Central Asia

President Almazbek Atambaev (right) and Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev of Kyrgyzstan at a recent summit with the leaders of Russia, China, Kazakstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (Photo: Kyrgyz president’s website)

Bishkek Turns Face to Moscow

Membership of economic grouping risks distancing Kyrgyzstan from some of its near neighbours.

19 Sep 14

The Ascension Cathedral in Almaty. Built in 1907, the cathedral serves the local Russian Orthodox community, and is made entirely of wood. (Photo: Deonisy Mit)

Unease at Focus on Language, Identity in Kazakstan

Russians say nationalist sensitivities have been heightened by Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.

17 Sep 14

Vegetable stalls at the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Picture from May 2009. (Photo: neiljs/Wikimedia Commons)

Central Asia Keen to Feed Russian Market

Plans to fill trade gap left by ban on European foodstuffs may not be achievable.

15 Sep 14

Kiss Controversy in Kazakstan

Poster showing 19th century cultural heroes in clinch sparks sound and fury, but doesn’t mean Kazak legislators will rush to adopt Russian-style homophobic laws.

5 Sep 14

Uzbek leader Islam Karimov (left) and Tajikistan’s Imomali Rahmon (right of group) at the 2012 Shanghai Cooperation Summit. (Photo: Kremlin press office/Wikimedia Commons)

Uzbekistan Being Nicer to Tajik Neighbours?

Conciliatory gestures unlikely to lead to swift improvement in relations.

3 Sep 14

Despite Ban, Polygamy Becoming Normal in Tajikistan

1 Sep 14

Radiating Ill Health in Tajikistan

27 Aug 14

Musicians Gather for Tajik Mountain Festival

21 Aug 14

Baby Trade in Tajikistan

1 Aug 14

A Tajik border guard. (Photo: Nozim Kalandarov)

Tajik Army Urged to Tackle Bullying

Military authorities must condemn violent culture, deal with abuses, and offer compensation, rights groups say.

31 Jul 14

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