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Silk Road Treasures: Almaty’s Mountains

Under the banner of "Silk Road Treasures", TCA's people -journalists, editors, authors- share their personal experiences of Central Asia and her people, and by listing their favorite places, literature, films, architecture and archaeological sites, alongside encounters with customs and traditions, provide pointers for readers wishing to visit the region. Vagit Ismailov, Journalist The first thing a travelers notice when descending at Almaty International Airport are the towering snow-capped peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. However, alongside their majestic presence which make this city unique, the mountains harbour a constant threat which anyone who has experienced an earthquake whilst inside a high-rise building, will both well understand and fear. Almaty, capital of Kazakhstan until 1997, is one of those cities whose growth is independent of either metropolitan status or the presence of large enterprises. Now one of the most dynamic cities in the post-Soviet space and, perhaps, one of the most prosperous in Central Asia, the ever-evolving city absorbs money from other regions and boasts a wealth of amenities, high-end restaurants and cosy cafes to welcome customers day and night. Inevitably, the population continues to rise and as commented by one of Almaty's akims (mayors), every day, the number of people entering the city is equivalent to Latvia's population of over 1.5 million. As a result, the roads are constantly clogged with traffic, again showing the megacity's restless energy and the potential for further growth. Amidst the boom in development which has spurred the construction of modern residential and business complexes, the city center remains quintessentially Soviet in style, flanked by streets of familiar communist apartment blocs from the sixties and seventies. Today's new builds reach for the sky but under the Soviet regime, high-rise construction was forbidden in Almaty. The only exception was the Kazakhstan Hotel, which standing 102 meters high, is now the city's third tallest building. Constructed in 1977, it was designed to withstand zone 9-point seismic activity, but nevertheless, its survival of several earthquakes is regarded as miraculous. [caption id="attachment_22785" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Hotel "Kazakhstan" Image: @iStock[/caption] The proximity of the mountains and unspoilt natural landscape, provide residents and tourists alike, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. The nearby resorts of Shymbulak and Medeo, home to the world's largest ice rink which sits like a diamond in a box of green velvet, offer a range of winter sports facilities. Cable cars traversing deep gorges, operate all year round, aiding access to the high pastures, and panoramic views of the Tien Shan ranges, and numerous, graded hiking trails wind through passes to lakes and waterfalls. Scenery aside, visitors can experience more of what Kazakhstan has to offer by sampling local fayre in various venues and watching demonstrations of eagle hunting, and for lovers of antiquity, there are petroglyphs to be discovered, carved on red rock, and the famous Boroldai Saka Burial mounds, dating back to V-VIII BC. [caption id="attachment_22786" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Medeo. Image: @iStock[/caption] But the threat of the Zailiyskiy Alatau is ever-present. In 1887, ...

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Central Asia Uzbekistan Life & Culture Local Politics Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Politician Calls for Ban on Soviet Symbols

Alisher Kadyrov, the deputy speaker of the legislative chamber of Uzbekistan's Parliament (Oliy Majlis) and leader of the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Party, has proposed an initiative to ban the promotion of Soviet ideology and symbols in the country. The idea emerged after the high-profile case of a Samarkand pensioner who expressed a desire to restore the Soviet Union, for which he was sentenced to three years of restricted freedom under an article on encroachment on Uzbekistan's constitutional order. Kadyrov supported the court's decision, noting that he considered Soviet ideology harmful and hostile to national values. In his statement, he emphasized that the Soviet regime had harmed not only Uzbekistan but the whole world, undermining the cultural and spiritual foundations of the people. He recalled the discrimination suffered by the Uzbek people during the Soviet period and emphasized the need to analyze this period. He stands firmly against its justification and promotion. “The Uzbek people were discriminated against and humiliated by the Soviet authorities and are still healing the wounds of the past. The Soviet ideology, which rejected nations, values, and faith, harmed not only our people but also the entire humanity, and these phenomena continue to be a misfortune,” Kadyrov said. The politician also called the promotion of Soviet ideas a crime against the constitutional order and a betrayal of the people and ancestors who were victims of the regime. Kadyrov has repeatedly spoken out against symbols relating to the USSR. In May 2021, he called the raising of the red flag at a concert in Tashkent a provocation and an insult to the people, explaining that the symbol of the Soviet occupier state was soaked in the blood of Uzbek intellectuals who had been repressed by the regime.

