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Tashkent Supermarket Expands to Manhattan, Bringing Central Asian Flavors and Culture to the West Village

After years of the iconic Brighton Beach grocery store and its ever-fresh hot bar, Tashkent Supermarket announced it would open its first Manhattan location in 2022, spurring excitement and anticipation in the West Village. 378 Sixth Avenue is now home to an intoxicating array of fresh Central Asian foods, imported products, and friendly faces sharing incredible cultures. TCA went to the new Manhattan branch to talk to patrons about their thoughts on the new location, how the food tastes, and their knowledge of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. We first spoke with Margarita, an ethnic Russian who has lived in New York for the past three years. Before moving to New York, she lived in Tashkent for 16 years. [caption id="attachment_29912" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Located right at the West 4th Street-Washington Square subway stop, Tashkent Supermarket sees a lot of foot traffic[/caption] “I’ve been to this location a few times already; it’s good but not quite as big as the flagship store in Brighton,” she told me. “I go for the imported Russian food; their grechka (buckwheat) is the best, and their hot bar tastes exactly like the food I miss from Uzbekistan. I go to their stores thrice a week, and importantly, the prices are very competitive for New York, especially meat and produce.” Among the American produce and packaged products, Armenian juices, Russian cookies, and Uzbek seasonings line the shelves. Unfamiliar patrons pick up and inspect foreign products and inspect them. Two girls, who admitted they didn't know much about Uzbekistan or Central Asia, peered through the store's window, watching people place syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) into plastic containers. "These pancakes really caught my eye," one said. "I've tried Afghan food before, but never Uzbek or other Central Asian cuisine. This supermarket in my neighborhood will help expand my palate and let me try new things." [caption id="attachment_29913" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Hot bar food includes fresh salads, chubereki, samsa, manty, and pastries[/caption] Ilona, a native of Vilnius, Lithuania, has lived in New York for over 25 years, and her whole family loves Tashkent Supermarket. “It is a slice of home in New York, and they have a great selection of products from the former Soviet Union. It is the only place in the city where I can find the ingredients I need to make my favorite food. Parsley root, dill, and other herbs are my main purchases here. I love this store and its community so much.” Aizhan, an ESL teacher from Almaty, has lived in New York for nine years. “It is my first time at the Manhattan location. It is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. They are my go-to for catering orders, and everyone is always happy with the quality and taste of the food. They do a phenomenal job making [Central Asian] food. I have not been back [to Kazakhstan] in years, but coming to Tashkent Supermarket makes me feel like I have transported myself back to Almaty.” Michele, a New York native, traveled to Uzbekistan,...

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Cultural Appropriation: How the YAKA Brand Sparked Outrage in Kyrgyzstan

A scandal has erupted in Kyrgyzstan over the Russian clothing brand YAKA, founded by Anna Obydenova. The company, which produces clothing, accessories, and carpets adorned with stylized Kyrgyz ornaments, has faced backlash after claiming exclusive copyright to its designs. This move has sparked widespread outrage among Kyrgyz citizens, who accuse the brand of appropriating their cultural heritage. Social Media Backlash The controversy first gained traction on social media, where users quickly pointed out the alleged appropriation. One of the first to speak out was Uulzhan Bekturova, who posted an Instagram story highlighting that YAKA’s so-called “skirt” from its YAKA Unique collection was, in fact, a traditional Kyrgyz garment known as a beldemchi. She addressed the brand directly: “No, this is not a ‘skirt’ from your YAKA Unique collection, it is our beldemchi! Stop stealing our culture! Shame on you!” Her post quickly went viral, triggering a wave of public indignation. Further fueling the controversy was a statement on YAKA’s official website claiming that the brand was created “in honor of the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence.” This historical inaccuracy (Kyrgyzstan gained independence only 34 years ago, in 1991) led to further accusations of ignorance and cultural insensitivity. Another source of outrage was YAKA’s warning that copying its designs was prohibited, which many saw as an attempt to monopolize traditional Kyrgyz patterns. TikTok Outrage and Calls for Boycott Public discontent was particularly intense on TikTok, where users criticized YAKA’s actions. One user, @rrrrrramilya, posted a viral video condemning the brand’s claim over Kyrgyz symbols: “A clothing brand has patented Kyrgyz patterns, registering them as their property. They justify it by saying ‘Made in Kyrgyzstan’ is on each product and that Kyrgyz artisans create them. So, if it’s made in Kyrgyzstan, is that OK? No! Manufacturing in a country does not give you the right to own its culture. Making something in Kyrgyzstan does not mean you get exclusive rights to traditional symbols!” Another user, @yido.kg, explained why cultural appropriation is such a sensitive issue: “The problem is that culture bearers are often discriminated against because of their own culture, while others use it as a fashion trend. But this isn’t just fashion - it’s the heritage of an entire people.” These videos gained widespread support, with many users calling for a boycott of YAKA products and demanding legal protection of Kyrgyz cultural heritage at the international level. Voices from Kyrgyzstan TCA spoke with Kyrgyz citizens to gauge their perspectives on the issue. Aisulu, 20, from Bishkek, expressed her frustration: “I am proud of our culture and traditions. It’s terrible when someone tries to profit from our heritage without our consent.” Mairam, 24, from Osh, added: “Our ornaments are not just patterns; they are part of our soul. No one should have the right to appropriate them.” Beksultan, 26, from Bishkek, emphasized the need for action: “We must unite and protect our cultural heritage. Cases like this should not go unnoticed.” YAKA’s Response and a New Controversy In response to the backlash,...

