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Demographics

From Boom to Bust: Kyrgyzstan Grapples with Falling Birth Rate

The population of Central Asia when the Soviet Union collapsed in late 1991 and the five Central Asian republics became independent countries was some 50 million people. Thirty-four years later, the population of the region is about 80 million. However, in Kyrgyzstan, the birth rate has been declining in recent years, and it has officials confused and alarmed. The Data Kyrgyz parliamentary deputy Dastan Bekeshev raised the matter on August 7, noting the country has seen a steady fall in the number of babies born from 2019, when it reached a record of some 173,000, to about 140,000 in 2024. Bekeshev was responding to recently released figures from Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee that showed the birth rate for 2020 was 156,112, for 2021 it was 150,164, climbing a bit to 150,225 in 2022, then dropping to 145,977 in 2023, and 140,419 in 2024. According to the Health Ministry’s chief specialist on demography, Raisa Asylbasheva, there are currently some 1.8 million women in Kyrgyzstan considered to be of childbearing age. Asylbasheva said it could be cyclical and “in five years, possibly, there will be an increase.” Bekeshev, however, has pointed out that if the trend continues, “In 15-20 years, there will be fewer young people in the country who can work, pay taxes, and provide for pensioners.” The Reasons Among the statistics cited on birth rate, one catches the eye immediately: the average age of a mother giving birth in Kyrgyzstan in 2024 was 28.4 years old. Traditionally, people marry young in Central Asia, and new mothers are often in their late teens or early 20s. It is not uncommon, especially in rural areas, to encounter grandmothers who are not even 40 years old. Many factors potentially play into the reasons for this decline in birth rate, but the general consensus is that socio-economic conditions are the primary cause. Asylbasheva said young people are concentrating on their careers and choosing to marry later than was previously the case. “The literacy rate of the population is growing; young people are already planning a family, trying to create conditions for a child,” Asylbasheva explained. Asylbasheva also mentioned that difficulties in obtaining a family-sized flat or house are causing some young couples to wait before having children. Baktygul Bozgorpoyeva, director of the Alliance for Family Planning, said state support for young families is sorely lacking and there needs to be government programs to help mothers and fathers raise their children “from adolescence to adulthood.” According to Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee, the average monthly wage in Kyrgyzstan in 2025 is a little more than 40,000 som (about $458), though many people receive considerably less than that amount. Kyrgyzstan’s authorities do offer some financial help. Under the “Balaga Suyunchu” (Happy for a child) scheme established in 2018, the state provides a one-time payment to parents of 4,000 som (about $46) after the birth of each child. In the event of triplets or more babies, the state gives a one-time payment of 50,000 som (about $572) for...

Archaeology

Archaeologists in Tajikistan Uncover 7th-Century Sewer System

Archaeologists in Istaravshan, in Tajikistan's northwestern Sughd region, have unearthed a remarkably well preserved sewer system dating back to the 7th century AD. The discovery was announced by architect and excavation participant Amindjon Khomid. The system was first uncovered in 2023 in the Kala-i-Mugh area during work conducted jointly with Professor Rakhim Nabiev, Doctor of Historical Sciences from Khujand. Ancient Engineering in Istaravshan Preliminary estimates place the sewer system’s age at around 1,300 years. Geological studies suggest even older cultural layers may lie beneath, potentially dating to the 1st century AD and as far back as five millennia. During excavations, archaeologists also found ceramic jugs from the 3rd and 6th centuries, as well as earlier eras. One 6th-century jug was made of concrete and lined with clay on the inside, an unusually advanced technology for its time. Khomid noted that the design and condition of the artifacts point to a high level of ancient engineering skill. Unique Jug from Khalkajjar As reported by The Times of Central Asia, earlier this year, archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan uncovered another significant artifact at the Khalkajjar monument near the village of Sarband. In May 2025, they discovered a clay vessel bearing a complete inscription in the Bactrian language, dating to the Kushan Empire (1st-3rd centuries). The inscription, written in a distinctive broken script, was translated by Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams and numismatist Joe Cribb. It reads: “This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina.” Researchers say such inscriptions are rare and provide valuable insights into literacy, property ownership, and social life in the Kushan Empire. The Kushan Empire was one of the largest states in ancient Central Asia, encompassing parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, southern Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The Bactrian language, widely used in administration and trade at the time, remains a key tool for understanding the region’s history. Traces of Ancient Life in the Zeravshan Valley In November 2024, an international archaeological team reported the discovery of the multi-layered Soi Khavzak site in the Zeravshan Valley, containing evidence of human activity dating back 150,000 years. Led by Professor Yossi Zeidner of the Hebrew University, excavations revealed stone tools, animal bones, and plant remains from periods spanning the late to middle Paleolithic. Scientists believe the region may have served as a migration corridor for both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, providing a place where they could meet and interact. The site’s excellent preservation of organic matter, including bones and wood, offers the possibility of discovering human remains, a find that could help identify the species of ancient inhabitants in Central Asia. Experts say these recent discoveries not only expand understanding of Tajikistan’s engineering and cultural history, but also highlight the region’s role as a hub of human innovation and migration over thousands of years.