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Kazakhstan Home Life & Culture Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan International Affairs Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Featurees

Mehrdad Mozart : A Model’s View of Kazakhstan’s Fashion Industry

Kazakhstan's fashion industry is rapidly growing, and increasingly, attracting global attention. Within its dynamic environment, new faces, talented designers, and unique projects are emerging which promise to elevate its international status. One such talent is Mehrdad Mozart, a professional model with a wealth of international experience, now living and working in Kazakhstan. Originally from Iran, Mehrdad has enjoyed a chequered career from playing in a rock band to hosting radio & TV shows, and from acting in commercials and movies to judging modeling and talent shows. A model since 2009, he has worked with several global brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Gucci, and has mentored young people entering the profession. In an exclusive interview with TCA, Mehrdad spoke about his modeling career, his perception of the fashion industry in Kazakhstan, and his personal aspirations. [caption id="attachment_22748" align="aligncenter" width="785"] photo: mehrdadmozart.com -Mehrdad Mozart[/caption] TCA: What inspired you to enter the fashion industry? I think the allure of fashion itself inspired me. I used to get lost in magazines, dreaming of becoming a model and representing high-end brands. Fashion TV became a regular escape, where I absorbed every detail and admired the work of iconic male models like David Gandy, Sean O’Pry, and Tyson Beckford.The influence of legendary brands like Tom Ford, Dior, Hermès, Burberry, and D&G played a huge role in shaping my aspirations. They were the very definition of style and sophistication, fueling my desire to be a part of that world. TCA: How did you get into modeling? My modeling career began when I moved to Malaysia. I didn’t have a portfolio or any connections, so I joined a Facebook group for talents, most of whom were working as extras in films and commercials. That gave me my first break and after a slow start, my modest portfolio eventually caught the attention of talent directors, photographers, stylists, and then, modeling agencies. TCA: What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are now? In the beginning, breaking into the industry was challenging. I faced constant rejections from modeling agencies, had no connections, and had to deal with criticism. Staying in shape required intense discipline, and coping with the competitive, high-pressure environment was tough. Unfortunately, diversity remains a significant issue in the fashion world. Middle Eastern models, in particular, encounter additional barriers, making it even more difficult to succeed. Given these challenges, perseverance and determination proved essential to navigating and eventually thriving in this demanding industry. [caption id="attachment_22749" align="aligncenter" width="803"] photo:mehrdadmozart.com -the catwalk[/caption] TCA: You now live in Kazakhstan: What are your initial impressions of its fashion industry? I had heard of renowned Kazakh designers such as Aigerim Akenova and Aida Kaumenova. However, when I first arrived in the capital city, Astana, the fashion scene still felt fairly underdeveloped, with little activity apart from the odd fashion show or commercial shoot. Almaty however, is a different story. The fashion industry here is vibrant and rapidly expanding. Since moving to the city, I've become...

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Central Asia Home Justice Uzbekistan Life & Culture International Affairs Uzbekistan Features Uzbekistan Justice Features Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan International Affairs Uzbekistan Local Politics

In Uzbekistan, 74-Year-Old Pensioner Convicted of Agitating for Return of USSR

Ergashkul Khasanov, a 74-year-old resident of Samarkand, was convicted of conducting propaganda aimed at the restoration of the USSR. Hasanov was actively engaged in disseminating material through the Telegram group, Uzbek SSR/USSR, in which he claimed the collapse of the Soviet Union was illegal and temporary and that the independence of the former republics, including Uzbekistan, was informal and temporary. The court found him guilty of encroaching on Uzbekistan's constitutional order. Khasanov's story dates back to 2021, when he began listening to speeches by Russian citizen, Oleg Turishkin, who argued that the collapse of the USSR was both illegal and unjust. Turishkin suggested that Khasanov register as a Citizen of the USSR, and the Uzbek pensioner duly obtained a certificate of Soviet citizenship through the post office. He subsequently joined a Telegram group where he participated in discussions and published materials arguing that the Soviet Union had not legally been dissolved and that the former Union republics should reunite again. In early 2023, Khasanov traveled to Moscow, where he met with activists who advocated the restoration of the Soviet Union and a return to the constitution and laws from Joseph Stalin's time. They argued that the Union “legally” continued to exist, and prepared for its restoration. After visiting Moscow, Khasanov continued to publish materials claiming that Uzbekistan's independence was superficial and that all former republics should return to the fold of the USSR. In his case, the court considered Khasanov's age, lack of previous convictions, and status as a pensioner. As a result, he was sentenced to three years of restricted freedom. Khasanov is forbidden from leaving his apartment from 22:00 to 6:00, changing his place of residence without the permission of the supervisory authority, and from leaving the Samarkand region. In 2022, the public movement, Citizens of the USSR was included in a list of organizations deemed by the authorities in Russia to be extremist. Believing that the Soviet Union still exists, some supporters of the movement refuse to abide by the laws of modern Russia, obey the current authorities, or use Russian passports.

