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TCA Interviews

Behind the Scenes in Hollywood: Kyrgyz Screenwriter Guljan Toktogul on the Industry Without the Glamour

Screenwriter Guljan Toktogul spent nearly a decade in Hollywood. She wrote the script for the movie Salam, New York, about a Kyrgyz man adapting to life in America, and also has writing credits for the short films I'll Be A Star and Alexandra. A graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI), she now plans to continue her screenwriting career in her native Kyrgyzstan, having recently returned to Bishkek. The Times of Central Asia spoke with Toktogul about how screenwriters sell scripts in the U.S., how much they earn, what the bidding process entails, and whether it’s all worth it. TCA: What was it like living in Hollywood? Did it ever feel like home? Toktogul: It became comfortable, but not immediately, only after I built some connections. I first arrived in the U.S. in 2016 with my brother, who was there for work. We lived in Washington, D.C. for two years. When he left, I suddenly felt anxious. The thought of being alone so far from family, literally a day’s flight away, was overwhelming. I cried. But when I moved to L.A., completed a semester, and made friends, things improved quickly. I was lucky to be studying screenwriting at film school. TCA: Did the school feel like a second family? Toktogul: Exactly. Writing and working together means sharing deeply personal memories and thoughts, so people bond much faster than in everyday life. The school created a very supportive environment, full of people just as obsessed with film as I was. You live and breathe cinema, nothing else seems to matter. TCA: How are screenwriters treated in the U.S. compared to Central Asia? Toktogul: In the U.S., screenwriters are respected, but still often in the background. Producers and directors are the main creative forces. That’s why many screenwriters eventually try directing, to retain more control. You hand over your script, but what happens next is out of your hands. We don’t just write randomly, there’s meaning in every scene. When a script is mishandled on set, it’s painful. Many screenwriters avoid being on set for that reason. TCA: Are screenwriters usually present during filming? Toktogul: Yes, and rightly so. Unexpected problems always arise, maybe an actor drops out or a location falls through, so changes must be made on the spot. This is especially true for low-budget projects. I once worked on an indie film in Chicago and realized just how crucial a screenwriter’s presence can be. TCA: But aren’t things in the U.S. locked down by contracts before filming begins? Toktogul: Only if you're someone like Aaron Sorkin. He insists on filming scripts exactly as written. He’s known for demanding that actors deliver 10 pages of dialogue in nine minutes with no cuts. And it works, his dialogue has a musical quality. But most writers aren’t in that position. Ideally, scripts would be treated with more care. We’re not trying to take over, we just want the best version of the story to be told. TCA: Were you a member of...

Education

Uzbekistan to Transition to 12-Year School System

Uzbekistan is preparing to transition to a 12-year general education system, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education Sardor Radjabov announced in an interview with Uzbekistan-24. The change will incorporate preparatory classes into formal education, extending schooling from the current 11 years to 12. The revised structure will include three stages: One year of school preparation Four years of primary education (grades 1-4) Five years of general secondary education (grades 5-9) Two years of full secondary education (grades 10-11), which may be completed at general schools, academic lyceums, military schools, or technical colleges According to Radjabov, the reform aims to enhance educational quality and eliminate obstacles faced by Uzbek students applying to foreign universities. Currently, graduates are often required to complete a one-year foundation program abroad before qualifying for undergraduate studies. “This means our children lose a year,” he said. “If we implement the 12-year education system, students will no longer need to study foundation courses in several countries and will be able to enter undergraduate programs directly.” He added that aligning Uzbekistan’s education system with international standards would expand opportunities for graduates and narrow the gap between local and global academic systems. The reform builds on earlier changes to Uzbekistan’s school structure. In 2017, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed the reinstatement of an 11-year general education framework, emphasizing its role in improving the connection between schools and colleges. Since then, most schools have operated under the 11-year model.

Archaeology

Underwater Secrets of the Steppe: Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Artifacts in Kazakhstan’s Bogen Reservoir

