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Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration. “Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others. Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations. Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees. Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach. The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.

Central Asia Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort. President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from the airport, the year-round facility is planned to accommodate up to a million tourists per season. Kyrgyzstan’s government is also prioritizing the modernization of regional airports to improve domestic air connectivity. Renovation projects are underway in Naryn, Kazarman, Kerben, and Batken, while construction of a new airport in the southern city of Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon. Starting in May, the government plans to launch domestic flights on routes including Kazarman-Bishkek, Naryn-Bishkek, Kerben-Bishkek, Karakol-Osh, and Talas-Osh. These flights will be operated by the state-owned Asman Airlines. This follows the reopening of the Talas airport in May, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, marking its return to operation after decades of inactivity since the Soviet-era. Originally built in 1979 to accommodate planes and helicopters, the airport had long been out of service until its recent renovation. To support the enhanced domestic air network, Kyrgyzstan’s Manas International Airport Open Joint Stock Company has procured two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft for Asman Airlines. Manufactured in Canada, the Dash 8 Q400 is a short-haul plane capable of carrying up to 80 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Life & Culture Turkmenistan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia with Region’s Highest Pensions

Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in pension payments, with the highest average pension in the region, according to Kaktus.media. Kazakh citizens receive an average of approximately 89,275 KZT ($175.30) per month, as reported by the region's statistical agencies. Kyrgyzstan holds second place, with an average pension of 9,379 KGS ($108) at the end of 2023. Uzbekistan follows with an average of 1.2 million UZS ($93.40), while Turkmenistan ranks fourth, offering an average of 300 TMT ($85.60). Tajikistan reports the lowest pension payments in the region, where pensioners receive just an average of 370 TJS ($33.80) per month. Kazakhstan has also announced measures to further support its pensioners. Beginning January 1, 2025, the country will implement an annual indexation of solidarity pensions by 8.5%. Additionally, basic pensions and social benefits will increase by 6.5% annually, a move designed to improve the welfare of retirees.

Education Central Asia Tajikistan Life & Culture Life & Culture Tajikistan Business & Economy

Tajik Migrants Embrace Free English Courses to Pursue Jobs in Europe

Tajikistan has launched a free English online course for migrant workers aiming for employment in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The course, developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Smarthub educational platform, is part of the UK Seasonal Worker Program. This initiative provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their language skills at no cost. According to the IOM, over 200 participants have already completed the program. The curriculum covers essential communication skills, ranging from basic phrases and personal introductions to professional vocabulary necessary for workplace interactions. This initiative comes as Tajikistan explores alternative destinations for labor migration, prompted by stricter migration rules in Russia and Western sanctions limiting access to its labor market. Increasing numbers of Tajik workers are finding employment in Germany, Poland, the Baltic States, Romania, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, approximately 1,000 Tajik citizens traveled to the UK for seasonal agricultural work, including fruit and vegetable harvesting.

Central Asia Life & Culture Kazakhstan Local Politics Local Politics Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan Features Kazakhstan Featurees