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Cultural Heritage Central Asia Life & Culture Kazakhstan Local Politics International Affairs Local Politics Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan Kazakhstan International Affairs

International Recognition for the Kazakh Tazy Dog

The Kazakh Tazy, one of the oldest dog breeds, is at last, poised to receive international recognition. The General Committee of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) has officially approved the preliminary recognition of the Kazakh Tazy as a unique breed. The move secures Kazakhstan as the holder of the breed standard and is a significant step towards the breed's global recognition. The next ten years will be devoted to collecting data on the health, characteristics, and registration of Tazy puppies, which will be submitted to the FCI for review. Since 2022, the Presidential Affairs Department (PAD) of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been working on preserving Kazakh dog breeds through scientific research, exhibitions and amendments to legislation regarding breeding. In August 2023, the Union of Cynologists of Kazakhstan, having fulfilled all of its requirements, became a full member of FCI which in turn, allowed the Kazakh Tazy to be declared a national breed. The Kazakh Tazy dog emerged over four thousand years ago and according to recent genetic studies, is unique in terms of genetic diversity, especially in Kazakhstan's southern and eastern regions. Renowned for its outstanding endurance, ability to withstand Central Asia's harsh climate, and skills in hunting hares, wolves, and other animals, the Tazy has long been an essential part of the nomadic people's lives.

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Central Asia Tajikistan Life & Culture Home Uzbekistan Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan Opinions Features Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Empowering Central Asia: A Unified Approach to Poverty Alleviation

Many developing nations have prioritised the eradication of poverty. They employing various strategies, such as pursuing higher economic growth and more equitable income distribution. These efforts have yielded mixed results, underscoring the importance of caution and awareness of the challenges involved. East Asian countries have made significant strides in eliminating poverty. China has made significant progress, and India has seen more moderate headway. Latin American nations have faced difficulties in reducing poverty due to sluggish economic growth, and unfortunately, poverty has risen in Africa. Extreme poverty has historically not been an issue in Central Asia, because of various support schemes provided by the former Soviet government. Nevertheless, while Central Asia's poverty rates continue to decline, poverty reduction is slowing in some countries. Interestingly, Uzbekistan has made notable progress in reducing poverty since 2021. The poverty headcount rate based on the national poverty line fell from 17.0 per cent in 2021 to 14.1 per cent in 2022 and further declined to 11.0 per cent in 2023. Robust real wage growth was the main driver of the recent poverty reduction. Between 2022 and 2023, increases in wage income accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total poverty reduction. However, wage growth was much higher among skilled workers, especially in urban areas, due to skills shortages in the labour market. The latest official statistics show that the average wage increased the most in the services sectors, with a higher share of high-skilled workers in telecoms, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Consequently, income growth favored the better-off skilled population. Such wage inequality leads to income inequality, measured by the Gini index, increasing from 31.2 in 2022 to 34.5 in 2023. It is also noted that the socio-economic conditions are better in all Central Asian economies than in other developing economies. In Central Asia, poverty reduction has been influenced by several factors, such as implementing a national welfare standard, improved access to quality education, and financial assistance for elderly individuals and households led by single mothers. For example, in Uzbekistan, introducing a national welfare standard in 2021 significantly reduced poverty. The poverty rate decreased from 17 to 11 per cent by 2023, with a more noticeable decline in rural areas (8 percentage points) compared to urban areas (4 percentage points), resulting in approximately 1.6 million individuals being lifted out of poverty. The government's initiatives suggest it is making progress towards halving poverty between 2021 and 2026, indicating a hopeful future for poverty reduction in the region. Notably, the World Bank has recalculated poverty estimates in Central Asia using updated international poverty lines. For lower-middle-income countries -- which globally include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan -- the poverty line is set at US$3.65 per day. In contrast, it is $6.85 daily for upper-middle-income countries like Kazakhstan. According to these new poverty lines, approximately five million people are considered poor using the lower-middle income country threshold, and 20 million people are considered poor using the upper-middle income country threshold. These updated poverty lines account for differences in living costs between countries....

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