Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 109 - 114 of 147

Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture

Kyrgyz Students Get Largest U.S. Visa Increase Globally to Enroll at American Universities

A report published by the U.S. Department of State has revealed that students from Kyrgyzstan saw the largest annual increase in the number of F-1 student visas issued from 2022 to 2023. According to U.S. officials, 1,245 Kyrgyz students studied at U.S. universities in the 2022-23 academic year, That's a material increase from the year before, when the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan issued only 708 student visas. The increase was 76%, the highest among all countries whose students study in the U.S. In 2023 the U.S. issued about 446,000 F-1 student visas, up 8.5% from a year earlier. 2023 marked the highest number of visas issued to students from around the world since 2016. According to official information, the number of students from Kenya and Ghana also grew by 50% or more. American company Apply Board, which helps foreign students enroll in U.S. universities, has conducted a study where it found that the largest growth in the number of foreign students was observed in academic departments for engineering technology, interdisciplinary studies, and computer and information sciences. In 2023 the states of California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts and Illinois became the top destinations for international student enrollment. In an interview with the Times of Central Asia, Apply Board staff revealed that Central Asia is the fastest growing market for U.S. student visas. Uzbekistan topped their list of applicant countries for 2022. "A possible driver of Kyrgyzstan's accelerating development is the country's demographics. In 2023, more than half of its population was under 30 years old. In addition, its citizens are becoming more urbanized, driving demand for education. And as the country's key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and mining modernize, potential students are attracted to international programs that can help them stand out in these fields," Apply Board representatives said.

United States Doubles Length of Visas for Kyrgyz Citizens

From 4 March 2024 the U.S. embassy in Bishkek will issue tourist and business visas to Kyrgyz citizens for a period of 10 years, doubling the previously issued terms of five years. Citizens of Kyrgyzstan will also no longer have to pay a $20 application fee, according to the embassy's website. The U.S. diplomatic mission has commented that the lengthening of visa terms is one way to demonstrate the importance the U.S. places on facilitating travel, as well as deepening ties between the American and Kyrgyz peoples. In his video message, U.S. ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Lesslie Viguerie expressed his hope that thousands of Kyrgyz travelers will benefit from these changes. "These changes are all about improving services for the Kyrgyz people, making travel between our countries easier, and strengthening our ties," he emphasized. The updated terms do not apply to previously issued visas . According to the U.S. diplomatic mission, most applications from Kyrgyz citizens are for tourist and work visas, followed by applications for immigration and student visas. The refusal rate for people from Kyrgyzstan, according to public data for 2023, stood at 41.5%.

Central Asia Home Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Features

Kyrgyzstan Measles Outbreak Registers 4,000 Cases

Bishkek is currently dealing with a measles outbreak, with cases also reported in the Chui and Jalal-Abad regions. Up to 85% of all those affected are children under the age of 10. The city of Bishkek's main immunization center stressed in a statement: "The main reason for the increase [...] remains a large number of refusals of routine immunization against measles and rubella among children and adults." According to Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Health, 40% percent of people who refuse their innoculations say that they doubt the quality of the vaccine, with the rest refusing to immunize their children for religious reasons. This is in spite of the fact that under Kyrgyz law parents can face criminal penalties if they deliberately fail to seek medical help when a child's health is in danger. In response to the measles outbreak, the Ministry of Health mandated a strengthened immunization regime throughout the country, and pushed to vaccinate high-contact citizens. The National Immunization Calendar is also under review: currently the measles vaccine should be administered twice in a person's lifetime -- at one year, and at the age of six -- but Kyrgyz doctors want to add another dose at the age of two. In turn, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that children who have been in contact with a measles patient can be vaccinated as early as six months of age. According to the Ministry of Health's clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of measles, susceptibility to the disease is highest in children aged one to five. An outbreak of measles was observed in the republic last year as well. In September 2023 the Kyrgyz authorities appealed to the WHO for help. As a result, 755,500 doses of measles and rubella vaccine were delivered to Kyrgyzstan, and 750 temporary vaccination points were opened throughout the country. For the calendar year 2023, according to official data, 5,500 people fell ill, and doctors were unable to save nine children.