A team of archaeologists from the Zhanibekov University Research Center has uncovered a trove of ancient artifacts at the Bogen Reservoir in the Ordabasy district of Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region. An unusually dry season significantly lowered the water level, revealing archaeological remains hidden for centuries. Paleolithic Tools and Bronze Age Burials Within just one week of surveying, researchers recovered dozens of Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic stone tools, including chalcedony flakes, cores, and cutting plates. Several Bronze Age burial sites were also excavated. While skeletal remains were poorly preserved, the grave goods were remarkable: decorated ceramics, a gold-plated bronze temple ornament, rings, bracelets, earrings, and hundreds of tiny beads likely used in headdresses. A particularly notable discovery was a burial dated to the 1st century BC-1st century AD. It contained three socketed arrowheads, a utility knife, a belt buckle, and a ceramic jug. Experts say such finds affirm the continuous human settlement of the region over millennia. After analysis, the artifacts will be transferred to a local museum. Bronze Knives, a Saka Ring, and a Lost Medieval City Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that archaeologists from Margulan University had unearthed two bronze knives near Lake Toraygyr. While attributed to the early Saka period, their design reflects stylistic elements of the Early Iron Age, evidence of both advanced metallurgy and cultural connectivity across Central Asia. At another site, researchers from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University discovered a gold ring from the Scythian era, weighing nearly 8 grams and featuring a lion motif. Experts interpret the human-animal hybrid symbolism as representative of the spiritual worldview of Saka elites in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. The burial also contained the remains of a man and a woman, alongside stone, iron, and gold artifacts. In Zhetysu, archaeologists revealed the ruins of a medieval city likely destroyed during the Mongol invasions. Excavations uncovered preserved brickwork, a defensive tower, and evidence of intense fire damage. Experts have drawn comparisons with other UNESCO-listed sites such as Talgar (Talhiz) and Koilyk. Meanwhile, the Saryarka Archaeological Institute has identified 25 historical and cultural sites in the Shet district of central Kazakhstan. These range from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age and into the medieval period. Excavations are pending, awaiting official permits. The “Golden Man” of East Kazakhstan and the Buddhist Crossroads One of the country’s most celebrated discoveries in recent years remains the 2018 unearthing of the so-called “Golden Man of East Kazakhstan” by archaeologist Zeinolla Samashev. More than 3,000 gold artifacts, including earrings, necklaces, and horse harness ornaments, were recovered from a burial dating to the 7th-8th centuries BC. Further south, in the Aiyrandy Gorge of the Merke district, archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple, including a carved stone head of the Buddha. The find underscores the region’s historic role as a crossroads of religions and cultures along the Silk Road. From Paleolithic tools and Saka-era treasures to lost medieval cities and Buddhist sanctuaries, Kazakhstan’s recent archaeological discoveries reveal an extraordinary continuity of settlement...

Art and Culture

Recipes for Broken Hearts: Bukhara Hosts Its First Contemporary Art Biennale

The heat of Bukhara’s old city does little to deter the crowds. Tourists squeeze through narrow lanes, pausing in the shade of centuries-old madrasas or beneath towering minarets. This September, the heart of the UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art is hosting something new: the inaugural Bukhara Biennale of contemporary art. Running from September 5 to November 20, the biennale is already being hailed as one of Central Asia’s largest and most diverse art initiatives. Its title, Recipes for Broken Hearts, reflects both its ambition and tone, blending art, history, and community in a city long known for its spiritual and cultural heritage. A Global Effort Rooted in Bukhara The Bukhara Biennale is commissioned by Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural legacy. Artistic director Diana Campbell sees the biennale as a continuation of Bukhara’s historic role as a center of learning and exchange. [caption id="attachment_35919" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Isiriq (wild rue) is a traditional herbal medicine also widely used in purification rituals among Uzbeks. It is often burned or hung in homes to ward off misfortune and evil. In the installation, bunches of isiriq hanging from the roof appear to reflect this age-old custom; image: TCA, Sadokat Jalolova[/caption] “The heart’s creative power comes into view when we look to tenth-century Bukhara, a time and place that offer many ways of mending heartbreaks,” said Campbell. She referenced Bukhara’s legacy as the home of polymath Ibn Sina and a crossroads on the Silk Roads. “For more than a millennium, Bukhara has been a place where people gathered to seek knowledge, healing, and hope. We believe the city holds many extraordinary recipes in its heart.” The biennale unfolds in the newly developed Bukhara Cultural District, where restored monuments are paired with modern design, featuring contributions from architects Wael Al Awar and landscape designer Günther Vogt. From Jeddah to Bukhara: Palm Waste Becomes Structure A highlight of the biennale is the AlMusalla Prize-winning installation, a reimagined musalla, or prayer space, constructed entirely from palm tree waste. Originally built in Jeddah, the structure has been transported to Bukhara as a symbol of sustainability and reuse. [caption id="attachment_35922" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] AlMusalla Prize winning installation; image: TCA, Sadokat Jalolova[/caption] Christopher Blust, engineer at AKT II, explained the origins of the project: “We were inspired by the idea of courtyards as places of gathering. Even the Prophet Muhammad’s house in Medina began with a courtyard for prayer and community.” Equally important, he said, was the material itself. “Palm fronds are discarded and often burned. We asked: Why not return to how these were used centuries ago? We shredded them, pressed them into boards, and created structural timber. This is the world’s first project to use palm waste in this way.” Architect Nicolas Fayad of East Architecture Studio noted that their design was informed by Jeddah’s traditional materials, timber, mud, and stone, reinterpreted through modern technology. “Everything visible in...