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Prospects for the Development of Kazakhstan’s Maritime Trade Gateways

A container hub will be built in the Aktau seaport. The maritime harbor is expected to become a center for cargo consolidation and distribution, facilitating Kazakhstan’s deeper integration into the global trade and transport system. How will this impact port operations, regional development, and the global supply chain through the Caspian Sea? The project in Aktau will primarily allow for the formation of a container park on its territory, serving Kazakhstan, Caspian region countries, and Central Asia. It will provide a full range of services, including container transshipment and warehousing. The hub’s construction marks a new phase in the port’s development, establishing it as a major logistical center. The hub can become not only a component of Kazakhstan’s transportation system, but a key link in the regional and global transport chain. For this project, investment has been secured from Lianyungang Port Group Co. Ltd., which operates one of China’s largest ports, with a corresponding agreement having been signed with the company. Growth Projections and Capacity Expansion According to many industry experts, Kazakhstan needs to actively develop container cargo transport. Currently, the country’s containerization level is quite low, standing at only about 7%. As Abay Turikpenbayev, Chairman of the Board of the Aktau International Sea Commercial Port public company, explained to TCA, oil and containers are ideal cargo for the harbor due to their swift transport, quick unloading, and rapid railcar turnaround. “It’s a different matter when bulk cargo arrives at the port. Bulk materials take longer to unload and congest the port infrastructure, preventing the acceptance and accumulation of a large number of railcars. The use of containers allows for an increased cargo flow,” Turikpenbayev stated. According to Turikpenbayev, unloading bulk cargo takes 2-3 days, and an additional 2-3 days is required for loading. In contrast, container unloading and processing take less than 24 hours. According to World Bank estimates, by 2030, cargo volumes transported via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route through the Caspian Sea will reach 11 million tons. The new container hub is expected to help handle these volumes and attract additional cargo flows, increasing the port’s container transshipment capacity to 140,000 TEUs per year. Addressing the Caspian Sea Water Level Decline A critical issue that deserves attention is the declining water levels in the Caspian Sea. According to the Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological Research Department of RSE Kazhydromet, since 2006, the level of the Caspian Sea has dropped by approximately two meters. This decline has significantly affected navigation in the region. To address this, dredging work is planned in the Aktau port this year. Turikpenbayev stated that around 1.6 million cubic meters of heavy sediment will be removed from the harbor’s waters. “The dredged material will be used to create new territories and extend the port area southward. This will allow the port’s land area to expand from 60 to 100 hectares in the future,” Turikpenbayev explained. In addition to the construction of the container hub, further port expansion plans include building an additional berth for bulk cargo,...

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Kazakhstan to Reconstruct Medeu, the World’s Largest High-Altitude Skating Rink

Kazakhstan plans to reconstruct Medeu, the world’s largest high-altitude skating rink, in 2025, expanding its capabilities and modernizing its facilities. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced the initiative in response to a request from senators. Medeu is a high-mountain sports complex located outside Almaty in the Medeu gorge, at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level. According to Bektenov, the planned modernization will enhance the rink’s technical specifications, bringing it in line with International Skating Union (ISU) standards for hosting speed skating and figure skating competitions. Additionally, the Almaty City Council (Akimat) aims to expand Medeu’s functionality to accommodate ball hockey (bandy) tournaments, world championships in ice speedway racing, and various ice shows and mass sporting events. Calls for Renovation In late December, Kazakh senators urged the prime minister to take action, noting that Medeu is now 52 years old. “Opened in 1972, it quickly became one of the best ice rinks in the world. In its first year alone, 249 of a possible 375 world records were set on its ice. The clean mountain air, rarefied atmosphere, and glacial meltwater used for ice resurfacing contributed to outstanding athletic performances. For two decades, Medeu led the world in speed skating. However, after the ISU introduced rules requiring competitions to be held in indoor arenas, outdoor rinks lost their prominence. Should we simply accept that a rink built for records is losing its significance? Medeu remains the world’s largest outdoor artificial ice rink, spanning 10,500 square meters and accommodating up to 8,100 spectators,” the senators wrote in their appeal. Proposed Measures To restore Medeu’s global sporting relevance, the senators proposed the following initiatives: Grant Medeu a special ISU status. Establish a high-altitude training center for athletes. Develop facilities for ball hockey (bandy) competitions. Utilize the arena for ice shows and performances by world-class figure skaters. Host stages of the world ice speedway championship. With its historical significance and unique natural conditions, Medeu remains a symbol of Kazakhstan’s sporting legacy. The upcoming renovation aims to ensure it remains a world-class venue for both competitive and recreational ice sports.