Central Asia Home Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Features Kyrgyzstan Features

Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of The Times of Central Asia – Opinion by Founder Emeritus, Giorgio Fiacconi

It is 25 years today since the first edition of The Times of Central Asia, the first English publication in the region, hit the newsstands on March 1st 1999. Twenty-five years represents a generation; many people more or less of my age have passed, and Kyrgyzstan has gone through various conflicts which have marked its history, not always for the better. With a background in journalism and as an entrepreneur, I arrived in Bishkek from Kazakhstan in 1994, investing in the reconstruction of the abandoned Hotel Kyrgyzstan - now the Hyatt Regency - before working on the Bishkek Free Zone project for the European Union and later as the main investor in ZUM Aichurek. I also served as the first Honorary Consul of Italy to the Kyrgyz Republic for approximately fifteen years, between 2000 and 2015. March for a more equal society, Tulip Revolution, 2005; Photo: TCA During my time in Kyrgyzstan, I witnessed two revolutions, in 2005 and 2010, and it could be argued that another took place in 2020. There were abuses and injustices that allowed me to understand the importance and necessity for healthy development based on reliable rules and laws, which everyone should be able to respect. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and until the judiciary is free to exercise its independence and represent a guarantee, then manipulations by elites and interested parties will continue to prevail and delay positive results. After twenty years in the Republic, I collected my experiences of the country's independence in a book, reporting on economic development and the need for justice for all. The preface to that book and its contents highlight problems that have yet to be resolved. For the realization of this better future, perhaps another generation will be needed, but we should be positive and trust in the abilities of the region’s many young people. A wounded demonstrator in Bishkek, April 7th, 2010; Photo: TCA It is not enough to say that Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with wonderful and hospitable people. The reality is unfortunately not so black and white, and inequalities persist. An economically poor country, Kyrgyzstan needs both financial and organizational support, and the answer in many cases is linked to foreign investment, which is difficult to channel - unless geopolitically motivated - if the rule of law is not upheld. In Kyrgyzstan, private interests manage politics in a continuous conflict between North and South, and few groups seek solutions to crime and corruption. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assert that given its geography, many decisions in Central Asia are the result of a geopolitical effort to change for the better in achieving tangible signs of progress. Recent development also related to the war in Ukraine show that Russia’s influence on Central Asia has also waned, with the EU becoming one of the major trading partners and foreign investors. Photo: TCA As a former journalist and a foreign investor, to my mind the role of the free press...

Home Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Features Kyrgyzstan Features

Preserving Heritage: How the Manas Epic Inspires Kyrgyzstan’s Youth

A nation steeped in cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan continues to be proud of its unique attractions, and among them, the epic work "Manas" occupies a special place. The Manas epic is of special importance because it contains rich information on history, ethnography, philosophy, language, diplomacy, military affairs, folk pedagogy, and other aspects of life of the Kyrgyz people. Another distinctive feature of Manas is its huge volume - more than half a million lines of verse - which makes it the longest epic in the world. The relevance of Manas continues, today. Theatrical productions based on the work and competitions to display knowledge of it underscore the continuing interest in this great literary heritage. An observer of these contests, Zhanara believes that Manas still has a profound impact on the people of the regions, especially on schoolchildren who participate in these competitions. "Such events are conducted with a very careful selection process, which implies the serious preparation of the participants. At the end of the day, their efforts yield results and well-deserved prizes," she told TCA. However, journalist Aigerim from Bishkek believes the Manas epic still has a profound effect even on urban youth. "I think the epic plays a significant role for the whole country. Although not everyone knows it in full, key plot points are known to almost everyone and are often reflected in everyday life. For example, 'Kokotay's wake,' which lasted for several weeks and was very lavish. Also, the main characters can be called role models to a certain extent: brave and fair Manas, wise Bakai and weak, vain Bokmurun, whose name literally translates as ‘snotty nose’,” she told TCA. The epic also contributes to the development of young people's creative abilities. "In almost every classroom, scenes from the epic are staged and students study its lines. Manaschi (bards), who continue to be the performers and custodians of this epic, still enjoy respect and popularity. I recently became aware of a case where a young boy was given a stallion in recognition for his outstanding performance. Mairam, a blogger from Osh, sees Manas as an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and traditions. She notes the epic serves as a key cultural code for the Kyrgyz people. "'Manas is a kind of portrait of the Kyrgyz nation as heroic and brave,” she told TCA. “It also reflects Kyrgyz culture in detail, and I, along with many of my friends, turn to it as a cultural touchstone so that we don't forget who we are."

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

Kyrgyzstan Makes Strides in Digital Technologies

At the International PLUS-Forum ‘Digital Kyrgyzstan’ on 28th February, Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, announced that Kyrgyzstan is to create a Centre for Innovative Technologies. The centre for the advancement of developments in the field, including Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, will be a non-governmental institution, financed through government subsidies and sponsorship. The prime minister emphasized the government’s commitment to introducing digital technologies and by expanding state provision, provide an open digital society in Kyrgyzstan. This year, the country is set to adopt its first-ever Digital Code. Online registration of motor vehicles, introduced back in September 2023, now allows the sale and purchase of cars through a mobile app. “It is now possible to create, re-register and liquidate a legal entity without leaving your home,” stated Mr Japarov, adding that online purchase and sale of real estate will be launched on March 1st. Touching upon the development of AI in Kyrgyzstan, he referenced the government’s purchase of a supercomputer which able to recognize and synthesize speech, is already being used to broadcast news in the Kyrgyz language on state radio channels.