Politics

Tokayev Awarded Ninth-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo

On Tuesday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was awarded a ninth-degree black belt, the highest distinction in taekwondo, by Chungwon Choue, president of World Taekwondo (WT), during his visit to Astana. The WT president arrived in Kazakhstan to attend the Kazakhstan Open 2025, an international G-1 ranking tournament taking place from August 14-16. More than 750 athletes from 22 countries will compete in three age categories: cadets, juniors, and adults. On the eve of the tournament, Tokayev presented Choue with the Order of Dostyk, Second Class, in recognition of his contribution to the global development of taekwondo. In return, Choue awarded the Kazakh leader the ninth-degree black belt, symbolizing the highest level of skill and knowledge in the sport. Tokayev said Choue’s visit was a significant event for Kazakhstan’s sporting community and reaffirmed World Taekwondo’s readiness to support the discipline’s growth in the country. Hosting major international competitions in Astana, he noted, will create new opportunities for Kazakhstani athletes and strengthen the national federation’s position. Earlier, Choue met with Gennady Golovkin, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, to discuss the future of taekwondo in the country. The WT president announced that e-Taekwondo will be added to the Youth Olympic Games and continental championships from 2026. Kazakhstan has already secured the right to host the Grand Prix Final in 2026 and is preparing a bid for the 2027 World Championships. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Taekwondo has been part of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games program and has featured in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 2000.

Headscarf Debate

Uzbek Politician Calls for Passport Photo Rule Change Amid Headscarf Debate

Alisher Qodirov, leader of Uzbekistan’s Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party, has called for an end to the practice of requiring women to remove headscarves when taking passport photographs. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Qodirov affirmed that Uzbekistan’s status as a secular state is beyond question but argued that secularism should not infringe on personal freedoms. Prosperity Without Discrimination “A secular state, governed by laws adopted by a popularly elected parliament and approved by a popularly elected president, allows citizens to live as they choose, as long as they do not violate the law,” Qodirov said. “Our priority is to ensure that citizens of all nationalities and beliefs can strive for prosperity without discrimination. Everyone is equal, and no one should be demeaned.” Drawing analogies, Qodirov said that just as one citizen may choose to drink beer and another may choose not to, without having to explain themselves, women should be free to cover their hair if it aligns with their beliefs. “Advertising alcohol is prohibited by law, but if a political force wins a parliamentary majority, it could change the law, making alcohol a ‘national value’ or same-sex marriage a free choice. You grant that right,” he added. Qodirov emphasized that all social development must rest on values. Referring to pop star Jennifer Lopez’s recent concert in Tashkent, he said: “If Jennifer Lopez wants to perform at a private, ticketed concert, as long as she doesn’t distribute drugs or promote anti-state ideas, that’s her choice. Showing her body is her decision; watching it is the decision of those who bought tickets. That’s secularism.” By the same logic, he continued, “A woman who chooses to wear a headscarf is protected by law. We accepted public nudity as secularism; we must also accept the right to cover up. Just as we don’t tell Lopez how to dress, we shouldn’t dictate how religious women wear their headscarves nor should we force women, who have lived by their faith for years, to remove them for passport photos. Identification requirements demand an open face, not uncovered hair. Let’s extend the same tolerance to devout women as we do to Lopez.” He concluded that secularism means equality for both believers and non-believers, “not the strong lecturing the weak about life.” Mixed Reactions to Lopez Concert Lopez’s August 7 performance at Tashkent’s Bunyodkor Stadium, part of her “Up All Night – Live in 2025” world tour, drew mixed reactions online. Some praised her discipline and appearance, while others criticized her revealing outfits. Psychogenetics specialist Maryam Mahmudova told her Instagram followers that Lopez’s appearance reflected years of disciplined self-care. “At 56, she maintains her figure thanks to discipline. We, on the other hand, often feel worn out before 40, with no goals or passion. We have no right to judge anyone, instead, we should learn discipline from her, because discipline is a form of self-love,” she said. Neurologist Bahtigul Holmurodova, who followed the concert via social media, commented: “Yesterday, JLo once again showed all Uzbeks what...

