Central Asia

In view of the 2026 elections, the only Central Asian country without a ruling dynasty is discussing a new change to the voting system. Each voter would be given the opportunity to choose three candidates in their constituency to ‘vote for people and not for parties’.

The Tajiks consider themselves the main heirs of the trade routes of centuries ago, of the ‘first Eurasian globalisation’ in history. But today, according to the political scientist Abdugani Mamadazimov, they are forced to play catch-up with their neighbours while the whole world looks to Central Asia as a crucial area of connections between East and West.

The repercussions in Central Asia of the US government's blocking of cooperation activities also include the suspension of subsidies to news agencies such as Radio Svoboda and associations that fight against the gagging of critical voices. And Kazakh nationalist politicians are rejoicing, calling for an end to ‘foreign interference’ in the story of their country.

The two countries are working on a new mechanism to govern the flow of migrant workers. By passing in Uzbekistan special examinations in Russian language and legislation, they will be able to obtain a ‘licence’ necessary for issuing residence permits. Legalisation is an issue made more urgent by the serious labour shortage caused by the mobilisation in the war in Ukraine

The mayor of the Kazakh capital has announced the summer opening of the rail transport line that has become a monument to corruption in the country after ten years of inconclusive projects. But the final costs and payment mechanisms remain unknown.

With a decree issued by President Žaparov, a law has come into force banning clothes that entirely cover women's bodies and even their faces. The controversy over traditional Muslim clothing and men's long beards has long been the focus of much debate in a region where secular governments are trying hard to curb the drift towards radical Islam.

From Kazakhstan to Tajikistan, procedures have been adopted throughout the region to change the spelling of surnames by eliminating the patronymic forms imposed during tsarist and Soviet domination, in order to recover Turkic or other ethnic roots. However, only a few personalities have taken this step, perceived by many as an unnecessary complication.

Analyst Syroežkin - freed from prison after being convicted in 2019 of ‘treason’ - analysed the state of Kazakhstan's relations with China in a television interview: ‘The president is one of the few Kazakhs who can understand Chinese policy: he tries to pursue an effective balance with Moscow. But his promises about a new and just country still remain limp’.

It was founded in 1931 to transform a desert area into a model metropolis by mobilizing the best architects, engineers and builders of the Soviet Union. And despite the country's backwardness even today this city continues to be enriched with new streets, squares and city parks.

Possible peace talks in Ukraine could result in an easing of sanctions, which would consequently give Russia a chance to again strengthen its influence in the region. Where China's activism is also increasing. The crux of relations with Tehran.

The video of an ‘exorcism’ performed on a little girl that has gone viral on social networks is sparking heated debate in Kazakhstan. The denunciation of intellectual Gaziz Abišev: ‘The ultra-conservative part of society, behind the slogans of passionate ideologies, is trying in various ways to drag the nation back to the darkness of the past’.

With Russia's doors increasingly closed, many workers from the region have left for South Korea. But Central Asians seeking prospects in Western countries are also increasing, often ending up as victims of unscrupulous exploiters. Turkey as an intermediate destination where they stay for a few years hoping then to reach Europe or America.