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

More than half of Kazakhstan’s population is overweight or obese, even as food prices in the country continue to climb. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin recently highlighted that nearly 50% of consumer spending is allocated to food and beverages. In response, members of the Senate and the upper house of parliament are advocating for stricter regulations on food quality. Aniko Nemeth, an expert on food safety and nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) regional office for Europe and Central Asia, pointed out the country’s obesity crisis during a Senate hearing on food security. Drawing from data from the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition, she noted that 55.5% of women and 49.2% of men in Kazakhstan are overweight or obese. At the same time, 5.6% of the population suffers from malnutrition. The paradox highlights a larger issue: the rising cost of a healthy diet. According to Nemeth, the price has increased by at least 8% over the last eight years. Urban residents are more affected than rural residents who can supplement their diets with homegrown produce. Deputy Prime Minister Jumangarin acknowledged that food prices are a major burden for the population. He outlined measures to address the issue, including constructing 92 modern fruit and vegetable storage facilities by the end of next year. With a capacity of 700,000 tons, these facilities aim to stabilize seasonal prices. Additionally, subsidies for seeds will be increased to support farmers, focusing on reducing dependency on foreign hybrids. Jumangarin also addressed the dependence on imported meat, which drives up costs. He announced plans for a commercial livestock farming project in the Turkestan region, modeled on Australia’s practices. Expected to launch in 2025, the initiative aims to lower domestic meat prices and increase sausage production. Furthermore, Kazakhstan is set to become self-sufficient in poultry production and may even begin exporting chicken meat within a few years. Kazakhstan’s cheese production currently meets only 57% of domestic demand. New production projects are underway to bridge the gap, including partnerships with global leaders like French-owned Lactalis, the world's largest dairy products group. Jumangarin revealed plans for a facility in the Akmola region and another in Kostanay to produce 2,000 tons of cheese annually. These efforts coincide with an anticipated surplus in milk production from newly established dairy farms. Despite these efforts to make food more affordable, senators believe legislative action is needed to address the obesity epidemic. Arman Utegulov, representing the agricultural ministry of Kazakhstan, proposed a law to regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods treated with pesticides and antibiotics. He also called for stricter oversight of laboratories and trade centers to ensure food quality. “Excessive hormones in animal feed lead to chronic diseases,” Karimovich warned. He suggested amendments to existing legislation and even the potential return of veterinary laboratories to state control to tackle these issues. Kazakhstan faces a dual challenge: ensuring food affordability and combating rising obesity rates. While government initiatives aim to support domestic agriculture and stabilize food prices, balancing quality and cost remains critical....

Silk Road Treasures Central Asia Life & Culture Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan

Kazakh Rituals Included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

The Kazakh wedding ritual of Betashar has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inclusion highlights the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Kazakhstan's ancient traditions. In this article, we explore the Betashar ritual, other celebrated customs, and the challenges posed by certain archaic practices in modern times. Betashar: Revealing the Bride's Face During the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, Betashar was officially added to the list of intangible cultural heritage. State Counselor Yerlan Karin announced the decision, which underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to preserving its rich cultural legacy. Kazakhstan ratified UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, pledging to protect and promote cultural traditions. Today, 13 Kazakh practices are on UNESCO’s list, including kiiz үi (yurt), kүi (instrumental music), aitys (improvised poetry duels), Nauryz (spring festival), kүres (wrestling), and togyzkymalak (a traditional board game). Betashar—literally "revealing the face"—is a wedding rite introducing the bride to her husband's family. Historically, the bride spent three days secluded with the women of her community before being ceremonially presented to her new family. Her face, hidden under a large cloth, was uncovered in front of the gathered relatives while a zhirshy (singer-improviser) performed the betashar zhyry, a song introducing the family members. In return, they pledged gifts to the couple. The ritual concluded with the bride serving tea to her in-laws. While modern weddings often simplify Betashar, its symbolic meaning remains deeply cherished. Preserving Other Traditions Another ritual presented to UNESCO is Salburyn, an ancient hunting custom. Hunters once gathered on horseback for multi-day expeditions, accompanied by falcons and hounds. These hunts began with feasts and competitions, emphasizing camaraderie and skill. Today, while hunting is less necessary, Salburyn is celebrated as part of cultural events, such as during the Nauryz festivities in Kyzylorda region. The custom of Tusau Kesu—cutting a child’s “fetters”—is a joyous milestone in Kazakh culture. When a child begins to walk, their legs are symbolically tied with a colorful string, which is then cut by a respected relative. The ceremony includes laying out a symbolic “white path” (ak zhol), representing a prosperous future. Items such as money, a whip, a dombra, or a book are placed along the path to hint at the child’s potential destiny. Addressing Harmful Practices Not all traditions are compatible with contemporary values or legal norms. Bride kidnapping, an archaic practice still occurring in some regions, has drawn criticism and calls for stricter legal measures. Mazhilis deputy Murat Abenov recently urged tougher penalties for bride abduction, highlighting gaps in the Criminal Code that leave many cases unresolved. “Many victims are coerced into claiming they went voluntarily,” Abenov explained, citing examples where cultural products like songs and videos romanticize the practice. Despite its criminalization after the October Revolution, the issue persists. In 2023, there were 13 officially recorded cases of bride abduction, though Abenov believes the real figure is higher due to...