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CNN Report on Ibn Sina Sparks Central Asian Nationality Debate

A recent CNN report referring to the scholar Ibn Sina as an Uzbek scientist has ignited controversy in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan. Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, strongly criticized the report, calling it a “distortion of reality.” Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna in the West, was a polymath who made groundbreaking contributions to medicine, logic, physics, mathematics, and other sciences. Born in 980 in the village of Afshona near Bukhara, an area now part of Uzbekistan, he died in 1037. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 450 works, with about 240 surviving to this day. His most renowned book, The Canon of Medicine (Tib qonunlari), served as a standard medical text in Europe and the Islamic world for centuries. While the Ibn Sina segment was actually created not by CNN itself but by the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Sattoriyon accused CNN of disregarding historical facts and described the report as another example of what she called the “appropriation” of Tajik's scientific and literary heritage. “This is an insult not only to the Tajik people but also to the history and culture of Persian literature worldwide,” she said. The minister urged Tajik scientists and intellectuals to counter such claims with evidence, though she also dismissed CNN’s report as “just a TV channel’s material with no historical basis,” pointing out that it does not reflect Uzbekistan’s official stance. In Uzbekistan, reactions to the controversy varied. Sherzodkhon Kudratkhuja, Rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, acknowledged the shared history of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and called for moderation. “At a time when Central Asia is strengthening its unity, we must all approach such issues carefully,” Kudratkhuja said. He emphasized that Ibn Sina is commonly described as a scholar born in Bukhara, a region now within Uzbekistan’s borders, but suggested that he should be seen as a figure representing the entire Central Asian region. Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s “Yuksalish” movement, expressed disappointment with Tajikistan’s criticism. “The legacy of figures like Ibn Sina belongs to the entire region and the world,” Bekmurodov said. He urged Central Asian nations to focus on shared challenges such as climate change, economic growth, and security rather than divisive historical disputes. Azamat Ziyo, Director of the Institute of History at Uzbekistan’s Academy of Sciences, echoed calls for regional unity. “There is no written evidence about the nationality of many historical figures in Central Asia, including Ibn Sina. What matters is their contribution to science and humanity, not their nationality,” he stated. Ziyo also appealed to politicians to avoid interfering in historical scholarship. “The science of history is the business of historians. We should rely on objective, source-based research rather than political interpretations,” he said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among historians from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan to address shared historical legacies. Drawing on his 40 years of research into the history of Central Asian statehood, Ziyo explained the complexity of national identities in the region. “During the reign of the...

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Tajikistan Opens Its First Digital Art Gallery Highlighting Local Activists’ Work

The Khujand branch of the NGO Office of Civil Liberties has launched Tajikistan's first digital art gallery, which showcases the work of local activists. The digital gallery features art that addresses pressing social issues, such as domestic violence, discrimination, and environmental threats. It includes a diverse range of art forms, including digital works, photography, stories, and videos. [caption id="attachment_27723" align="aligncenter" width="1296"] Sad Dollar by Timur Shapirov; image: tut-gallery.tilda.ws[/caption] Prominent Artists and Initiatives The platform features contributions from prominent Tajik artists, including Zilola Imomova and Amina Ayyubi. It also includes works by winners and participants of art "hackathons" previously organized by the Office of Civil Liberties in Dushanbe and Khujand. Representatives of the organization explained the gallery’s purpose: “We aim not only to support art activists, but also to draw society's attention to pressing problems.” [caption id="attachment_27720" align="aligncenter" width="642"] Motherlandy by Muharram Buranova; image: tut-gallery.tilda.ws[/caption] Art with a Message Each work in the gallery is accompanied by a description explaining the idea behind it. Many of the featured pieces delve into topics such as gender inequality and social stereotypes, reflecting the personal stories and lived experiences of the artists. "Motherlandy" by Muharram Buranova, for example reimagines a powerful heroine as a positive, feminine counterpart to Homelander. Motherlandy radiates strength and courage as she shields a young girl from harassment, standing tall amidst a menacing crowd of zombie-like men, embodying the oppression and cruelty faced by girls in Tajikistan. With her steadfast presence, Motherlandy becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring belief that justice is not only needed but possible. Through this initiative, the digital gallery is seeking to amplify the voices of activists and provoke meaningful conversations about social issues in Tajikistan.