Interviews
The town of Turkestan in Kazakhstan has become a spot of attraction of Muslims due to philosopher, preacher and Sufi poet Khoja Yasawi. A mausoleum has been built over the tomb of this saint by order of Amir Timur. It is still the place of worship for Muslims not only from Kazakhstan, but also from all over the world. (more…)
Can artists stand up for natural boundaries, preserve lakes or plant forests? It turns out they can. Aigerim Kapar, contemporary art curator, founder of the contemporary art and public interaction platform ‘Artcom Platform’, co-initiator of the movement to preserve lakes in Astana ‘SOS Taldykol’, and the project on care about Lake Balkhash ‘Balqashqa Qamqor’, told about how artists respond to environmental challenges, how they engage the society and government institutions in problem-solving. (more…)
In Kazakhstan, participants of discussions often turn to religion for arguments when discussing clothing, behaviour and similar phenomena either tabooed or allowed by religion. They say that traditional religious views of their ancestors allowed this and did not allow that, and descendants must follow the same path. (more…)
Cooperation between various branches of science is required to understand how to use natural resources more efficiently and with no harm to ecosystems, believes Tajik biologist Rustam Muratov. (more…)
In a year marked by further democratic backsliding, CABAR has spoken with Dr Anna Matveeva to dissect the evolution of authoritarianism in Central Asia. Dr. Matveeva, renowned for her insights into post-Soviet political dynamics, explores the nuanced trajectories of autocratic regimes in the region, exploring the mechanics of autocratic developments, the regimes’ authoritarian learning tactics, and the precarious future of democracy after the pandemics.
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Protests in Kazakhstan, no matter what goals are pursued by activists, are taken by authorities as a threat to the existing political regime. Back in 2019, when Nursultan Nazarbayev stepped down from presidency, there was some easing of restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly. However, it did not last long: in January 2022, the bloodiest riot in the history of the country (Kantar) occurred, which resulted in 238 people killed, including two children and six teenagers. (more…)
Colonial oppression damages the identity of the conquered people, said Professor Sayfullo Mullodzhanov, a PhD candidate in history from Tajikistan. In his opinion, researchers should not be deceived by the “benefits” created by the empires in the conquered lands, since all this was done in the interests of the colonizers themselves. (more…)
What are think tanks of Kazakhstan today? What role do experts play in shaping the country’s political course? How is expert knowledge translated into tangible programs and real reforms? We asked Dr. Vera Axyonova, a researcher at the University of Vienna, these and many other questions.
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As Central Asia grapples with systemic corruption and escalating climate challenges, it finds itself at a pivotal juncture in its environmental trajectory. From the urban epicenters to the hinterlands, there is a palpable shift in sentiment. Amidst many complexities, the looming question remains: in the face of current adversities, might the environment emerge as the next big rallying point for Central Asia? We have talked with Professor Amanda Wooden to find out. (more…)
President Biden’s administration is trying to use the rapidly changing geopolitical situation in Central Asia to its advantage, said Parviz Mullodzhanov, Ph.D., a political scientist, orientalist and independent researcher from Tajikistan. An important US motive is the desire to block the flow of sanctioned goods to Russia through Central Asia, Parviz Mullodzhanov said commenting on the outcome of the first C5+1 summit. (more…)