Tazy

Kazakh Tazy Makes Sensational Debut at World Dog Show in Helsinki

The World Dog Show 2025 concluded on August 10 in Helsinki, marking the debut of the Kazakh Tazy on the international stage. For the first time, Kazakhstan’s national breed competed at this level and immediately gained recognition, winning seven major championship awards. Steppe Spirit Captivates Judges and Breeders The Kazakh national team drew the attention of leading judges, breeders, and experts, representing a major step toward global recognition of this unique hunting dog of the Great Steppe. The Union of Dog Breeders of Kazakhstan presented eight top Tazy at a national stand designed as a semi-yurt adorned with traditional ornaments. The display served as both a celebration of the breed and a cultural highlight, attracting visitors who posed for photos, picked up informational booklets, and asked questions about the dogs. Foreign breeders and heads of national clubs expressed interest in the breed’s history, results of genetic studies, working qualities, and health. Many requested training materials and details on how to purchase puppies. “The reaction of international experts confirms that our Tazy dogs occupy a worthy place in the world dog-breeding arena... The whole world has now learned about and become interested in the Kazakh Tazy breed. We are proud to have presented not only a unique hunting dog, but also a cultural symbol of Kazakhstan,” said Bauyrzhan Serikkali, chairman of the Kazakh Kennel Union. He added that the Union is ready to cooperate with foreign clubs and kennels, providing comprehensive information about the breed. Ahead of the exhibition, members of the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots in Finland attended a special presentation of the Tazy. Recognized as one of the treasures of the Zhet Kazyna (Seven Treasures), it was a memorable cultural highlight for them during the World Dog Show. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the Kazakh dog breeders on their success in Helsinki, sending a telegram to the Union. From National Law to FCI Recognition Efforts to preserve and promote the Kazakh Tazy and Tobet breeds began in 2023, when a relevant law was signed on the president’s instructions. That spring, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with promoting the breeds internationally. In August 2023, the Union of Dog Breeders of Kazakhstan became a full member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and gained the right to represent national breeds. In May 2024, a single-breed exhibition in Astana saw FCI experts examine 100 Tazy dogs. On September 3, 2024, in Amsterdam, the FCI provisionally recognized the breed and granted Kazakhstan the status of standard holder. Full recognition is expected no earlier than 2034, provided that breeding and participation in world competitions continue actively. President Tokayev has instructed officials to further strengthen the status of national breeds, making them a hallmark of Kazakhstan on the international stage.

Sports

Future of Chess: Young Central Asian Players Excel at School Contest in US

Central Asian chess talent shone this week at the 2025 World Schools Team Championship in the United States, where players from dozens of countries competed in an event last held two years ago in Aktau, Kazakhstan. India’s Velammal MHS School won gold, winning all eight of their matches at the event on a high school campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Three teams from Kazakhstan were in the top ten final standings: the National School of Physics and Mathematics in second place, Astana 2 RSPM in fourth place and Seed Educational Complex in eighth. A team from Uzbekistan, Wisdom, came ninth. Also, two of three players who received medals for individual performances were from Central Asia. The competitors who finished with perfect scores (eight out of eight) were Imangali Akhilbay from Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics, Edisa Berdibaeva from Kyrgyzstan’s School-Gymnasium No.11, Karakol and Pranav K. P. from India’s Velammal MHS School. The competition, which ended Wednesday, was held under the auspices of FIDE, the international governing body of chess. It was sponsored by Freedom Holding Corp., an Almaty-based financial services company. The group’s CEO, Timur Turlov, is also president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Turlov has led a drive to introduce chess into hundreds of schools in Kazakhstan, whose top players are also having an impact at elite international levels of the game. “We believe that maybe this could be one of the solutions that can help our kids to better adapt to this fast-moving world,” Turlov said, according to Freedom Holding. The Kazakhstan Chess Federation said some of its players in Alexandria were as young as 12 years old and “gained useful experience playing with strong opponents from all over the world.”