Healthcare

Kazakhstan Emerges as Regional Leader in Medical Tourism

Kazakhstan has taken the lead in the post-Soviet space in terms of the rapid development of medical tourism, surpassing its closest regional competitors, according to Kristina Krivets, President of the Kazakhstan Medical Tourism Association. Rapid Growth in Patient Numbers The sector has experienced explosive growth in recent years. In 2022, when the association was first established, just 1,280 medical tourists were recorded. By 2023, that figure had jumped to 8,000 and by 2024, it reached 80,000. “This is a very sharp increase, which shows that Kazakhstan is becoming a notable player in the region,” Krivets said. According to the association, around 90% of foreign patients come from neighboring countries, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, plus nearby Tajikistan. The remaining 10% hail from countries such as the United States, Germany, Israel, Austria, and Switzerland. The most in-demand services include reproductive medicine, dentistry, and aesthetic procedures. Kazakhstan offers these treatments at lower costs while maintaining acceptable standards of quality. In parallel, there is growing interest in more complex procedures such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and radiation therapy for cancer. The average bill for a foreign patient is approximately 1.5 million KZT ($2,780) for medical services alone. However, the total spending per patient is roughly ten times higher than that of a typical tourist, once accommodation, transportation, and additional services are factored in, underscoring the sector’s growing economic significance and its multiplier effect on related industries. Meeting International Standards Currently, nine clinics in Kazakhstan hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, seven in Astana and two in Almaty. While the accreditation process is costly and time-consuming, it is seen as essential for attracting international patients. “Today, Kazakhstan ranks first in medical tourism in Central Asia. Our main competitor is Uzbekistan, but we have every reason to become a medical tourism hub not just for our neighbors, but for a broader international audience,” Krivets stated. To help position Kazakhstan globally, the first international medical tourism exhibition, GlobalMedKZ, will be held in Astana on November 27-28. The event will focus on promoting the sector through information tours, social media campaigns, participation in international exhibitions, and consultations with foreign doctors. “GlobalMedKZ will become a platform for Kazakhstan to be known to the whole world,” Krivets emphasized. Legal Barriers Remain Despite its rapid development, the sector still faces significant legal challenges. Krivets pointed out that medical tourism is not yet defined in Kazakh legislation. “We are working with the Ministry of Health to include a definition in the Law ‘On Health,’ but ideally, a separate law on medical tourism is needed,” she said. Visa access is not a major hurdle, as most citizens from countries in Eurasia can enter Kazakhstan without a visa. However, state medical institutions are currently prohibited from paying commissions to foreign agents, limiting efforts to attract more international patients. Still, Krivets remains optimistic. “Medical tourism is a paid service that, with a well-structured system, can generate substantial revenue for the state. We see successful models in Turkey and South Korea, where it has become one of...

Cultural Heritage

UK Gifts Kazakhstan a Copy of Rare 11th-Century Map

Kazakhstan’s National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books has received a valuable addition to its historical archive, a facsimile of a unique medieval map of Central Asia, gifted by the British Embassy. The original is held at the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. The map is a reproduction of the only known copy of Kitab al-Garib al-Funun wa Mulakh al-Uyun (The Book of Wonderful Sciences and Delights of the Eye), an anonymous 11th-century manuscript. Scholars believe the original work was produced in Egypt between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Among the notable features of the map is the depiction of the ancient city of Zhankent, referred to in Arabic sources as “Al-Karia al-Hadisa” (Zhana Qala), located in modern-day Zhetysu, Kazakhstan. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, Zhankent served as the capital of the Oghuz state, a confederation of 24 Turkic tribes. Several other historic cities in southern Kazakhstan are also identified on the map. Digitized in full after its arrival at the Bodleian Library in 2002, the manuscript is now recognized as a valuable resource in the study of Islamic geography and medieval manuscript art. Founded in the 14th century, the Bodleian Library is one of Europe’s oldest and largest academic libraries. It is named after Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613), an English diplomat and noted collector of manuscripts. Kazakhstan’s own National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books continues to expand its holdings. A recent expedition to the Abai region uncovered nearly 1,000 manuscripts from the 19th and 20th centuries, with 27 of those works, ranging from religious texts to early printed books, now integrated into the national collection. Notable additions include a work by Abdullah Rumi in Old Turkic, collections of hadiths, and publications printed in Kazan, Orenburg, and Ufa during the late imperial period. In related cultural developments, The Times of Central Asia previously reported that, in late 2024, the British Library and the John Rylands Library in Manchester transferred more than 100 digitized manuscripts to Central Asian scholars. The collection includes rare works by Eastern luminaries such as Makhtumkuli Fargi, Alisher Navoi, and Fizuli.