major milestone in global wildlife preservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horses from extinction and reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
An Orthodox priest in Kazakhstan is trying to open a church independent from the Russian Orthodox Church
The difficulty is that according to the law in Kazakhstan, preaching and missionary activity without registration are prohibited.
Central Asia press freedom scores get worse
The bleak situation for freedom of expression in Central Asia underscores the need for renewed international pressure to respect their international obligations.
President Zelenskyy’s first interview with Central Asian journalists warns of dangers of being in Russia’s orbit
The interview came at a time when people in Central Asia remain divided regarding their opinion on the war in Ukraine.
Symbolic, but distant in the future: A dam on Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn river
With a projected capacity to generate 5.6 billion kWh, the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP could improve Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and allow for increased exports.
What stands behind Central Asia’s ugly problem with domestic violence
The widespread nature of the problem translates into the endless cycle of outrageous stories of assaults and murders of women in the region.
Central Asia’s unique tradition of singing during Ramadan keeps evolving
Jaramazan’s growing popularity has taken it to restaurants, parks, roads, and offices, where it is performed by professional singers, small children, and youngsters alike.
Under threat: The life of Karakalpak activists in Kazakhstan
The latest activist arrested in Kazakhstan at the request of Uzbekistan is human rights activist and informal leader of the Karakalpak diaspora Akylbek Muratov.
Kazakhstan’s oil fund is one of the most opaque in the world
It was supposed to become a full-fledged fund for future generations and serve as a macroeconomic stabilizer.
In Kazakhstan, ‘Bloody January’ is still a taboo topic
"The authorities do not need to dwell on this topic, because why would they? They killed people, tortured them — why [would they revisit this]?"
Kazakhstan’s national identity is deeply connected to its food culture
Kazakhstan's modern cuisine has been significantly influenced by the eating habits of the peoples who were deported or moved to Kazakhstan.
What did Central Asian presidents talk about in their New Year's addresses?
These New Year's addresses provided a glimpse into Central Asian governments' perspectives on their countries' achievements and challenges.
Will organized crime survive the government onslaught in Central Asia?
Organized crime groups in the region are retreating, but the question remains whether the government onslaught will succeed in eliminating their influence.
Kazakhstan’s ‘foreign agent’ list threatens NGOs
After the list was published in September, at least one NGO was singled out for extra financial scrutiny.
Kazakhstan’s ex-president releases a controversial memoir
Nazarbayev confirmed the long-stading rumors and admitted having an extramarital affair with Asel Isabayeva.
Uzbekistan celebrates reformist Jadid movement in the new documentary
It seems the Jadids' return to the public space will be long-term with the government using their legacy as means of inspiration.
Tatar language activist who identifies as queer: ‘Under the influence of the modern Russian state, Central Asian politicians are trying to implement similar anti-gay policies’
Interview with Tatar queer language activist Marsel Ganeyev, whose aim is to „help minorities reconnect to their roots or overcome the emotional trauma"
